This is coming as a result of the verbal attacks on other presidential candidates by Itse Sagay who is the chairman of the presidential advisory committee against corruption. Sagay who was trying to defend the president and also the All progressive Congress presidential flag bearer who stated earlier that he won't be part of the debate.

Sagay said the president need not to come, that his coming will be just to make others relevant. He also called the other presidential aspirants political dwarf.

Other aspirants that will be part of the presidential debate are Oby ezekwesili and Kingsley Muoghalu who are representing their various parties.