…as ex-military ruler expresses fears over monetisation of process, acrimonious conduct of party primaries, elevation of ‘delegate position’
Former head of state, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), says the 2023 general elections may not be the best due to the monetization of the entire process.
Abubakar, who is the head of the National Peace Committee (NPC), expressed his fears in a statement on the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 18.
The NPC, whose Secretary is the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, stated that the acrimonious conduct of the recent party primaries, and the elevation of the ‘delegate position’ over and above the welfare of ordinary Nigerians were signs of threats to the conduct of next year’s polls.
“We are aware that the 2023 election may not be the best, as can be attested to by the monetisation of the process, the acrimonious conduct of the recent party primaries, and the elevation of the ‘delegate position’ over and above the welfare of ordinary Nigerians,” the former military ruler said.
Abdulsalami, however, appealed to voters in Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State to ensure peace conduct and eschew electoral violence.
The former head of state, in the statement jointly signed by the Head of Secretariat of the NPC, Fr. Atta Barkindo, called on the electorate in the state to exercise their franchise without fear by voting to deepen the democratic process in Ekiti.
He added, “The commitment of the people of Ekiti to democratic ideals and the tenacity of ordinary Nigerians in support of our democracy and its processes, must be applauded in all its ramifications.
“In the run-up to the Ekiti governorship elections, the people of Ekiti are the ones mobilised to attend the rallies, and on election day, they will most certainly abandon their means of livelihood, line-up for hours at polling units, often under harsh weather conditions, with no absolute guarantee for safety of their lives.
“Yet, they will patiently wait and vote with hope that things will be better and that their living conditions will at least improve. They carry the hope of generations yet unborn. This set of voters, not just in Ekiti but across the country, are the real custodians of democracy.
“Their willingness to step out and vote despite the disappointments that seem to accompany previous elections indicate that democracy in all its limitations has been accepted as the best form of government for Nigeria.”
Abdulsalami also appealed to everyone taking part in the Ekiti governorship election to follow due process, conduct themselves with civility, patriotism and avoid taking laws into their hands.
He added, “The NPC also wishes to announce that a peace accord will be signed by the various political parties and stakeholders on Wednesday, June 15, at the Amazing Grace Events Hall, Ikokun, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
“In particular, we call on our youths not to make themselves pawns in the political chessboard of the political class. The youths must realise that the security, stability, and future of Nigeria remains their common patrimony. They must make themselves available to become ambassadors of peace, retaining hope in Nigeria and support the democratic process in Ekiti state, and Nigeria in general.”
