Chatam House confirms Buhari will speak on Thursday

The Royal Institute of International Affairs (RIIA) better known as Chatam House has confirmed that presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari will be speaking at its event billed for Thursday, February 26, 2015 in London.

A post on the website of Chatam on Monday disclosed that General Buhari who is on a working visit to the United Kingdom will be speaking on the topic “Prospects for Democratic Consolidation in Africa: Nigeria’s Transition.”

The programme to be chaired by Sir Richard Gozney, former British High Commissioner to Nigeria 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.

According to Chatam House, “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.”

There will 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.

All prospective attendees are encouraged to apply to attend on or before midnight of Tuesday, 24 February.

General Buhari had left Nigeria last week for United Kingdom as part of the international engagements of his presidential campaign.

The APC presidential candidate for the 28 March election has among other schedules met with Mr Tony Blair, former UK Prime Minister.