Lagos (AFP) - Africa's most populous country and top economy, Nigeria, holds general elections this Saturday -- the fifth since civilian rule was restored in 1999.


Here are five key figures whose actions could shape the outcome of the vote and its aftermath.

- Goodluck Jonathan -

Nigeria's 57-year-old leader is seeking a second term after a tumultuous five years plagued by the dramatic rise in strength of Boko Haram Islamists and a widely criticised job performance.

Critics say he has failed to tackle corruption or improve infrastructure, especially electricity supply, but Jonathan still has supporters, particularly in the mainly Christian south of the religiously divided nation.

Nigerians have never seen power change hands through the ballot since independence from Britain in 1960 but Jonathan has repeatedly vowed to respect the will of the voters.

If the election tilts in the opposition's favour, all eyes will be on the president to see if he keeps that promise.


- Muhammadu Buhari -

The former military ruler is taking his fourth shot at the presidency since democracy was restored in 1999, and has tried to position himself as Nigeria's top anti-corruption crusader.

Buhari, 72, insists he will win this time, refusing to even discuss the prospect of another defeat.

If Jonathan is declared the winner, Buhari's actions could prove crucial in avoiding widespread post-election unrest.


Experts say the predominantly Muslim north is a tinderbox that may explode if Buhari, the region's favourite son, is perceived as having been cheated out of an electoral win.

Buhari's moves as the results come in will therefore be closely watched.

- Abubakar Shekau -

Boko Haram's leader, a wanted criminal who is suspected of orchestrating crimes against humanity, has vowed to disrupt the polls, which the Islamist group views as "un-Islamic".

That sinister pledge may turn out to be empty bluster but given Boko Haram's proven ability to sow chaos across northern Nigeria, the possibility exists of widespread attacks, including bombings, on polling day.

- Attahiru Jega -

The head of Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faced fierce criticism from both the opposition and the ruling party during the campaign.

But impartial observers broadly see him as tough-minded, independent administrator committed to overseeing a fair and credible vote.

The career academic cut his political teeth opposing the brutal military dictatorship of Sani Abacha in the late 1990s.

Given his background, most experts believe Jega will seek to declare an accurate result as quickly as possible, regardless of any political interference he may face.

- Security chiefs -

The independence of Nigeria's military and police around election day will likely be crucial in ensuring the vote is respected nationwide.

The defence ministry has issued clear statements declaring itself to be a completely non-partisan actor in the polls but troubling events in recent months have raised concern.

Officers, believed to be from the police force, fired teargas on senior opposition lawmakers as they tried to enter parliament for a key vote in November.

The opposition has specifically identified the police chief in the capital Abuja, Joseph Mbu, as being an outspoken loyalist of the ruling party.

Observers say that avoiding confrontation between the security services and political demonstrators should be a top priority..

Source:http://news.yahoo.com/five-key-figures-watch-nigerias-election-004839249.html

Corpers nko? lol. . BTW. I'm FTC. Thanks to Airtel, their 3g network rocks here, Thanks to my tab, even after 3days of no electricity , it's still keeping me online. Thanks,Seun for this wonderful forum. . Lastly, Thanks to u, Yes,,,u! for reading this.

GEJ IS WOORKING.
GOD BLESS OUR PRESIDENT
WE ALL WE VOTE YOU, EVEN THE OPPOSSITION WILL VOTE GEJ

EVEN GOV AMAECHI SAY E GO VOTE GEJ
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=844567788949505&set=vb.806279582778326&type=2&theater

A CALL ON THE CONSCIENCE OF THE PEOPLE OF RIVERS STATE
AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BY
ENGR TELE IKURU.
DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE
IN RESPECT OF 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS

My dear People of Rivers State, I bring you honest and sincere greetings.

Today, I address you out of the fullness of my heart. Recall that in December 2013, out of extreme loyalty to my Boss and friend, I joined the All Progressives congress (APC) along with other then disillusioned Rivers People.

Ever since, as the true nature and motives of APC are unveiled, I have continued to twist and turn in extreme mental and emotional agony. The more I struggle to belong,the more the Rivers man in me rejects the APC. After carefully studying, interacting and analyzing the leadership of the party, I have come to the sad conclusion that the APC is a party of rebels, insurgents and anarchists, clothed in robes of pretense and deceit. APC is a party founded on deception and it thrives on unholy propaganda and falsehood.

I therefore, on behalf of my teaming supporters, and my humble self denounce the APC and we all jointly and severally resign our membership of the APC.

My dear people of Rivers State, we of this generation will not in good conscience expect forgiveness and compassion from our forebears, posterity, and the spirit of our unborn generations if it is recorded in the annals of history that after 48 Years of Rivers people supporting leaders from all other parts of this country with our votes and resources, we were the same that witch hunted and hounded down the very first ever President from this region, granted us by providence. I wash my hands off this treachery.

In the light of the above, I wish to urge all My Supporters, the Good People of Rivers State to join hands with other well meaning Nigerians to massively vote for President GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN (GCFR) and the Transformation Agenda that has brought so much relief and succor to the greatest number of Nigerians. I also urge allRivers People to vote for Chief Barr Nyesom Wike (CON), who has shown by his antecedents, track records and boundless capabilities that he will deliver good governance to the People of Rivers State.

Thank You and God Bless You All Abundantly.


Engr Tele Ikuru

GEJ's government has changed Nigeria. Can't believe that Nigerians are expecting INEC to conduct credible elections and also expecting GEJ to lose and handover.

anybody against the re-election of president Good luck Jonathan, we would open the gate of hell for them

in Jesus Christ our God we stand.

God bless GMB. Insha Allah, come 28th March victory is assured.

#SaiBuhari

We'll see how it all play out!

GEJ'S TRANSFORMATION

SOUTH – EAST GEO | POLITICAL ZONE
ENUGU state:
Rehabilitation of the Enugu Airport (New international airport Terminal)

Ongoing Nsukka – Ayangba 132kv Double – Circuit

Sure – P Projects on Primary Health Care (PHC)

Enugu – PH – Maiduguri Rail Fixed.

University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu upgraded with new facilities to commence open – heart surgeries

Rehabilitation of Enugu – Port Harcourt Road

Ogrute – Umuida Road and Unadu to Odoru in Kogi State

Rehabilitation of Umuna – Ndiagu and Ebenebe Ezeagu Road, Agubuogu through Ebenebe to Iwolo road.

₦ 2.57 Billion Dam Project in Adada River Dam to provide Portable Water, Electricity and Irrigation for agriculture activities

Ada Rice Irrigation Project at Uzo – Uwani

Erosion control project

Export Crop preservation and Conditioning Centre in Enugu State (One of the 10 constructed nationwide )

e – wallet System in the distribution of agricultural inputs to the farmers and Dry Season Farming Project

Construction of Irrigation Facilities in Amagunze Rice Product farm Enugu

Establishment of Enugu State office of the National Productivity Centre.

In 2012, FG Commissioned a Cultural Industry Centre in Inyi Enugu State.

Reinstatement of washout at Km 6 + 750, Km 30 + 400 and Km 35 + 325 along Onitsha- Enugu Dual – Carriage way in Anambra and Enugu State.

Establishment of Maritime Institute at University of Nigeria Nsukka

The major factor dat will shape this election is God. Like seriously. His will be done

GOD help us all call me 28th of March.

Solomon009:
.

f

God will watch over his children

Change is Here

We are watching.... And praying.

Nigerians with PVCs too.

Not just those with PVCs, but those willing to vote.

Why is my name not here

Good analysis

Change all the way

#IhaveDecided

So "THE PEOPLE" are no longer important in elections..

They ommitted OBJ. The man who has had a hand in every election since 1999. I dey look ooo

[size=18pt]I really worry about the service chiefs. Their body language shows more loyalty to the President than the constitution.[/size]

Do I care if he's a key or padlock figure
Hit like if u know dat Goodluck Jonathan will b referred 2 as 'Nigeria's former president' after March 28

Op, you forgot to include the electorates?

Shekau should not be inculded abeg, dude will start feeling important.

Plus Mbu is now terrorizing Lagos. he has since left Abuja

Op what about d electorate, everything circles around them!


Its really gonna b a funny election, All those mid-ninety children who knows absolutely nothing about Nigerian politics shouting Jonathan is clueless and gloryfying their self righteous ex-dictator General ......u know him.
Come march 28 these folks

will all go and play their video game when the time comes for them to go and vote....they have been very active in online polls and most of them av even conducted their own polls in their peer groups Thereby giving their General false hope but they have forgotten that elections are won by the ballots and not d internet.

And then all d market women, and ordinary Nigerians who have never used the internet but av been motivated wit rice and cash gift will vote for GEJ and your General will be put to shame once again

J

The Nigerian economy is in despair and desperate need for a Change, since the advent of Democracy we have been bullied and deceived by one political party, it's manifesto of corruption..it's time to try something else, it's time to alter the course of our future, it's time for Change, Nigerians especially the youths deserve better.

GEJ all the way! no room for the old tyrant in Aso Rock

True but SAI BUHARI will still carry the day.