With the Nigerian Presidential Elections set for February 16 only a few days away and campaigns in full motion, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, former Vive President Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, former Governor Peter Obi, sat down for a town hall meeting moderated by veteran broadcaster, Kadaria Ahmed, to discuss their plans for the country.
The popular town-hall-meeting-styled show Meet the Candidate was co-produced by Daria Media and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), with support from the MacArthur Foundation.
During the show, aspirants responded to questions based on various issues ranging from corporate tax to the future of the Nigerian educational system.
Here are some of the major points the PDP team made ahead of the 2019 elections
Plans to Fight Corruption
During the 2015 campaign season, one of the major points made by President Muhammadu Buhari under the All Progressive Congress (APC) was the endemic issue of corruption. However, four years down the line Nigeria still struggles with corruption evidenced by the recent Transparency International report where the country clung on to a low score of 27.
Speaking to the crowd, the former Vice President proffered several options to tackle the menace including the use of technology. He also pointed out how most corrupt party members within the PDP had defected to the APC in search of protection, making the ruling party a “haven for corruption.”
To assess stolen funds, Atiku also stated that his administration would be willing to offer amnesty to corrupt public officers, only if they’re willing to plough back looted funds back into the economy, using Turkey as a reference point for where this method has worked.
Education
Considering the failing educational system in Nigeria and the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Atiku made it clear that education would be a major priority of his administration, if he is elected.
Recalling a time from the past, he noted that the failure of former Anambra state governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, in managing his state’s educational system, which he noticed during a tour of the state, was a major reason why he campaigned against his return to power during his time as Vice President.
Making reference to the Universal Basic Education plan, which was implemented during his administration, Atiku also explained that more work needed to be done in sanctioning states who take education for granted.A
Equal Shine for Both Men
During their appearance, several comments suggested that, unlike the appearance of incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice Yemi Osinbajo which left little to be desired, the pairing of Atiku and Obi appeared to be properly balanced.
Each held their own without any one in particular having to bear the brunt of the work while covering for the other.
Contesting Election Results
Closing out the town hall session, Ahmed asked the PDP flag bearer what would happen if he lost the upcoming elections, and while Buhari had expressed confidence saying “we won’t lose,” Atiku, on the other hand, simply stated that as long as the electoral process is deemed free and fair, he will accept whatever comes, saying, “I’ve lost elections before.”
