IN a political sense, conspiracy refers to a group of persons united in the goal of usurping or overthrowing an established political power. In the Nigerian context, political conspiracy can be defined as an amalgamation of entrenched parochial interest of a cabal or cartel to keep exploiting the nation at the overall expense of the masses.

For the sake of clarity, I must first point out that while all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, it is all work and no exercise that makes him an unfit one. From all indications earlier in the week, Friday 7th March, 2015 was meant to be a busy day for members and supporters of both the ruling People’s Democratic Party and the opposition All Progressives’ Congress.

IT is my wife who has been passionately involved in the social media arguments about the best candidates for the 2015 presidential elections. Observed from the social media stand-point, the campaigns pendulum seems to be swinging in favour of the candidacy of Dr Goodluck Jonathan. It was not so from the beginning

AMIDST the cacophony of voices, claims and counter claims by various shades of politicians, have we really paused to consider the type of elections we like to take place on the March 28th and April 11th respectively? Do we desire a truly free and fair election? Do we desire that every eligible voter must be allowed to cast his/her vote? Do we desire that no one, no matter his standing, be disenfranchised? Do we desire that the elections should have a truly even and national spread?

The last time Nigerians enjoyed something really close to an exciting Presidential debate was during the 1993 Presidential elections. I recall the colourful and memorable encounter between the late Chief MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party and Alhaji Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention