Mr. Hassan Ayariga, presidential candidate for the People's National Convention, contrary to his initial statement says he will participate in the second Presidential Debate by the Institute of Economic Affairs.

He noted that his latest decision comes from the fact that none of his opponents supported his decision to postpone the debate because of the state of mourning declared by President John Dramani Mahama.

A policy analyst of the People's National Convention (PNC), Atik Mohammed earlier revealed that the party flagbearer's decision not to participate could lead to members of the party denouncing him en mass. He said that there was a need to resist Mr Ayariga's decision and not allow it to stand because it could lead to a decline in the fortunes of the party.

Mr Ayariga however holds the opinion that "If all the candidates do not believe in my opinion and all of them ignore Aliu Mahama and want to partake, then I will go myself and then I will tell them in their eyes that listen, 'we do not respect our leaders and we do not honour the nation'... I am only this IEA to clear the doubts of the view of the people that I want to dodge the IEA."

"I will be there, if they don't agree with me. But if they agree with me then we should all cancel it and postpone it."