Presidential debate fixed for Jan 19

The Nigerian Election Debate Group (NEDG) and Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) on Thursday announced the dates for the presidential and vice-presidential debates.

John Momoh, chairman of the group, made the announcement while briefing journalists in Abuja.

He said the vice-presidential debate is slated for December 14 and presidential debate will take place on January 19, 2019.

Momoh advocated for a law to compel candidates to participate in election debates, saying it is imperative for candidates to explain their decisions and plans to the people.

He said efforts were made in the past to have a Debate Commission, but the bill, after passing first and second readings, was stepped down.

“One major challenges facing us as a nation is the threat to national unity, among others,” he said.

“Many of these problems stem from decisions made by our leaders behind closed doors; other times openly from regulations removed when no one was looking or from reckless actions taken while authorities turned a blind eye.

“Our nation is strongest when our elected leaders are transparent, accessible and accountable to its citizens, explaining their decisions and answering tough questions.

“This standard of openness must start long before election day.”

He said the debates will take place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, adding that they would focus on issues of economy, electricity supply, job creation, health and security, among others.

Momoh said the group would set the format and rules of the debate, ensure the objectivity of audiences and steer negotiations between broadcasters and the parties as Nigerians expected all parties to be challenged.