Why I refused to debate with president Jonathan - Buhari

The Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, Muhammadu has said, if he wins the March 28 poll, he will ensure strict adherence to the constitution, saying he is now “a converted democrat”. Mr. Buhari made the pledge while addressing a media parley in Abuja today.

“I want to assure you that Nigerian constitution will be adhered to,” he said.

He reminded the audience of the controversial Decree 4 promulgated in 1984 while he was military Head of State. He said there will be no such controversy should he win the presidential election.

“I cannot change the past but I can change the present and future. Dictatorship goes with military which made possible decree four. I am a former military leader. Note the emphasis on former. But I am now a converted democrat. I give full assurances to Nigeria media will be free under an APC government,” he said.

Asked if he was prepared to apologise for jailing journalists as military ruler, the Director General of Mr. Buhari’s campaign and Governor of River State, Rotimi Amaechi, prevented the former general from responding, saying “the general has said he could not change the past”.

Mr. Buhari said he was not ready to participate in the presidential debate with President Goodluck Jonathan, standing for re-election as the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party.

He argued that there is no basis for debate since the record of the PDP and Mr. Jonathan in government is public knowledge.