The presidential race: Who would win a run-off?

The Daily Sun

24 Feb 2011

The presidential race: Who would win a run-off?

From the Other Side BY LINDSAY BARRET

There are several new challenges posed by the shape of this year's Presidential race in Nigeria. First of all the circumstances surrounding the emergence of the ruling party's candidate Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is unique in the annals of Nigerian politics. While he is the incumbent he was not elected President but was elevated according to constitutional regulations covering succession in the event of the demise of a sitting President. The questions raised about his eligibility to run for the office might seem confusing or even trite to outsiders but Nigerians take the issue of zonal rotation seriously and it continues to dog the heels of the contest even after the overwhelming victory of President Jonathan in his party's primaries.

It has emerged however that the debate generated by this issue has in some ways strengthened the competitive challenge of the field of contestants.