With barely four months to Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, the Nigerian Elections Debates Group, NEDG, in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, Sunday, disclosed of organizing a presidential debate for presidential candidates on economic policy and citizens’ concerns on November 16, 2022.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by both organisations, where it explained that the debate serves as a launch pad to discussions on the roadmap towards an inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
The statement reads in part, “The Nigerian Elections Debates Group (NEDG), in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) is facilitating a Presidential Debate on Economic Policy that will hold on the 15th of November, 2022, and serve as a launch pad to discussions on the roadmap towards an inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
“Nigeria is at a decisive point in its history, and as we countdown to the 2023 polls, it is critical, like never before, to nudge Nigerians towards making informed voting choices.
“The challenge before us, therefore, is to ensure the evolution of transformational leaders with a broad knowledge of the issues and the political will to steer the ship of our great nation towards shared economic prosperity. The partnership is strategic and will kick off the process of making this Nigerian dream happen.
“The Debate, scheduled for November is part of the NESG’s #IfNotNowWhen? Initiative. #IfNotNowWhen is geared towards sensitising stakeholders and citizens of Nigeria on peaceful, informed and accountable democratic participation.”
Meanwhile, according to the statement, reputable media and Civil Society organisations are fully supporting the presidential debate.
“The debate will be organized by NEDG and NESG with support from the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, CJID, Enough is Enough Nigeria, EiE, BudgIT and Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union, RATTAWU.
“The NEDG is poised to facilitate this effort, being a coalition of broadcast organisations, civil society and professional groups tasked with organising and hosting live televised debates for presidential, vice presidential and gubernatorial candidates since 1999”, it added.
