Hand-Deliver Invitations to Gen. Buhari and President Goodluck for the Youth-Focused Debate
WHEN: Wednesday, March 16, 2011, 11:00 AM
: Young Nigerians represent 70 percent of the population yet their concerns and issues are
not present on the national agenda. A confirmed tally of 73.5 million registered voters will
participate in this year's election – a 20 percent increase from 2007. Of these, an estimated 65
percent are voters under 35 years of age. Across Africa, the youth are grasping the potential of their
generation and have emerged as a political force of change. In Nigeria, the youth will not sit silent
and let this moment pass us by. Together, we are asking the presidential candidates, “What About
Us?” This time, we want answers.
Nigeria youths made their voices clear on www.whataboutusnigeria.org with more than 8000 votes
in just 11 days for the top six candidates they want to see debate on March 25th at the Shehu Musa
Yar’adua Centre. In ranking order, President Jonathan Goodluck (PDP), Mr. Nuhu Ribadu (ACN), Gen.
Muhammadu Buhari,(CPC) Chief Dele Momodu (NCP), Professor Pat Utomi (SDMP) and Reverend
Chris Okotie (FDP) emerged as the candidates of choice. Education, poverty, power, security,
corruption and the economy were also identified as the issues that are of significant concern to the
youth.
Over the past few weeks, organizations involved with “What About Us?” have also worked tirelessly
with a cross-section of electoral stake holders on the national and international stage, making useful
contributions to increase the likelihood of free, credible, transparent and participatory elections,
including Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Christian Association of Nigeria
(CAN), Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), The Federation of Muslim Women’s
Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), National Democratic
Institute (NDI), Democratic Governance for Development (UNDP), the Commission for Presidential
Debates, and the US Embassy. The campaign has also held several discussions with the top
candidates’ campaign managers and even some cases, the candidates themselves to ask them to
answer the youth’s call.
Today – just two weeks until the event – all but Gen. Buhari and sitting President Goodluck
have listened to the unified voice of the youth and committed to participate.
This is a call to action to every Nigerian, young and old, to stand in solidarity and support the “What
About Us?” initiative. These leaders need to share their vision because we refuse to follow blindly on
April 9th.
not present on the national agenda. A confirmed tally of 73.5 million registered voters will
participate in this year's election – a 20 percent increase from 2007. Of these, an estimated 65
percent are voters under 35 years of age. Across Africa, the youth are grasping the potential of their
generation and have emerged as a political force of change. In Nigeria, the youth will not sit silent
and let this moment pass us by. Together, we are asking the presidential candidates, “What About
Us?” This time, we want answers.
Nigeria youths made their voices clear on www.whataboutusnigeria.org with more than 8000 votes
in just 11 days for the top six candidates they want to see debate on March 25th at the Shehu Musa
Yar’adua Centre. In ranking order, President Jonathan Goodluck (PDP), Mr. Nuhu Ribadu (ACN), Gen.
Muhammadu Buhari,(CPC) Chief Dele Momodu (NCP), Professor Pat Utomi (SDMP) and Reverend
Chris Okotie (FDP) emerged as the candidates of choice. Education, poverty, power, security,
corruption and the economy were also identified as the issues that are of significant concern to the
youth.
Over the past few weeks, organizations involved with “What About Us?” have also worked tirelessly
with a cross-section of electoral stake holders on the national and international stage, making useful
contributions to increase the likelihood of free, credible, transparent and participatory elections,
including Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Christian Association of Nigeria
(CAN), Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), The Federation of Muslim Women’s
Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), National Democratic
Institute (NDI), Democratic Governance for Development (UNDP), the Commission for Presidential
Debates, and the US Embassy. The campaign has also held several discussions with the top
candidates’ campaign managers and even some cases, the candidates themselves to ask them to
answer the youth’s call.
Today – just two weeks until the event – all but Gen. Buhari and sitting President Goodluck
have listened to the unified voice of the youth and committed to participate.
This is a call to action to every Nigerian, young and old, to stand in solidarity and support the “What
About Us?” initiative. These leaders need to share their vision because we refuse to follow blindly on
April 9th.
Where: Prior to the press conference, “What About Us?” will hand-deliver invitations to the
campaign headquarters of PDP and CPC in Abuja, to state our case in broad daylight and deliver the
notice that the youths in Nigeria will not be ignored. Noted celebrities and representatives from
youth groups across Nigeria will join the envoy to ask in a united voice, “What About Us?”
campaign headquarters of PDP and CPC in Abuja, to state our case in broad daylight and deliver the
notice that the youths in Nigeria will not be ignored. Noted celebrities and representatives from
youth groups across Nigeria will join the envoy to ask in a united voice, “What About Us?”
WHO: The “What About Us?” Campaign: a collaborative effort from Enough is Enough Nigeria, Vote
or Quench, Sleeves Up and StandUp Naija.
For inquiries contact:
Nosarieme Garrick, +234.803.490.9906; Amara Nwankpa, +234.807.761.0747;
info@whataboutusnigeria.org
or Quench, Sleeves Up and StandUp Naija.
For inquiries contact:
Nosarieme Garrick, +234.803.490.9906; Amara Nwankpa, +234.807.761.0747;
info@whataboutusnigeria.org
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