The Growth Advancement Initiative for Nigeria (GAIN), a multidisciplinary group of activists, plan to conduct a detailed assessment of known presidential aspirants for the 2019 general election. A statement from the group signed by Mr Kim Augoye says that the effort is aimed at giving Nigerians sufficient information on what the candidates stand for ahead of the elections.
According to the press statement from GAIN, “In almost 19 years of civilian democratic rule, Nigerians have struggled to come to terms with continuing lack of focus in government, malfeasance and a whittling down of integrity and trust. Today a politician’s word is as good as nothing, especially when examined from the fact that many politicians in power today have effortlessly and conveniently walked away from their campaign promises. There is an overflowing of dismay and dejectedness in the affairs of governments at all levels. Given this experience, which appears to result from an insufficient interrogation of the candidates for political offices on the critical issues that concern Nigerians, many electors have developed apathy in the electoral process, yet, Nigerians cannot afford the luxury of apathy because elected officials drive public sector policy and citizens have a duty to determine the suitability or otherwise of those who would govern them. No longer should we elect people on the basis of ‘faith’ alone but also on works and character.”
Augoye says the group would “interrogate the candidates for political offices on their suitability for leadership, through indepth research and analysis on their character and competence, to assist Nigerians in making the right decisions at the 2019 polls.”
He adds that “GAIN will carry out analysis on those running for office in Nigeria as to their relative capacity in the areas of their competence, experience, capacity, patriotism, knowledge of topical issues engaging Nigerians ahead of the election, including the burning issues of nationhood and identity, true federalism, restructuring, devolution of powers, and sundry matters. It will also examine the issues of health, economic policy tendencies and groundbreaking thinking the candidates have displayed.”
