Rivals focus on economy ahead of delayed Nigerian poll
President Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar have wrapped up campaigning by pushing a growth agenda
Abuja — Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari and his closest rival Atiku Abubakar made their final appeal for votes on the last day of campaigning on Thursday ahead of a presidential election on Saturday that was delayed by a week. The Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) announced the delay in the early hours of last Saturday, citing logistical reasons, just as some of Nigeria’s 84-million registered voters were preparing to head to the polls. The stakes are high as Buhari, who took office in 2015 and is seeking a second term, is locked in a race against businessman and former vice-president Abubakar to lead Africa’s top oil producer. The election has largely been fought on how to jump-start growth in a country that has seen low growth since emerging in 2017 from its first recession in 25 years. Security, amid an increase in Islamist attacks in the northeast, and corruption have also been campaign issues. So far, there are no further public rallies planned by either man...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.