Genbuhari3:

Gbawe!

I can see your passion for Ribadu,

ndu_chucks:

To Ribadu supporters: do you realize that Ribadu cannot win the election next month and that all he can do is siphon votes from both Buhari and GEJ and probably contributing to the GEJ's victory in the process? You people are basically and effectively helping GEJ in the name of supporting Ribadu.

All reasonable observers do not see any permutation under which ACN wins - so what are really your objectives? Do you actually believe that Ribadu can win in 2011?

April polls: ACN, CPC, ANPP plan to stop PDP
Yusuf Alli



[b]Three key opposition parties have returned to the negotiation table for a formula that will end the 12-year reign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The parties are the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

Leaders of the three parties met in Abuja on Sunday night to discuss a three-point battle plan for the April general elections.

On the cards are:

•how to work together to ensure that votes count in all polling stations;

•the shape of alliance the parties may adopt in case of a presidential run-off against the incumbent President; and

•how the three parties can work hard to win majority seats in the National Assembly and form a parliamentary alliance.

It was learnt that the three parties weighed the options, following the emerging trend of a likely presidential run-off between President Goodluck Jonathan and other candidates, such as Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (ACN); Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (CPC); and Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau (ANPP).

The presidential candidates of the three parties are from Adamawa in the Northeast (ACN); Katsina in the Northwest (CPC) and Kano in the Northwest (ANPP).

Ribadu may earn substantial votes from the Southwest and Northeast; Buhari may control much of the votes from the Northwest. Shekarau has a firm grip on Kano, his political enclave.[/b]
INEC has released a provisional figure of 67.7million eligible voters for the April polls.

Of the total figure, the Southwest; the Northeast and the Northwest account for 43,301,974million (representing 56.49%).

The breakdown is as follows: Southwest (14,318,356); Northwest (18,900, 508); and Northeast (10,083,110).

Following the resentment in the Northwest and some parts of the Northeast and Northcentral against the President, the opposition is banking on a run-off.

Section 134(2)and (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) says: “A candidate for an election into the office of President shall be deemed to have been duly elected to such office where, there being more than two candidates for the election – (a) he has the highest number of votes cast at the election; and (b) he has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the states in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“In default of a candidate duly elected in accordance with sub-section (2) of this section, there shall be a second election in accordance with subsection (4) of this section at which the only candidate shall be-(a) the candidate who scored the highest number of votes at any election held in accordance with the said subsection(2) of this section and (b) one among the remaining candidates who has a majority of votes in the highest number of states, so however that where there are more than one candidate with a majority of votes in the highest number of states, the candidate among them with the highest total of votes cast at the election shall be the second candidate for the election.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said the three parties are still talking.

He added: “Do not foreclose a working alliance because the race is still open. Nigerians will know soon after the first presidential ballot.

“The opposition is really anticipating a run-off poll going by the political mood nationwide.

“That is why we have opened fresh discussion. We are bound to agree and disagree on this alliance but the interest of the masses is paramount. Nigerians are tired of the PDP and we will do our best to forge an alliance to dislodge them.”

A top official of the CPC and two-term member of the Senate, Senator Abu Ibrahim, confirmed the fresh alliance talks by the three parties.

He said: “It is true that there was a meeting yesterday (Sunday) of the ACN, CPC and even ANPP. The three parties have started planning ahead in case we come into a stalemate and the next President could not emerge through the first ballot.

“We foresee the likelihood of the presidential election moving into the second round. Therefore, if we are talking now, it makes it much easier because the moment we become friendly, it will become easier.

“We are also thinking of parliamentary alliance. The presidency is important, but there are other areas of interest that we cannot foreclose. We have been meeting on how to work hard to ensure that the three parties secure majority in the National Assembly and check the tyranny of the PDP.”

Genbuhari3:

Considering the political prospects of all the candidates againt our common enemy, PDP, who has the best chance for us to support. Buhari is clearly ahead of Ribadu on this. And this is the basis of our support.

Ribadu’s ‘Yabis’
Ribadu, in trying to market his credentials, threw a few stones at Buhari. He said he is “modern” and “current” and has been in the service of the government in the last 25 years while some have been in retirement during the same period. This is a veiled attack on Buhari who is being criticised in some corners as “old” and not in touch with modern governance. Buhari, instructively, was retired a little over 25 years ago (1985). Ribadu said he is an international figure and not a “state” person, a veiled reference to the impression that Buhari’s support is limited to a few states in the North. Given the fact that there is still a faint possibility that Ribadu’s ACN and Buhari’s CPC could work together during the elections, I think Ribadu did not have to throw those jibes at Buhari. It was absolutely unnecessary and added nothing to his case.

This is what I mean by arrogance. You can have passion to abuse the hardened criminals, but you must always pause to acknowledge those who have gone before you in fighting these criminals.

In those school days, that is what we call 'I too know'

Genbuhari3:

Bakare and Ribadu can take on each other, they are are peer group, but why take on an elder statesman who has never in history spoken anything bad about Ribadu, who even invited Ribadu to his house for a dialogue?

I look at Buhari that day as Ribadu jabbed at him, and I got angry because it could have been my father!

if he is a corrupt father, that is fine, but not Buhari.

We the supporters are different from the candidates and they can't control what we say.

I rest my case as I watch and read those again, and even an average Nigerian knows that was bad! The room of the debate felt it as well.

But I think we can move on. Best of Luck to Ribadu!

Genbuhari3:

Bakare and Ribadu can take on each other, they are are peer group, but why take on an elder statesman who has never in history spoken anything bad about Ribadu, who even invited Ribadu to his house for a dialogue?

Genbuhari3:

handshakes Gbawe, am sure we will be on same page after April 9, whether to campaign more to oust PDP or to celebrate PDP is out.

Gbawe:

This type of undemocratic talk is the problem . Ribadu did not cause the breakdown of the alliance talk. We all want to see the back of the PDP but Nigerians should not begin talking about Ribadu and ACN as if they are the enemies failing to fall in line behind Buhari and the CPC.  Should Ribadu and the ACN just pull out of the election so Buhari can win ? Elections still represent the will of the people . let us all never forget that . If Jonathan wins fairly then so be it . If the folks of the SW , SE and SS region do not want Buhari then perhaps , in the true spirit of democracy , we should respect their wishes.

Gbawe:

In any case , if folks are up to speed with the latest info they will see that the ACN and ANPP continue to work with Buhari and the CPC to ensure the PDP is ousted . The Parties have already agreed to work together if a run-off situation arises . I really don't see what more the ACN and Ribadu can do . It is intellectually lazy for many to now routinely talk as if Ribadu and the ACN are enemies of progress while , in reality, Ribadu and his Party continue to do everything possible to oust the PDP.

http://www.osundefender.org/?p=12539

Adyman:

It is shameful to read how some people keep supporting Buhari's camp no matter what,  After watching the NN24 debate 3 times, I can conclude that Buhari lacks the mental capacity and the brain coordination that are required to rule Nigeria at this present time. Buhari has been preparing to rule Nigeria for over 9 years (since 2003) and yet he showed lack of depth and information in every area of importance as far as Nigeria is concerned. While talking about power, he even mentioned something "KiloMeg",  The fact that you guys are bent on supporting him anyhow is a demonstration of corruption and lack of integrity because you go to any length to twist whatever in other to prove that the man is the best. Given the opportunity, some of you will be as corrupt as whatever we are seeing today based on your shameful demonstration on this forum.

We all agree that PDP is evil but that does not mean we should not open our mind in our attempt to oust PDP out of power. We must be objective in our quest for change. Buhari is too old not just in age but idea, he will rely too much on his subordinates and that is while corruption keep waxing stronger in our society. If you have worked under a boss that is not technical in a technical field, you will understand what I mean.

All Buhari can boast of is that he will fight corruption, while I agree that corruption is a major problem in Nigeria, I also believe that fighting it is not the main thing.
A VERY large percentage of human being all over the world are either corrupt or have tendencies for corruption. It is the responsibility of the government to put an efficient and corrupt-proof processes in place which requires critical reasoning. Examine the few performing governors in Nigeria today like Fashola, Ameachi et al, you will find out that they are the people that can think on their feet, they are mentally tough not docile and expecting one commissioner to come up with an idea.

Like Bakare ones said, Buhari belongs to the old generation and the very past that Nigeria should never think of. Whatever you don't have you can't give. He could be better as EFCC or ICPC chairman or Minister of Niger Delta. All the excuses that he speaks slowly or is a man of few words are nonsense. People that speak slowly often have the advantage of thinking before they speak and therefore make more sense. After 9 years of preparation, 2 minutes was too much for him to summarize his vision for the nation and someone say he is a man of few words, no he is a man of low mental capacity.

It is unfortunate that my best candidate (Pat Utomi) has no chance of winning because we have so many educated illiterate in Nigeria as has been demonstrated on Nairaland. In conclusion I would like someone to please tell me what Buhari has been doing since he left government over 25 years ago, you see, talent and gift cannot be hidding. The only idea he has is to rule Nigeria. Common, people let us think, what has Buhari been doing locally, nationally and internationally other than being a regular presidential candidate. What has he contributed to the ailing poverty and poor education in his local community? My prayer is, no matter how hard you people try, he will fail again, again and again. Any other candidate but Buhari.

ndu_chucks:

There is nothing undemocratic about what I stated, it is not unusual and in fact democratic for opponents to team up under a common interest to oust a bigger threat such as PDP. I'm only suggesting that, as a practical matter, the ACN at this point is indirectly working for and aiding GEJ in his presidential bid. 

Adyman:

It is shameful to read how some people keep supporting Buhari's camp no matter what,  After watching the NN24 debate 3 times, I can conclude that Buhari lacks the mental capacity and the brain coordination that are required to rule Nigeria at this present time. Buhari has been preparing to rule Nigeria for over 9 years (since 2003) and yet he showed lack of depth and information in every area of importance as far as Nigeria is concerned. While talking about power, he even mentioned something "KiloMeg",  The fact that you guys are bent on supporting him anyhow is a demonstration of corruption and lack of integrity because you go to any length to twist whatever in other to prove that the man is the best. Given the opportunity, some of you will be as corrupt as whatever we are seeing today based on your shameful demonstration on this forum.

We all agree that PDP is evil but that does not mean we should not open our mind in our attempt to oust PDP out of power. We must be objective in our quest for change. Buhari is too old not just in age but idea, he will rely too much on his subordinates and that is while corruption keep waxing stronger in our society. If you have worked under a boss that is not technical in a technical field, you will understand what I mean.

All Buhari can boast of is that he will fight corruption, while I agree that corruption is a major problem in Nigeria, I also believe that fighting it is not the main thing.
A VERY large percentage of human being all over the world are either corrupt or have tendencies for corruption. It is the responsibility of the government to put an efficient and corrupt-proof processes in place which requires critical reasoning. Examine the few performing governors in Nigeria today like Fashola, Ameachi et al, you will find out that they are the people that can think on their feet, they are mentally tough not docile and expecting one commissioner to come up with an idea.

Like Bakare ones said, Buhari belongs to the old generation and the very past that Nigeria should never think of. Whatever you don't have you can't give. He could be better as EFCC or ICPC chairman or Minister of Niger Delta. All the excuses that he speaks slowly or is a man of few words are nonsense. People that speak slowly often have the advantage of thinking before they speak and therefore make more sense. After 9 years of preparation, 2 minutes was too much for him to summarize his vision for the nation and someone say he is a man of few words, no he is a man of low mental capacity.

It is unfortunate that my best candidate (Pat Utomi) has no chance of winning because we have so many educated illiterate in Nigeria as has been demonstrated on Nairaland. In conclusion I would like someone to please tell me what Buhari has been doing since he left government over 25 years ago, you see, talent and gift cannot be hidding. The only idea he has is to rule Nigeria. Common, people let us think, what has Buhari been doing locally, nationally and internationally other than being a regular presidential candidate. What has he contributed to the ailing poverty and poor education in his local community? My prayer is, no matter how hard you people try, he will fail again, again and again. Any other candidate but Buhari.

Gbawe:

My brother , some of your criticism are correct and relevant . I will not attempt to hold brief for Buhari but I think he is one of the best men to lead us  as per the Nigeria we have today. I don't fall in the camp of those who believe the Nigerian President has to have everything . You don't build a city without first clearing the Jungle . The crude tractor required to clear the jungle is just as important as all the infrastructure and built entities that will make the City great.   Right now the most important qualities for the Nigeria president to have  are unshakeable political will , integrity and sincerity . i think Buhari has those qualities . This is why I can overlook some of his shortcomings. Today we have compromised individuals leading virtually every sector to the detriment of Nigeria . This is so because PDP President , by nature of why they are imposed on Nigeria , lack sincerity , integrity and genuine political will .

I have no doubt that Buhari is one of the few Nigerians who would be brave enough to make the likes of Gani Fawehinmi (RIP) or Femi Falana our AGF. I do not doubt that Buhari could make Col. Umar head of the EFCC while virtually every Nigerian PDP President (including GEJ) would settle for a Waziri-type individual , to aid "business as usual" for a few , instead of an incorruptible character like Umar . Under Buhari we will not see Katsina-Alu , or his type, as Cheif Justice of Nigeria. Instead we will see someone of integrity who can deliver Buhari's vision of strong Institutions built by strong characters . The long and short of it is that Buhari is not really required for his ideas . We have wonderful Nigerians who are brilliant , patriotic and desirous of doing their bit to move us forward . Many of those folks don't 'do' politics . They need a character like Buhari , with supreme executive power, to bring them in and protect them so that they can carry out progressive and far reaching reforms across Nigeria . By the time Buhari leaves we may be closer to the type of sanitised nation folks like Fashola and duke can lead with progressive ideas and vision. let us not forget that Democracy is a journey and not a destination . Buhari may be the right driver for this stretch of road Nigeria has to cover in our democratic Journey.

Gbawe:

My brother , some of your criticism are correct and relevant . I will not attempt to hold brief for Buhari but I think he is one of the best men to lead us as per the Nigeria we have today. I don't fall in the camp of those who believe the Nigerian President has to have everything . You don't build a city without first clearing the Jungle . The crude tractor required to clear the jungle is just as important as all the infrastructure and built entities that will make the City great. Right now the most important qualities for the Nigeria president to have are unshakeable political will , integrity and sincerity . i think Buhari has those qualities . This is why I can overlook some of his shortcomings. Today we have compromised individuals leading virtually every sector to the detriment of Nigeria . This is so because PDP President , by nature of why they are imposed on Nigeria , lack sincerity , integrity and genuine political will .

I have no doubt that Buhari is one of the few Nigerians who would be brave enough to make the likes of Gani Fawehinmi (RIP) or Femi Falana our AGF. I do not doubt that Buhari could make Col. Umar head of the EFCC while virtually every Nigerian PDP President (including GEJ) would settle for a Waziri-type individual , to aid "business as usual" for a few , instead of an incorruptible character like Umar . Under Buhari we will not see Katsina-Alu , or his type, as Cheif Justice of Nigeria. Instead we will see someone of integrity who can deliver Buhari's vision of strong Institutions built by strong characters . The long and short of it is that Buhari is not really required for his ideas . We have wonderful Nigerians who are brilliant , patriotic and desirous of doing their bit to move us forward . Many of those folks don't 'do' politics . They need a character like Buhari , with supreme executive power, to bring them in and protect them so that they can carry out progressive and far reaching reforms across Nigeria . By the time Buhari leaves we may be closer to the type of sanitised nation folks like Fashola and duke can lead with progressive ideas and vision. let us not forget that Democracy is a journey and not a destination . Buhari may be the right driver for this stretch of road Nigeria has to cover in our democratic Journey.

opalu:

GBAWE, U HAVE BRAINSSSSSSSSSSSSS I BEG. AS A CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONAL, THE BUSH-CLEARING ASPECT MADE MORE SENSE TO ME.
BUHARI=BULDOZER TO CLEAR THIS ROT, RUST AND WRECK THAT PDP HAS INFLICTED ON US.
IN 2015, THAT WILL BE THE ELDORADO SINCE YOU WILL SEE PEOPLE LIKE FASHOLA CLIMBING HIGHER (if he doesnt dissappoint in 2nd tenure)

AFTERALL, DAVID FOUGHT THE BATTLE FOR SOLOMON TO BUILD UPON WITHOUT FIGHTING ANY BATTLE

Sagamite:

For all those that said Shekarau won the debate, I have been privileged to see the whole thing in full and I really cannot see how he provided more substance than the other 2, especially Ribadu. Buhari made some errors, e.g. not explaining what he meant by "No problem with Nigerian education" even when given the platform and extra time to do so.

One silly thing he said and makes me X him is that he would close the EFCC down.

One of his arguments was that Ribadu said he had more funding than was needed at the EFCC, so he (Shekarau) thinks that EFCC is not needed. All we need is to fund the police.

No 1, he was too ignorant to know that EFCC was not only funded by the Nigerian govt but also by several international and foreign bodies. How will he get the same level of funding for the Nigerian police.

No 2, efficiency in tackling corruption needs men with principles and the right mental orientation. The Nigerian Police full of leadership that cannot even stop extra-judicial killings, has corrupt bosses, like Balogun, is what this man want to give the critical function of tackling corruption to? He must be having a laff. The EFCC was set up with prudent sieving and selection of the best officers with the right mentality and principles to ensure more robust and efficient performance. That is one thing that can not be achieved in Nigerian police force, at best, in the next 10 years.

That said, all 3 lacked an ideological-based policy in their answers, they all just gave ad-hoc solutions/implementation plans or identification of problems and its drivers. This is forgivable, as this is the first presidential debate, they are allowed to make errors.

Africa does not need great men. It needs great institutions. - Barack Obama