Nigerian leader kicks off campaign

Four ex-generals are seeking the presidency

By Dan Isaacs BBC, Abuja

Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has launched his bid for re-election.

At a news conference, he looked every inch a man confident of securing a second four year term in a poll scheduled for the 19 April.

It is expected to be a tightly fought contest with his closest challenger, Muhammadu Buhari.

Both men are retired generals who led military governments in the late 1970s and early 80s.

Relaxed and occasionally jovial with the foreign and local media present, he outlined his achievements in office and plans for his next four year term.

It was an upbeat display but in reality, the performance of his government at reviving the economy and in tackling widespread corruption has not been particularly impressive.

Managed event

This was a carefully managed media event in the cavernous international conference centre in Abuja and he was not called upon to defend himself to any great extend.

OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

1937: Born in south-west; a Christian and a Yoruba

1976-79: Military ruler

1995-98: Jailed by military regime

1999: Elected president

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He now has a sceptical electorate to convince that he is up to the job for another four years.

But the machinery of the ruling People's Democratic Party is a formidable one and Mr Obasanjo will embarking as its figurehead on a gruelling two month campaign, appearing at rallies across the country.

With the main national broadcast media largely under state control, it will be his message that will be most readily available to the public and the task of his opponents to get a fair and equal hearing on the airwaves and in the press.

Although the official list has not yet been published, it is believed that about 20 candidates have put their names forward to contest the presidency.