The Heat discusses the Nigerian elections

The Heat

Africa’s largest economy heads into a pivotal vote. Meanwhile, the terrorist group within Nigeria, Boko Haram, tried to derail the election by killing more than 40 people.
Why is this election so important? Will Boko Haram be defeated?

It is expected to be a closely fought battle between the incumbent Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan and former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari. Nigeria’s ruling party, the People’s Democratic Party, or PDP has dominated Nigerian politics since 1999, but General Buhari’s All Progressives Congress or APC, is viewed as a serious challenge. CCTV’s Sophia Aniku provided an update from Abuja, Nigeria.

In 2014, oil-rich Nigeria had taken over South Africa to become Africa’s biggest economy and ranks as the world’s 21st. The World Bank considers the nation an emerging market and has identified Nigeria as regional power in Africa. How will this election impact Nigeria’s future? CCTV’s The Heat discussed this issue with these experts:

  • Nii Akuetteh is the founder of the Democracy and Conflict Research Institute based in Accra, Ghana. He is the former executive director of Africa Action and editor at TransAfrica.
  • From Boston, attorney and media commentator Aminu Gamawa.
  • Nigeria is divided roughly in half between Christians who live mostly in the southern and central parts of the country, and Muslims concentrated mostly in the northern and southwestern regions. Economic imbalance and sectarian violence are among the most prominent challenges for the country. The discussion continued on the challenges that the country’s next president will be facing.