by Kolapo Olapoju

Youth supporters of the leading presidential candidates, Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), were earlier today, engaged in a fierce debate on Y!/YNaija.com’s youth focused show, Rubbin’ Minds on Channels TV.

The show, which was hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, featured on the side of President Jonathan New York-based social commentator and self-styled security expert, Mukhtar Daniyan (@MrAyeDee), Anthony Ehilebo of the PDP presidential campaign and Demola Rewaju.

#TeamBuhari, however had Akintunde Oyebode (Twitter handle: @AO1379), Ismail Ahmed, Chairman, APC Youth Forum and Ikem Isiekwene.

Conversation during the debate centered on security, economy, clamour for change, resolve for continuity, among others.

The debate started with #TeamGEJ, with the President’s men categorically stating that he has done well in the area of women empowerment and transformation.

#TeamGMB countered them with a supposed shortcoming of the President, saying he has failed on security as thousands of people have died under his watch because of the menace of Boko Haram.

To which the President’s men issued a rebuttal saying that he was caught unaware with the abduction of the Chibok girls, however, adding that he is now acting like a true Commander-in-Chief.

#TeamGEJ added that Jonathan is working assiduosly to transform Nigeria, adding that the poverty situation presently obtainable in the country is not the creation of the President.

Apparently unimpressed, Buhari’s supporters insisted that the inability of President Jonathan to rescue the Chibok girls almost a year after they were kidnapped was clear instance of “dereliction of his duty.”

Buhari’s soldiers added that the lowest unemployment rate in Nigeria can be found in states governed by the APC, however, Jonathan’s army countered it saying, it was not true.

It is not clear as to which team came tops in the live debate which trended on social media but what is clear is the passion and commitment of both sides of the divide to see Nigeria move forward under a democratic administration.