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Nigerians in the U.S. are making plans to hold a debate for all the presidential candidates contesting the February 25, 2023, presidential election.

The presidential debate, tagged ‘The Diaspora Listens’, is scheduled to hold on November 26 virtually, according to a statement on Sunday signed by Olayinka DanSalami, on behalf of the organising committee.

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The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN, Inc.) will organise the debate in collaboration with 15 other Nigerian partner organisations in the U.S.

Mr DanSalami said the presidential candidates had been invited to attend the debate.

“The United States hosts one of the largest numbers of Nigerian citizens and associations worldwide. They are critical to the political and socio-economic development of our dear country, in spite of the differences in cultures and languages,” the statement explained. “We are also continuing to fly the Nigerian flag high as we excelled in our various endeavours.”

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It added, “Thus, we believe that to actualise the Nigeria of our dream, everyone must contribute his or her own quota. We believe that the 2023 presidential election is a critical and consequential election that has generated so much enthusiasm, interest, and support among the Nigerian compatriots in the diaspora.”

Mr DanSalami noted that the election had brought about ”a patriotic clamour by Nigerians in the diaspora to have the presidential candidates talk to us.”

He also mentioned that the debate would help keep Nigerians in the diaspora abreast of the candidates’ manifestos.

He further stated that the event would enable Nigerians in the diaspora to have an opportunity to hear first-hand from the presidential candidates, their intentions and aspirations.

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The ‘Diaspora Listens’ event would also allow candidates to hear directly from the diaspora constituents about their concerns, priorities, and what they would like from the president when elected in 2023.

“The organisers encourage all our Nigerians in the diaspora to ‘save the date’ for this crucial and important event,” the debate organisers stated. “We would apprise you of the format of the debates as we confirm participation from the presidential candidates.”

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(NAN)