5 of Nigeria’s Presidential candidates will by 7pm today, take part in a debate organized by the Nigerian Election Debate Group (NEDG) and the Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (BON).
Here is our take on what we think each candidate will focus on based on their manifesto as well as interviews, and speeches.
Muhammadu Buhari
Muhammadu Buhari is the current President and candidate of the All People’s Congress.
Buhari will most likely focus on his administration’s achievements namely restoring peace and security in the middle east, as well as reducing Nigeria’s dependency on food imports.
The President will most likely shed light on the infrastructural projects embarked on by his administration, in addition to the anti corruption campaign.
Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar is a former Vice President and candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Atiku, in his manifesto and various media appearances, has promised to run a more private sector driven economy. >
In addition to his vow to reform the NNPC, the former Vice President will most likely tout his plan to create more jobs, using his background as a businessman.
Kingsley Moghalu
Kingsley Moghalu is a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). His background in economic policy, will mean his focus will be on reforming the nation’s economy.
Moghalu has advocated for the restructuring of the country alongside regional lines, as they are all viable.
Oby Ezekwesili
Oby Ezekwesili is a former World Bank Vice President, Minister of Education, and Solid Minerals respectively and pioneer head of the Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit also known as the Due Process Office.
She will be running as the candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria
Ezekwesili’s focus on the debate will most likely centre around education and human capital development. Prior to her decision to running for President, Ezekwesili was known for running the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) campaign.
Her background in the due process office and as a co founder of Transparency International, means she will emphasize the need for transparency in government activities during the debate. Ezekwesili has also promised to deregulate the economy.
Fela Durotoye
Fela Durotoye is a business consultant and well known motivational speaker. Durotoye will be running as the Presidential candidate of the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN).
Durotoye has espoused devolution of powers to other tiers, as a means of sparking economic activities across the country, and he could use tonight’s debate to further push that.