Nigerians in US organise debate for Atiku, Tinubu, Obi, other presidential candidates Nov. 26

The Nigerians resident in the United States (U.S.) have planned a debate for Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and other presidential candidates on November 26.

Head of organising committee, Olayinka DanSalami, in a statement in New York on Sunday, disclosed that the debate, titled: “The Diaspora Listens”, is organised by the ‘Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN, Inc.)’, in collaboration with 15 other Nigerian partner organisations in the United States, adding that it is scheduled to hold virtually on November 26, 2022.

DanSalami highlighted: “The United States hosts one of the largest numbers of Nigerian citizens and associations worldwide.

“They are critical to the political and socio-economic development of our dear country, in spite of the differences in cultures and languages.

“We are also continuing to fly the Nigerian flag high as we excelled in our various endeavors.

“Thus, we believe that to actualise 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 statement declared: “Therefore, it has become pertinent to keep the Nigerians in the diaspora abreast of the candidates’ manifestos and what would be the policy thrusts of their administrations.

“Also, to keep them abreast of how their government would maximise the various opportunities that abound in Nigeria.

“And the key role that Nigerians in the diaspora would have to play towards national development in these administrations.

“The debate will provide the candidates with the opportunity to share their ideas in a moderated Question and Answer format.

“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.”