Chattam House confirms Buhari’s speaking engagement

The Royal Institute of International Affairs, better known as
Chattam House, has confirmed that presidential candidate of the All
Progressives Congress, Maj. Gen Muhammadu Buhari(retd.), will be
speaking at its event billed for Thursday in London.
This was contained in a statement on Monday by the Directorate of
Media and Publicity, APC Presidential Campaign
Organisation, Garba Shehu.
A post on the website of Chattam House on Monday stated that
Buhari, who is on a working visit to the United Kingdom, would
speak on the topic ‘Prospects for Democratic Consolidation in
Africa: Nigeria’s Transition’.
The programme, to be chaired by former British High
Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Gozney, will commence at
10am London time and last for just one hour.
“The postponement of Nigeria’s fifth election since its return to
civilian rule in 1999, together with fierce political competition, a
security crisis and severe economic challenges linked to the drop in
oil price, have thrown into sharp relief the challenges of conducting
this essential process in such a complex environment.
“While there is widespread speculation as to the reasons for the
delay, there is also widespread acknowledgment of the necessity that
national elections do now take place as scheduled on 28 March,”
Chatam House said in its website while announcing the programme
on Monday.
“General Muhammadu Buhari, former military ruler (1983-85) and
now opposition presidential candidate, will discuss the importance of
democracy for Africa’s future, and in particular why delivering
dividends of elected government matter both to Nigeria and
internationally.”
The statement added, “There would be a live streaming of the
event commencing at 10am GMT and all those wishing to pose a
question to General Buhari are advised to do so via Twitter, using
the hash tag #CHAfrica.”