₦airaland Forum

Nice article
@Op where's your source? Please include the link.

Obinoscopy, Lalasticala could you consider this for front page?

This won't be a bad idea

Jorussia:
I am a very strong supporter of GMB,but on this issue of Debate i am very disappointed with BUHARI.GEJ is not a good public speaker,so i don't see any reason why GMB should boycott any debate. However, after i watched the Town hall meeting by OSIBANJO,i must confess that a town hall meeting is a better platform to present your intentions for Nigeria than a debate.

Yes a town hall meeting is a better platform but APC must not allow the PDP score a cheap political point with this debate issue.

Don't loose hope yet. I think Dele Alake said they would consider a debate conducted solely by channelstv. My hope is that messages like mine & others(I hope the sahara reporter guy is also pushing his contacts in the APC camp) would make them do just that.Their fans and would be fans would like GMB to debate if anything to prove that he's not a coward like PDP would like us to believe

Whilst wrapping up the Sunrise programme this morning, Suleiman Alede confirmed channelstv would single handedly organise a studio debate between the PDP and APC flagbearer.

I think this is channelstv offering the APC a golden opportunity to put to rest the jest of Okupe and other PDP supporters on Buhari being a coward. I'd like to encourage all APC supporters to go on APC's twitter handle on a retweet train to encourage them to ask the General take part.

Elections are 2 weeks away & the only way to sway undecided voters towards APC would be for GMB to attend a debate with president Jonathan. What's the worst that would happen really? His recent interview on same channelstv wasn't that bad and most Nigerians are already used to his accent. All he needs is to carefully marshal his points on key indices on the economy

berem:
Breaking news:

Channels have decided to organize a studio based debate and will be anchored by their Chairman,Tony Momoh.

I think this is better.

Say no to partisan politics!

Berem I think you should open a new thread for this and encourage all APC supporters to go on twitter and encourage APC to take part. If anything to put to rest Okupe and other PDP supporters jest

rippyblogger:
I understand sir,but I honestly think its about time we stopped voting based on sympathy.Obj was voted in because of his incarceration,jonathan because of his lack of shoes,Buhari now? .i personally would not have voted for any of the contestants in the progressives primaries whoever was victorious. Kwankwaso? He had been wining and dining with PDP until of recent,atiku? A prostitute (although he seems a meticulous planner who surrounds himself with professionals) sam isiah (unknown quantity) okorocha? It begs the question are there no credible people? Its revealing when the "progressives" keep regressing,setting their time machines backwards instead of moving foward

I get your point and if you go through my post history you'd discover I was never gung-ho about Buhari candidature not because I never liked him as a person but because I felt he wasn't what we needed right now.

However as the saying goes about making do with options before us, I found him as the lesser of the three evils when forced to choose between him, Atiku and Jonathan. Plus I was hopeful things would be more balanced with a vibrant go-getter like Fashola as his deputy since he had a track record of delegating to his subordinates.

In anycase, I think the political landscape in Nigeria plus the process of choosing our leaders will only be set right when we as a people are willing to overlook ethnic and religious sentiments when choosing our leaders. It should get to a point when we elect leaders based on their trackrecords and acheivements rather than what ethnic group or religious groups they are affiliated with.

Perhaps the downward slide in oil prices would lead to more spending cuts and less attractive remuneration for elected officers and soon those that clamour for elective positions on the sole purpose of enriching themselves would be weeded out in favour of those truly willing to serve. Hopefully that day comes soon...

Caseless:
i can assure u that d NC is 80% in apc's arm, but d choice of not having a xtain runing-mate might affect this. Let's wait and see what they'll come up with.

I see that too and that's why I hope they're able to balance things out

@rippyblogger
Agreed that Buhari may not be the change we need but we have to start from somewhere and kicking out corruption is a start. Besides no other party has thrown up a presidential candidate. They're all probably waiting to queue up and adopt Jonathan as usual.

Umennajiego:
#IGBOS...am really proud to be one,all they do is go about their business and protect d interest of that business.Only 20% of idi igbo are politically active wch makes it less a problem on who takes over the presidency!
#MY OPINION#

That's a very nice philosophy but the thing is if the economy gets so bad to the point that it affects our businesses eg naira devaluation, then we'll have to worry about our policy holders and elected leaders

BossAyuk:
You're going far with this Amaechi of a man..Have you forgotten that Ojukwu (an igbo warlord) got only about a 150 thousand votes? Why didn't all ibos vote for their "brother"?
Amaechi is not going to bring APC any SW any votes at all (meaning APC would lose both ways)...APC should field Fashola for VP. That's the only way they can win trust me. I can boldly tell you that Buhari is going to get a couple of votes from the SS though. The SE is very irrelevant for APC's votes.

That was exactly my fear. The ability to pull in votes but it appears the APC working comittee is dead set on a non muslim-muslim ticket so I hope they're able to woo the SW voters to their side.

A lot depends on it if not PDP can hijack or split SW votes just like Obasanjo did in the days of AD when the likes of Osoba et al where kicked out by PDP. A south west VP would have just neatly sealed the whole deal.

Caseless:
yea, i see. That does not mean d sw wil b 100% for apc if they field fashola ; d divide is also there in d sw, but not too pronounced like it is in other places.

Agreed. But they would have acheived majority- about 75% of SW votes which would prove vital especially as the NC states are already under PDP control thus leading to a tight race with PDP garnering SS, SE, NC and they NE, NW, SW.

In anycase, wish them the best in whatever decision they take.

Caseless:
sms!!! Someone jst painted a true picture of d division in ss, but he's also denying that fact.

So now you see the problem of an Amaechi VP in respect of votes...

mrvitalis:
the truth is simple the young and educated people feel what ameachi has being doing are right
...and PDP bringing WIKE now give rivers no option and has proven ameachi right that jonathan has no good plan for rivers and that his wife just want rivers under her
..only ameachi can go to akwa ibom and challenge akpabio on achievement and let the people know they have been deceived
ameachi only just need to watch his mouth

Well, let's watch and see how the events unfold.
I really wish them the best

Caseless:
As much as i'd like fashola to be there, i stil cant take away my eyez from Amaechi option. Amaechi is more of a stronger and popular figure in SS than gej. The SS people cant see what gej did as a governor, and they have seen nothing that he has done as a president, too. They can see an achiever in Amaechi and may go with him. They shared the sentiment of "na we son" last time. They're wiser now- it is more about development and not just having their son there.
#giveusAMAECHI

Hmmm.
Niger politics... Are you sure about that? I don't think Amaechi is that popular in SS as such plus all those Anioma what not I read on this board and most forums.

The truth is Nigeria, I sometimes wonder if even dividing the country would have any effect. In that same Bayelsa we have the Ijaws- Tompolo up against another group. The ethnic divides are just much. We need to move away from politics of ethnicity and identify people who can do the job and put them there.

I'm for any credible acheiver. Let's watch and see but if APC doesn't get the right permutations, they would lose what would have been their closest chance of wrestling power from PDP.

I just hope they don't bungle it...

WhiteTechnology:
Bros face reality
Is all about access to Nigeria wealth and power

Hmmm.
If you say sa so. But we must try to effect change as much as possible. That's why I'm interested in a Fashola candidature since he appears like someone willing to put in some hard work.

WhiteTechnology:
Ehhnnnn
So give me one reason why Amaechi was not chosen
After all it is the turn of SS
Dlon't you believe in equity justice and fairness again

I do. But I've read on this board people who are supposedly Amaechi's kin make fun of him and say he can't even win his local government let alone the whole of Rivers state same as Rochas.

Pray tell, how that helps APCs cause on election day? They need votes in their thousands and millions and If Amaechi can't deliver the SS bloc votes, that makes his candidature dicey.

Honestly, I wish we can move away from politics of ethnicity and religion in Nigeria. Only then can we move forward as a country...

WhiteTechnology:
Tinubu is a saint
Fashola an angel
Buhari the incorruptible
The plan of Nigeria internal colonialists (Hausa Fulani Yoruba )
See their plan below
Hausa-Fulani = 2015-2023
Yoruba = 2023-2031
GEJ till 2019

No that's not what this is about. I'm sure nobody has such a plan. We just want to try something different from PDP since they seem to be in over their head where Nigerian issues are concerned.

If APC too doesn't live up to expectations after four years, then they can be kicked out too in the next polls. That's how sophisticated I hope the Nigerian voter becomes

It honestly shouldn't be rocket science. Normally the post of a VP should be ceremonial and shouldn't throw up as much ruckus as that of the APC is but when you have a presidential candidate that has been as demonised as Buhari is, then your choice of a VP should be as popular as to be able to convince voters and draw in votes.

Buhari is only popular in the Northwest and Northeast. GEJ appears to have SS and SE on lockdown giving SW and NC swing vote status. I honestly wouldn't be overconfident about having SW in my palms if I were APC. Fayemi an incumbent in Ekiti just lost an election there, did he not? Hence the idea of an Amaechi VP however nice it sounds might not galvanise the average Iya Risi or Mama Kabira in a village in Owo once they don't see names they can identify with on the ballot box. Same thing with any other candidate outside the region. Amaechi would only make sense if he can pull in votes or split the SS votes with Jonathan, something which is unlikely as he has also been demonised just like Buhari.

Now Fashola even though a muslim seems to be popular throughout the southwest and even beyond because of the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos with other ethnic groups coming in and going out in droves and therefore should not be a hard-sell. If APC is really serious about winning this elections, he is the one they should field and counter any muslim-muslim calumny from PDP with the achievements of Fashola as governor and Buhari's anti-corruption stance.

Anything short of this I don't see them making any inroads. Even if the pope is fielded as Buhari's deputy it is still not going to make a difference to some people so why bother with all the pastors et al. If at all they must field a christain deputy, someone with national clout like Oshiomhole is still preferable but I still maintain that a Fashola would have been the game changer. Wishing them the best of luck...

Double post

zizytd:
Forget Muslim/Muslim ticket tins, make Buhari choose fashola, 2015 is abt change, let us start d change, no more religion politics, GMB meets BRF

Co-sign. I think this should be the next line of action. Let us make a noise so loud enough on social media it gets to the APC bigwigs ear that a lot of us actually don't care about religion. All we want is a performer. Fashola is popular enough that a lot of Nigerians will be willing to overlook his religion. I had earlier opened a thread on the issue.

BTW Congrats to everyone on GMB's victory

Rawani:
We however thank him for making this election a competitive one, thereby making it newsworthy and highlighting our internal democracy in all its glory while highlighting the wickedness and inequity of the PDP selection/imposition process.

Exactly. The APC convention is almost like a mini presidential election and a lot of folks are glued to their seats eagerly waiting for the results.

If anything, Buhari's popularity will soar after the primaries as the news will carry on for quite a while after the whole thing unlike if it had been a case of selection. For instance, I hadn't known the PDP held a convention yesterday till just now!

I just hope the delegates don't disappoint by selling their votes...

I really hope GMB clinches this ticket. As far as I'm concerned Atiku is a no-no. If indeed he shared money, that should disqualify him

Double post

Can we start a social media campaign asking no begging that Fashola actually be included in the ticket? I was actually hoping Buhari won't be fielded but seeing as they've zoned their ticket to the north I'll definitely prefer him to an Atiku with Fashola at his side.

Hopefully after his tenure, then, Fashola a relatively fresher breed of politician can run for president and a generational shift occurring in the hope that he picks a much younger guy as his vice, when he does run. Believe me, I wouldn't have minded Rochas or Amaechi being fielded as vice president but the problem is will they be able to deliver their zones? The SE will most likely vote PDP with the exception of Imo state where Rochas is from same with SS going for PDP with the exception of Rivers. SW votes are guaranteed with a Fashola in the ticket... Oh I know Fayose will try some rigging but I bet he won't succeed....

But first things first, we need to ensure there's a Fashola in that ticket... I'm honestly tired of all the dreary news and actions of this PRESENT government! We desperately need change...

folawiyoma: Well am not a pdp or apc.
But what happen when they don't give us a credible candidate life fashola and co. What should we do?
That is why GEJ is the best candidate for now.
Oh my head, I think I am starting to have headache

Sorry about the headache, I can so identify with it... The things that happen in this country, so mindboggling. And the impunity with which people get away with such atrocities beggars belief.

Which was why I was hoping, wishing that there was a way we could choose our leaders. In saner climes, political parties would have three or four candidates, run polls to guage the mood of the people, which would inevitably influence the outcome of their primaries afterall their main aim is to win the election, is it not?

But over here it's imposition all the way. Which was why I was wishing there was something we could do, a way to pass our message across..

donroxy: Majority of active poster on Politics section are affiliated to political parties and effort on good governance by non-partisan folks can be easily frustrated by people .....
APC Nairalander do not want want you to say anything contradictory to Buhari/Tinubu while PDP Nairalander do not want any one to say something contradictory regarding GEJ/PDP stalwarts .....
Worst of it is when Seun now take side and only to apologise later .... Then the sensible ones will have to quit the dirty scene for those who can still keep playing it dirty !!
The same way Nigerian Political scene has been left for the dirty ones even on election days, sane people hardly come out !!!
The Politicians has enough money to influence youths and the same effort you are trying to pull off as a youth another sponsored counterpart o f youths will rise against you especially thugs !!
May the Most High make the Political class to understand the woe awaiting their nonsensical actions !!!

I agree. How I wish our society was a homogenous one with one single ethnic group and religion. Because then the politicians wouldn't be having a field day like they are having, getting away with all sorts.

It's always so easy to play up the ethnic or religious card. "Oh he's my brother so I must vote for him even in the face of glaring incompetence"

Well, may God help us

Not surprising in the least. The back and forth will always go on.

However, what I want to know is why we the youths don't come out and demand great leadership. I'm neither an APC nor PDP supporter but obviously things have got to change. We can't go on like this.

Can we not demand for the type of leaders we want and try to look above ethnic/religious lines? For one there used to be passionate posters like afam4ever, jarus, aisha2 and co on this section but I noticed they've since stopped coming to the section probably because of the consistent tribal and ethnic slurs.

Can we not identify those we would wish to lead us and actively clamour for their political parties to push them forward or at least give them a chance at the primaries? Since PDP has already unanimously given President Jonathan their ticket then perhaps we should look to the other parties and try to influence who they bring forward.

Personally, I like Governor Fashola and his leadership style. While I feel he may be elitist sometimes, he still seems like someone with the mettle and willpower to take head-on the security challenges we have in the country currently. I've also heard about some other APC governors who are equally doing well in their states. Outside APC if we know of other credible candidates in other parties, we can still agitate for them. Why can't we clamour for their respective parties to push them forward rather than Buhari or Atiku or all the other recycled politicians? Let's have credible people or at least a different set of people at the polls.

We could use the social media to get the attention of the political parties or their bigwigs like Tinubu et al. If the twitter campaign for the chibok girls could get the attention of the world, then it can similarly help make our aspirations known.

We really do need a change and its better at the polls than in a war situation