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2023 Election

2023: Be Vigilant, Protect The Sanctity Of Your Ballot – Victor Attah To Nigerians

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2023 Elections Left Nigeria, Tinubu With A Badly Damaged Image - Obong Attah
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Nigerians have been admonished ahead of the polls to be vigilant and protect their ballot during the election because it is the responsibility of everyone to defend the integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The call was made on Tuesday in a communique issued at the end of a meeting between a forum of certain eminent Nigerians identified as the Compatriots led by former Akwa-Ibom State governor, Obong Victor Attah and some presidential candidates and political parties.

The forum warned against activities and actions that could jeopardize the conduct of the forthcoming general elections.

The meeting was held against the backdrop of a threat by some political parties to boycott the elections because of the cash crunch caused by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) cashless policy.

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Naija News gathered that present at the meeting were the presidential candidates of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Chief Kola Abiola, Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Wole Adebayo, representative of the Labour Party candidate and running mate of Peter Obi, Dr Datti Baba Ahmed, representatives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Atiku Abubakar.

It was learnt that their counterparts in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Bola Tinubu and Rabiu Kwankwaso respectively were absent from the gathering.

The former Akwa Ibom State governor, while reading the communique to pressmen, urged Nigerians to be vigilant and determined to protect the sanctity of their ballot.

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The document partly reads “At the end of a very useful and inspiring meeting, the following was agreed:

“INEC’s integrity and competence should be protected by all stakeholders and Nigerians. It is necessary, however, to insist on the utilization of capacities that represent independent audits of its systems and processes from now until the elections.

“Candidates and their supporters should recognize that all Nigerians look forward to this election as being the one that will produce a leadership that will make a difference between further decline and sustainable greatness.

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“Nigerians expect a decent contest, a credible election and a peaceful transition to great leadership from all three arms of government.

“Losers should accept defeat or seek redress in the court. At all costs, the elections must hold, and we must avoid throwing the country into crises over the elections.

“All Nigerians who have registered should be availed opportunities to vote. These include allowing those who are legally registered to collect their PVCs, and improving the security environment so that it does not disenfranchise voters on election day.

“The judiciary has a vital role in improving the quality of our democratic process, and this election will provide it with an opportunity to exercise its responsibility with the highest level of integrity and impartiality.

“Government should take steps to relieve the citizen of severe difficulties under which he lives at the moment. This will greatly improve the atmosphere under which the elections will hold.

“Students in tertiary institutions represent a critical segment in the entrenchment of our democracy. Government should allow students the time and all opportunities to vote in the elections.

“Politicians should recognize that the elections are about the citizen’s right to freely exercise choices, and not just about the ambitions of the contestants.

“Nigerians are worried about negative campaigns which include damaging rhetorics and actions which strip contestants, one of whom we expect to be elected President soon, of dignity and respect.

“More Nigerians should be availed opportunities to see contestants discuss issues and contest ideas and strategies in the most mature manner as was witnessed at this meeting.

“For the new government to enjoy legitimacy and general support from the citizens, among other things, there must be an emphasis on ensuring credible elections.

“Irrespective of who wins the election, the new President will take over a sharply divided nation along regional, religious, and tribal lines with huge security issues.

“Consequently, the new government must immediately focus on the reconciliation of national grievances and strengthening of accountability and removal of impunity from governance.

“The candidates and the compatriots agreed that the polarization of the nation and the insecurity issues are fueled by unfairness, inequity, and injustices.

“It was agreed that the new President will inherit a fractured nation and must immediately embark on a journey of reunification.

“The Compatriots should collaborate with whoever wins the election to address these triple evils.

“The Compatriots believe that because of the diversity and composition of the group which represents the major tribes, religions, geo-political zones, the three generations and all the major social cultural groups, the new administration will gain instant credibility with Nigerians by partnering with The Compatriots.

“The Compatriots expressed gratitude to the contestants who accepted their invitations and have been encouraged by the realization that Nigeria does have aspiring leaders who, given the opportunity, will lead it well.”