Nigeria is on the cusp of yet another historic moment as 87.2 million citizens prepare to head to the polls to elect a new president tomorrow.
It is instructive to note that President Muhammadu Buhari has completed his second term in office and it will be the second time since the dawn of democracy in 1999, that an incumbent completes his two terms in office .
In the considered opinion of this newspaper, the outcome of this election will have far-reaching implications not just for the country but for the African continent as a whole and the reasons are not far fetched.
The outcome of this election will determine the direction that Nigeria takes for the next four years, and it is essential that all stakeholders work together to ensure a free, fair and transparent election.
Nigeria is a country of immense potential, yet it has faced numerous challenges that have impeded its progress. Corruption, poverty, insecurity and a lack of infrastructure are some of the challenges that Nigeria faces. These challenges can only be addressed through good governance, and the first step towards good governance is a free and fair election.
It is gratifying to note that candidates from 18 political parties participating in the presidential election signed a peace accord recently agreed in Abuja.
By the text of the peace accord, presidential candidates make a commitment to “accept and abide by the outcome of the 2023 presidential election and if issues should arise”, to “deploy constitutional means and appeal to the courts rather than other unconstitutional means”.
Indeed, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has a critical role to play in ensuring that the election is conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. The commission must ensure that all electoral materials are delivered to polling stations on time, that there is no vote buying, and that the votes of every citizen counts.
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INEC should also ensure that its officials are non-partisan and that they conduct themselves in a professional manner. The commission should also be proactive in addressing any challenges that may arise during the election, such as malfunctioning of voting machines, and ensure that they are resolved promptly.
Political parties, on the other hand, have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes peace and stability. They must ensure that their members and supporters do not engage in any form of violence or thuggery.
Candidates should also be ready to accept the outcome of the election and channel any grievances through the appropriate legal processes.
Security agencies, particularly the police, have a critical role to play in ensuring that the election is peaceful. They must provide security at polling stations and ensure that citizens are not intimidated or harassed while exercising their civic duty. Security agencies should also be proactive in preventing any acts of violence, including the use of force when necessary. However, security agencies must operate within the ambit of the law and respect the fundamental human rights of citizens.
We recall that President Buhari had charged the Nigeria Police Force to perfect operational plans that will guarantee a credible 2023 general elections to ensure that the outcome reflects the will of Nigerians. He urged police personnel not to help any of the candidates rig the polls but to remain apolitical, firm, and loyal to democratic values. That must be their watchword.
Similarly, civil society organisations also have a crucial role to play in ensuring a peaceful election. They must monitor the election, and report any cases of violence or malpractice real time.
Furthermore, citizens themselves must recognise the importance of a peaceful election and do their part to ensure that it happens. They must shun violence and other forms of electoral malpractice, including vote buying. Citizens should also go out to vote and protect their votes from being manipulated.
They should also report any cases of violence or malpractice to the appropriate authorities.
Consequently, this presidential election is a critical moment for Nigeria, and it is essential that all stakeholders work together to ensure that it is peaceful and violence-free. This will require the active participation of the electoral commission, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, and citizens themselves.
The international community is also watching Nigeria closely, and it is important that the election is seen as free, fair and transparent. Nigeria is a key player in the African continent and the world, and a peaceful election will enhance its reputation and credibility.
In view of the foregoing, we must all be mindful of the fact that the future of our great nation is at stake, and a peaceful election is necessary for our collective progress. We, therefore, call on all stakeholders to play their part and ensure that the election is a success.
