The African Action Congress (AAC) in Osun has condemned the decision of the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Accord Party and African Democratic Congress (ADC) to boycott the governorship debate.

The AAC governorship candidate in the state, Olajide Esan, made the remark while addressing a news conference on Saturday in Osogbo, saying the refusal showed unwillingness to subject themselves to public scrutiny.

The debate, scheduled for August 1 in Osogbo, was called off after organisers cited security concerns and the reluctance of some leading governorship candidates to participate.

Mr Esan described a governorship debate as a critical democratic platform where candidates present their vision, defend policies and respond to questions from journalists and the electorate.

“Their absence speaks volumes. It suggests they lack the courage, competence and preparedness required to govern Osun State.

“A candidate who cannot face the media and the electorate to explain his agenda cannot be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the state,” he said.

He added that leadership requires accountability, transparency and the confidence to defend policies before the people, stressing that “running away from a debate is an admission of unpreparedness.”

Mr Esan urged the electorate not to entrust the state’s future to candidates who, according to him, refused to engage openly, noting that democracy demands transparency and accountability.

He, however, said the AAC remains a credible alternative for “a new Osun.”

“Our vision is clear, practical, people-centred, and driven by innovation and accountability,” he said.

Mr Esan called on well-meaning citizens to reject what he described as politics of avoidance and support the party in the August 15 governorship election.

(NAN)