The 2019 political election in Nigeria is probably going to be the most watched election the country has had in recent times, not because of the candidates who are the same old power-hungry individuals we’ve come to expect but rather to know if the same corrupt practices that have destroyed the system would still prevail in the consciously aware, social media-fuelled generation.
To improve the state of things, or at least to create some sort of transparency to allow people know how the mind of the candidates work before they cast their bid, the Nigerian Election Debate Group (NEDG) and Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) have fixed presidential debate for January 19, 2019, while vice-presidential candidates are billed to have their debate on December 14, 2018.
Mr. Momoh, who is also the Chairman/CEO of Channels Media Group & Chairman of BON, said the debates will be aired on all BON member radio and television stations across the country and also streamed on social media platforms. Mr. Momoh added that the debates will focus on the issues that matter most to working families; restoring our economy, providing electricity, creating jobs, securing health care for every Nigerian, making and achieving excellence in every Nigerian school and ensuring safety and security for Nigerians. He said the NEDG will also set the formats and rules of the debate.
“The debates would hold at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja and will be broadcast live on all BON member radio and television stations across the country. The debates will also be streamed live on all mobile and social media platforms such as Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to give it a global coverage. The Nigerian Election Debate Group would set the format and rules of the debate, handle moderation, outline the criteria for political party participation, ensure the objectivity of audiences and steer negotiations between broadcasters and the parties. Nigerians expect the leaders of all political parties to be challenged in a very public and robust way in these debates. not just one of them, but a series of them,” he said.
Mr. Momoh advocated for a law to compel candidates to participate in election debates, saying it is imperative for candidates to explain their decisions and plans to the people. He said efforts were made in the past to have a Debate Commission, but the bill, after passing first and second readings, was stepped down.
Nigerian Presidential aspirants are typically known for skipping these debates with stupid excuses but with the entire world watching next year, it’ll be exciting to know who participates and what they have to say.
