Our candidates are coming: Are they entrepreneurial politicians or political entrepreneurs?

Two main factors are shaping Nigeria’s race to 2019 general elections. The much debated Not Too Young To Run Bill and synergy among opposition parties and movements in the country. No doubt, the next year general elections especially presidential election would make or mar Nigeria’s unity and determine the extent to which her economic would emerge stronger within the post-recession period.

The bill, which was initiated at the National Assembly last year, seeks age reduction for elective offices in the country for Nigerian youths to contest for President at the age of 35 and Governor or Senators at the age of 30. It is a change from the initial 40 and 35 years limit respectively, which was mandated by the constitution. The bill also stipulates that 25-year-old people can now legislate in the National and State Assemblies across the country. Apart from the National Assembly passage of the bill, it has also received the needed votes from the 35 state assemblies. In March 14, 2018, Not Too Young To Run movement engaged the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for the signing of the age reduction bill and fulfilled his promises to millions of Nigerian youth.

The ongoing forces being formed by the opposition parties against the ruling party, All Progressive Congress, become tenser recently due to the letter written by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo to President Muhammadu Buhari, expressing his mind on the state of economy and governance.

As the political activities continue in offline and online sphere, qualified Nigerians are declaring intentions for elective offices. Candidates are coming from different sectors and organisations in the country with the main aim of helping or solving the country’s socio-economic challenges. Our checks on the potential contestants for the presidential position reveal that SKC Ogbonnia, Adamu Garba II, Ahmed Buhari, Fela Durotoye, Donald Duke, Oluremi Comfort Sonaiya, Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso, Victor Okhai and Chris Emejuru are coming. Ibrahim Dankwanbo, Kingsley Moghalu, Yul Edochie, Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, Ahmed Makarfi, , Sule Lamido,  Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Peter Ayodele Fayose are also warming up for the seat.

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