Presidential Debate: Shekarau Wows Nigerians
SAN FRANCISCO, March 18, (THEWILL) – Kano State Governor and Presidential candidate on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Dr. Ibrahim Shekarua today made a strong showing at the Presidential debate hosted by Nigerian cable channel NN24.
Majority of Nigerians who watched the debate between the trio of Shekarau, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari unanimously awarded victory to Shekarau for his well-articulated understanding and grasp of important issues of governance stalling Nigeria’s growth.
A Nigerian who watched the debate left a note on the Facebook page of THEWILL Publisher, Prince Austyn Ogannah, describing Shekarau as “A hidden talent for the Presidency.” Another Nigerian described Shekarua as “brilliant” asking, “what party does he belong to? I like him.”
Nigerian youths on Facebook, Twitter and other social media were full of praises for Shekarau, who was barely known nationwide before today's debate.
But one Nigerian on Facebook, Julie Okeke asked voters to be cautious saying, “I have listened to Shekarau on many occasions and he talks eloquently but, if we must get it right this time, we must be prepared to look beyond this and rather base our assessment on past positive achievements made by everyone of them.”
As Shekarau received kudos for his over the board performance in the debate, President Goodluck Jonathan received knocks for ducking the debate. Most Nigerians especially youths were of the opinion that Jonathan was taking the Nigerian youth for granted.
The President was berated for ‘chickening out’ as one responder put it, while others mocked him following his decision to pitch with Nigerian hip-hop artiste Dbanj in a 30-minute question and answer session, instead of debating with his rivals for the top seat.
Nuhu Ribadu and General Muhammadu Buhari were generally viewed as disappointing, stiff and lacking charisma in the manner they articulated their views.
Complete report on the debate would be published soon.