Nigerians in the United States of America have concluded plans to hold a debate for all the candidates that are contesting in the February 2023 Nigeria’s presidential election.
The presidential debate, was tagged
“The Diaspora Listens” which is scheduled to hold on November 26, 2022.
The debate is being organised by the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN, Inc.), in collaboration with 15 other Nigerian partner organisations in the United States (organisers of the annual Nigerian Independence Day Parade – the largest gathering of Nigerians outside of the homeland).
Letters of invitations have been sent to the presidential candidates.
“The United States hosts one of the largest numbers of Nigerian citizens and Associations worldwide that are critical to the political and socio-economic development of our dear country, despite difference in tribes and tongues,”
A Communique by Olayinka DanSalami on behalf of the organisers read:
“We also continue to fly the Nigerian flag high as we excelled in our various endeavors. Thus, we believe that to actualize the Nigeria of our dream, everyone must contribute his or her own quota.
“We believe that the 2023 Presidential election is a critical and consequential election that has generated so much enthusiasm, interest, and support among the Nigerian compatriots in the diaspora.
The election has brought about a patriotic clamor by Nigerians in the diaspora to have the Presidential candidates talk to us while we are also given the opportunity to put forward our questions, suggestions and supports.
“Therefore, it has become pertinent to keep the Nigerians in the diaspora abreast of the candidates manifesto and what would be the policy thrusts of their administration, how their government would maximize the various opportunities that abound in Nigeria and the key role that Nigerians in the Diaspora would have to play towards national development in your administration.
“The Debate will provide candidates with the opportunity to share their ideas in a moderated Question and Answer format. It will also enable Nigerians in the Diaspora to have an opportunity to hear first-hand from aspiring presidential candidates, their intentions and aspirations through an equal opportunity platform.
The ‘Diaspora Listens’ event would also provide candidates the opportunity to hear directly from the diaspora constituents about their concerns, priorities, and what they would like from the President when elected in 2023.
“The organisers encourage all our Nigerians in the diaspora to “save the date” for this crucial and important event. We would apprise you of the format of the debates as we confirm participation from the Presidential candidates. God bless Nigeria.”
Some of the top candidates are; Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress; Bola Tinubu, of the ruling All Progressives Congress; Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party; Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, of the NNPP and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.