Nigeria’s presidential candidates

Two men in their 70s are vying for the presidency in Africa’s most populous nation, where most of the electorate is under 40
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Muhammadu Buhari, 76 All Progressive Congress (APC)

President since 2015 and former general who served as head of state in military government from 1983-85

Praised by supporters for vocal opposition against corruption, but accused by critics of failing to revive economy and defeat Islamist insurgency of Boko Haram

Vows to boost oil-dependent economy by focusing on job creation and infrastructure development, raising literacy levels and improving ease of doing business

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Atiku Abubakar, 72 People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

Prominent businessman who made fortune in oil sector.
As vice president of Nigeria from 1999-2007 he led privatisation of poorly managed public assets

Rejects allegations of corruption and bribery during term as vice president
as politically motivated

Offers more free-market approach, pledging to boost economy by privatising state-run oil company – plagued by corruption – and removing costly petrol subsidy
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Sources: AP, Reuters
Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS