Nigeria’s elections: A Sunday programme special

Nigeria’s presidential elections on February 16 will decide who leads Africa’s most populous nation for the next four years. In a Sunday special from Lagos, Edward Stourton explores the effect religion plays in Nigerian life and its importance in the upcoming ballot. Religiously linked violence in Nigeria’s northern states and middle belt colours the backdrop of these elections. We speak to those affected and examine the impact the clashes will have on how people vote. Femi Kuti who, like his father Fela Kuti, combines music with social activism, speaks to Edward Stourton about the choices facing Nigeria. And as two leading candidates are both in their 70s, we speak to some of Nigeria’s under 25s, who make up more than half the population, about how they view the elections.

Producer: Harry Farley Helen Lee