…Accept INEC’s final results, Buhari tells candidates
…Like Jonathan, my ambition not worth blood of any Nigerian – Atiku
By Nasir Kura
President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other presidential candidates on Wednesday signed an agreement to make the forthcoming elections peaceful.
Speaking at the event organised by the National Peace Committee headed by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, the president appealed to the candidates to commit to the final outcome of the election to be announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Another election is upon us and not unexpectedly, there is anxiety in the air. This is typical of any form of competition and contest, no matter how well prepared all contestants and regulators are. The forthcoming elections are very special and significant for the growth of our democracy.
“First, they come immediately after one of the most peaceful elections in the history of our country. I am not saying this because I was blessed to emerge as the winner. I am saying there had been a lot of fears and anxieties from within and outside Nigeria about the future of the country. We are hopeful that this is evidence that we are all maturing in our disposition towards electoral outcomes. We see this as an opportunity to grow our sense of political culture in Nigeria.
“Secondly, we are witnessing an exciting development in the area of the engagement of our youth and women in the democratic process. Hitherto, these groups have often not been in the mainstream of our political competition. It is in appreciation of their contribution that we passed the Not Too Young to Run Bill last year. The success of the Act is illustrated by the unprecedented number of young men and women who have stepped forward to participate in this process as Candidates at all levels. Significantly, we have witnessed also the emergence of women as candidates across the political space.
“Thirdly, these elections are taking place against the backdrop of the emergence of an unprecedented number of political parties. As of now, we have 91 political parties, out of which over 70 fielded presidential candidates. Although some candidates have dropped out of the race, there is no doubt in our minds that our country is moving forward and that our democracy is expanding and also deepening.
“We, the presidential candidates are here to sign and commit ourselves to do all that is possible to ensure the success of the elections but most importantly to accept the final outcome. I appeal to my fellow contestants to commit to these ideals so as to keep our country and people safe. The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), our electoral Umpire, has already assured us that they have done everything possible to ensure free and fair elections,” he said.
He said the federal government has released to the Independent National Electoral Commission all the needed funds to conduct free, fair and credible elections, adding that security agencies, “have been fully briefed and they know that their visible neutrality is key to the conduct, credibility and success of the elections.”
The president called on Nigerians to contribute to the building of a viable polity by more active participation beyond casting of votes, saying elections by themselves do not constitute democracy.
He said it is the spirit of citizenship engagement that utilises the energy of citizens towards the attainment of good governance.
Also speaking, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said like former President Goodluck Jonathan, his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.
He said: “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 16, 2019, approaches. “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.”
Atiku appealed to the staff and leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies 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,” he said.
