*Exciting new technology allows candidates, youth to interact

Buhari using an Ipad

Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari and Vice Presidential running-mate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo will take their election campaign to a new level this week.

The APC candidates, according to a statement from the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO), are set to launch a personal, interactive message to young voters using the latest in digital technology, Augmented Reality, which will allow the candidates to speak directly to young voters on their smartphones.

The statement signed by Malam Garba Shehu, Director, Media and Publicity of the Campaign said that Augmented Reality is a cutting edge technology that brings “magic” to android smartphones and tabs. He reveals that the “Next for Nigeria” app is the first time this technology will be used in an election in Africa.

The candidates have recorded a special message to young voters which has been processed into Augmented Reality using graphics and animation and will be shared through a downloadable app.

“The technology provides a channel of expression for the young people of Nigeria, through which they can also voice their aspirations and hopes”, said Shehu.

“The young peoples’ expression and voice regarding their decision for Nigeria’s future will be shared through these apps and distributed through popular social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others,” added Shehu.

According to Shehu, the candidates had asked the campaign to find a way for them to speak directly to youth in a personal setting that also allowed feedback. “They felt that speaking through rallies and TV, while standard campaign practice, does not show their seriousness in reaching out to the youth of Nigeria. This new technology was the perfect answer,’ he said.

“We hope that young people will find this new technology an exciting and enjoyable experience,” Shehu concluded.

The “Next for Nigeria” app can be downloaded for smartphones at https:play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nigeria.nextnigeria.

The message is then activated by focusing the smartphone on a party logo, which will then trigger the technology.