Yiaga Africa, and Channels Television have created television debates for political parties presidential candidates with the goal of giving the general public a forum for political discourse and in-depth discussions in preparation for the general election of 2023.
A television programme series has been created by the UNDP, a human rights organisation, Yiaga Africa, and Channels Television.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress were among those who appeared in the series.
The television programme would feature conversations between ordinary people and significant figures like young people, election experts, development experts, and others.
Samson Itodo, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, said in a statement on Thursday that the series was intended to raise electoral awareness and spark discussion on social, economic, and development-related issues for Nigeria to take into account in the 2023 elections and beyond.
Yiaga Africa claimed that political party leaders and hopeful presidential candidates will participate in debates and town halls to present and discuss their party platforms and plans.
Independent National Electoral Commission records show that 71% of the 11 million new voters registered during the most recent registration drive were young people between the ages of 18 and 35.
Yiaga Africa stated that in order to combat political apathy, increase voter turnout, and restore faith in the democratic process, engaging with the youth before the election would be crucial.
In relation to other crucial development concerns in Nigeria, such as inclusive economic growth, peace and security, and climate change, Yiaga Africa said a significant focus would be on women’s and youth empowerment.
The discussions, according to Yiaga Africa, will be influenced by the issues and opportunities that are now facing Nigeria’s youth as well as by questions they have expressed.
Yiaga Africa stated that offering citizens the information they need to make informed decisions and a platform on which to advertise their ideas will, alternatively, motivate them to cast ballots.
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Instead of the conventional one-way communication of information delivery on election procedures, the television series would provide opportunities for citizens and pertinent stakeholders to engage in a two-way discourse to improve citizens’ participation in the electoral process. This will be important in turning around the declining voter turnout, which is primarily due to voter indifference and a lack of knowledge about the political and electoral systems in the nation.
“This series is about highlighting the key issues confronting Nigerians with the upcoming general elections. The electorate needs to be fully informed on the process and be able to voice their concerns. By being active participants in the electoral process, they can hold their intended representatives accountable to deliver on their promises, ” Yiaga Africa said.
On his part, the chairman/CEO of the Channels Media Group, John Momoh, said, “We are pleased as always to be the medium through which citizens of the country would engage with political office seekers and by so doing play a role in deepening the electoral process in Nigeria,” Mohamed Yahya, said.
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