Former military leader Muhammadu Buhari is set to contest Nigeria's presidential election after winning a primary for the opposition APC.

He will challenge President Goodluck Jonathan - a repeat of the 2011 poll.

The elections in February look to be the closest fought since the end of military rule in 1999.

The 71-year-old former general, a Muslim from the north, seized power in 1983 but was himself deposed in a coup less than two years later.

He was up against four other candidates in the vote at the All Progressives Congress (APC) party convention in Lagos.

In the previous election, Mr Jonathan defeated Mr Buhari, with almost 59% of the vote against 32%, sparking widespread unrest in northern areas which backed Mr Buhari.

More than 500 people were killed and thousands of people were forced from their homes.

Analysis: Will Ross, BBC News, Lagos
The governing People's Democratic Party (PDP) has gone for continuity with President Goodluck Jonathan and the current Vice President, Namadi Sambo as his running mate.

The APC's chosen candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, says the last thing Nigeria needs right now is continuity and he is promising to tackle the country's insecurity, corruption and economic worries.

The former military ruler has been out of power for close to 30 years and although popular, especially in northern Nigeria, there is little evidence to prove he has what it takes to fix the country.

DonaldGenes:
An insane Nigerian Will agree with this hogwash written by BBC....

Both candidates are capable but one is more capable than the other which is Buhari, his body.language alone will make anyone not to steal... I carefully read his speech /body language...

DonaldGenes:
An insane Nigerian Will agree with this hogwash written by BBC....

Both candidates are capable but one is more capable than the other which is Buhari, his body.language alone will make anyone not to steal... I carefully read his speech /body language...

mikeansy:


Is'nt it the case that the reason you are having to speculate on his body language is because Buhari is not saying much about how he plans to fix Nigeria which I guess is the point of the topic of this thread?

motherlode:
America and U.K are afraid that this man won't heed to their advice because their advices are detrimental to the economic health and wealth of Nigeria.
Let's protect our motherland from their claws!!!

DonaldGenes:


I don't need to recalibrate all what iSaid if you can't see, hear, read, analyze someone's body language...

His Name alone will sent jitters down those who wish to loot our treasury

deji68:
Abioo Mr Ross...The Naija he couldnt fix in his 3,5 year reign as a military Ruler...ok ooo feb 14 here we come

motherlode:
America and U.K are afraid that this man won't heed to their advice because their advices are detrimental to the economic health and wealth of Nigeria.
Let's protect our motherland from their claws!!!

MrKevinBig:
if @ this age one can not discern btw military regine and a democratic setting, na wao.

motherlode:
America and U.K are afraid that this man won't heed to their advice because their advices are detrimental to the economic health and wealth of Nigeria.
Let's protect our motherland from their claws!!!

otokx:
Logical premise with no or invalid conclusion.

mikeansy:
all this people saying Buhari will fix Nigeria should watch the video above and see if they see a leader to lookup to.

The paper he is reading was clearly written by someone else and he deliever the speech like he does not even believe in it.

If I am Jonathan all I will do is engage Buhari as many times as possible on live TV and lets see how anyone else other than his obvious base will vote for him.

mikeansy:
all this people saying Buhari will fix Nigeria should watch the video above and see if they see a leader to lookup to.

The paper he is reading was clearly written by someone else and he deliever the speech like he does not even believe in it.

If I am Jonathan all I will do is engage Buhari as many times as possible on live TV and lets see how anyone else other than his obvious base will vote for him.