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As Nigeria's general elections are round the corner, presidential and National Assembly elections being due to fall on April 21 and governorship election in 36 states this Saturday, Nigerian citizens are encouraged to be active in casting votes in the polls.

The Nigerian government on Wednesday declared a two-day public holidays to allow Nigerians, who registered to vote in towns other than where they reside, to go to cast their votes.

The decision is hot on the headlines on many major newspapers Thursday, with opposition parties accusing the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), whose candidate is one of the leading contenders, of trying to bend the rules to destabilize its rivals.

Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is presidential candidate of Action Congress (AC), one of Nigeria's major oppositions, is still to be cleared in the Supreme Court.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had disqualified Atiku, who fell out with President Olusegun Obasanjo and went on to pick the AC ticket for the election, for the election.

Atiku is hinging his participation on his appeal at the Supreme Court to compel the INEC to put his name on the ballot. The case was due to be heard on Thursday and Friday, but it has to be delayed with the two days having been declared as public holidays as courts cannot seat on public holidays.

The AC accused the government of acting in bad faith and doing everything possible to put their man out of the ballot.

Despite some disputes on the electoral affairs, the news media and public opinions are focusing on a handful of political figures.

Hot on the list of presidential hopefuls are Umaru Yar'Adua, Katsina State governor and presidential flagbearer of the PDP, Muhammadu Buhari, a retired infantry general and candidate of the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP), and Atiku.

The main issues they talk about in the campaigns include the creation of job opportunities, development of social and economic infrastructures, power, potable water, health facilities and education.

Yar'Adua is perceived as the anointed of the out-going president Obasanjo, but he is reported to have serious health problems, arousing concerns that he might not fulfill a presidential tenure even if he is elected.

Buhari, a runner-up to Obasanjo in the 2003 election, is held to be one who would not condone indiscipline and corruption, but his party's lean finances and his zealotry in religious matters, are considered minuses.

Atiku may run or not depending on the Supreme Court verdict. If he runs, he could pose a serious threat on the other two rivals as he is a thorough-bred politician.

While Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of the Progressive People's Alliance and political economist cum mass communicator Patrick Utomi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have some following, it is expected that Yar'Adua, Buhari or Atiku (if he runs) would pick the presidency in a first ballot on April 21.

(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2007)