The debate, held on March 26, was scheduled to start at 6p.m. but began at 8p.m. However, once it kicked off, business began in earnest. Award-winning writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche and Big Brother Housemate, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu were comperes for the evening. From the issues of corruption to electricity to economy/job creation, the candidates had the chance to sell their manifestos and policy programs to the young voters.

On Education, Nuhu Ribadu of the Action Congress of Nigeria said he will focus on increased funding and management of funds, alongside planned expansion for growth and monitoring. Ibrahim Shekarau, of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) differed. He was of the opinion that there was need for expansion of schools but did not say how intended to fund it. Dele Momodu of the National Conscience Party on the other hand said it was not a matter of funding but monitoring; administration.

On the issue of power, all three candidates agreed on diversification of source material. While Ribadu and Momodu said there will be no increase in tariff, Shekarau said there will be increase in tariff.

On the issue of job creation, Shekarau said it was possible to encourage the growth of SMEs, citing Kano, the state he governs as a model. He noted that he had succeeded in creating, annually, 5,000 jobs in a year but Momodu said for a state which has over 10 million citizens, that is no number to celebrate. He said his administration will focus on soft loans for farming, while Ribadu said his administration will diversify the economy, encourage the growth of SMEs through funding and simplified enlightenment of the process of business growth.

The big test, failed expectations early leads and absenteeism
All candidates were asked about how they intend to engage with the youth in their government. Ribadu said he intends to give young responsible people a chance to prove their worth, Momodu boasted of having the youngest campaign manager, Ohimai Amaeze, who is just 26, while Shekarau said the youth are rather 'dancing to the gallery and inexperienced.'

He said he will encourage them to form clubs and associations and through which they can contribute to nation building.

Event over, polling has begun. While the results show Nuhu Ribadu in an early lead, some persons sure think the candidates all performed below expectation A young famous Nigerian music producer said: “I expected more from Nuhu RIbadu, but we cannot support politicians who have refused to contest, so we are left to make our choices from here.” One of the event organizers, Amara Nwapa, tweeted: “It is clear that the journey to issue-based politics in Nigeria will be a long one. But we are committed.” Then he followed up with another tweet stating: “We must be committed, as a collective, that we will not be having this kind of conversation in 4 yrs time.”

No reason was however given for candidates who were missing in action. The incumbent president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Pat Utomi (who called in sick) and Muhammad Buhari were voted to attend. Either way, Chude Jideonwo noted in a tweet: “History (is) in the making, people! Nigeria's first youth-centred presidential debate.”