The executive director, Connected Development, a civil society organisation (CSO), Mr Hamzat Lawal, has called for adequate security for the successful conduct of the 2023 general election.
Lawal, an independent election observer, made the call at the sideline of Kogi Central Senatorial primary election of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okene.
According to him, without adequate security, INEC’s sensitive materials will not be safe, and Nigerians will not come out to cast their ballot, thereby leading to voter apathy.
“There is a need to ensure adequate security as much as primary elections are ongoing in Nigeria, but my major concern is the general elections in 2023.
“Today, I am happy that we have adequate security on ground and some of the agents and aspirants are well coordinated.
“We have INEC officials as well as various security agencies to ensure there is peace and the election is free and fair,” he said.
Lawal also urged Nigerian youths to ensure active participation in politics by being card-carrying members of political parties, and be part of the process and structure.
He stressed that youths’ participation in the political process was key to embracing inclusion, inter-generational equity and dialogue.
He urged politicians and legislators to put their personal interest aside, and deliver on good governance and services to the people based on their ideals and manifestos.
Lawal, an anti-corruption activist and founder, Follow the Money, said the fact that money politics is still prevalent, signified that the anti- corruption agencies were not doing enough.
“If they do, people with money bags will be scared to use money to entice voters. If we must get it right, we must embrace our value system which has been eroded,” he said.
