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Flagbearer of the People�s National Convention (PNC), Mr. Hassan Ayariga, has pleaded with Ghanaians and the general public to forgive him as he will not be able to represent his party at the IEA presidential debate slated to take place on Tuesday, November 20. He hinted that though he could make it to the programme, he will not participate chiefly because of his current health status, and also because of the death of the former Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama. Sounding taciturn in an interview with Peace FM and Okay FM Monday morning, Mr. Ayariga signaled that he begun coughing after he had survived an accident in Bawku few days ago. "Our car somersaulted with fifteen people on board...I was part of the convoy", he said. Mr. Ayariga added that he deems it right to boycott the debate in memory of the late former vice president of Ghana who died on Friday November 16. "I just lost a father and he was buried yesterday (Sunday). As a person who comes from the same region, I believe that my people will understand that the man must be mourned. If the president has declared a five day of mourning, I think that we should all accord him respect and postpone the IEA (presidential debate) to three days or one week". "After mourning the former vice president, I think we can go on with the debate. I think he deserves it and we should give him that honour", he said while seriously coughing. Clearly, satisfied with the stance he has taken, Mr. Ayariga maintained that he wouldn't risk partaking in a debate like IEA, which is structured to benefit the organizers. "The IEA is out for their own ambition and their own thing...but I think that as a nation too, we must set our goal right and respect the past and former leaders of this nation...my brothers and sisters are mourning in the North and I am out there (at IEA) making noise and shouting because I want votes?" he asked.