8 Things Atiku Said At The Second Signing Of Peace Accord For 2019 Elections

Atiku Calls For Peaceful And Credible Elections

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alh Atiku Abubakar has called on all stakeholders to ensure a free, fair and credible 2019 election.

He made the call while speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during the signing of the peace accord for the conduct of the 2019 general elections in Nigeria.

The occasion also had in attendance, President Muhammadu Buhari, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress and other presidential candidates.

Atiku was quick to point out that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian as he quoted the famous words of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Here are major points raised by Atiku during his speech during the event:

• My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.
• Nigeria’s democracy has matured and has benefitted from the solidarity of the international community.
• INEC and security agencies must be fair and be neutral in the discharge of their duties and obligations.
• Security operatives must not indiscriminately arrest members of opposition parties.
• President Muhammadu Buhari must use his good office to ensure every single vote counts.
• Nigeria’s democracy should emerge stronger after the 2019 general elections.
• Every candidate must be ready to accept the result of the elections after a credible conduct.
• All eligible Nigerians must go out to vote to elect candidates of their choice in a peaceful manner.

Also read the full transcript of his speech as made available to Naija News by Paul Ibe, Atiku’s media aide:

“May I use this opportunity to renew my profound gratitude, firstly to my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and then to General Abdulsalami Abubakar and members of the Peace Committee for their tireless enthusiasm, dedication, and passion towards ensuring the success of this Peace Accord Process!”

“Our gathering here today clearly demonstrates the importance of the upcoming elections as well as how our democracy has matured, not only to our people, but also to the international community whose solidarity, Nigeria’s democracy has benefited from.”

“As we prepare to sign off on this Peace Accord, as representatives of our party and people, may I freely quote the words of former President Goodluck Jonathan, which remains a benchmark, for me, taking into account the deep feelings that prevail as February 16th, 2019, approaches.”

“My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.”

“In this context, I appeal once again to every staff and the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force, to be fair arbiters in the upcoming elections while letting neutrality prevail.”

“For emphasis and in the spirit of fair play, I also urge our security agencies, not to embark on indiscriminate arrests of members of the opposition, 24 to 48 hours before elections, as has been the case in previous elections.”

“Hopefully, our democracy should emerge stronger from this process with the 2019 elections proving better managed than the 2015 process, which was adjudged free and fair with the then opposition’s victory unobstructed.”

“Consequently, I also appeal to the President, General Buhari, to use his good office to ensure that every eligible person who casts their vote is confident in the process and in the belief that their vote will count.”

“Additionally, every candidate must remember that this election is about the future of Nigeria, therefore, we must abide by the will of the people as freely expressed through elections, under the terms of our constitution.”

“Once again, despite concerns expressed by my party leaders concerning likely electoral malpractices and the intimidation of voters and observers, I trust that our election officials and security services will do their duty in accordance with their oath and obligations.”

“In conclusion, I appeal once again, to our citizens, to go out and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice, to be peaceful at all times, and confident in our democracy, its institutions, and processes.”

“So, please go out this Saturday to vote for your future and the future of our great nation.”

“May God bless you and God bless Nigeria.”