Ex-Presidential Candidates Forum Urges Tinubu to End Insecurity, Economic Hardship

A group under the aegis of the Association of Former Presidential Candidates of Nigeria (AFPCN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to focus on good governance and address insecurity and economic hardship in the country.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the National Chairman of the forum, Dr. Onwubuya Abraham Breakforth, appealed to President Tinubu not to be distracted by current political activities, but to focus on delivering good governance, revamping the economy, and ensuring the dividends of democracy reach Nigerians.

He said: “AFPCN is appealing to governments at all levels not to be distracted by current political activities. Rather, they should focus on delivering good governance, curbing insecurity, revamping the economy, and ensuring the dividends of democracy for national development.”

The group also advised political parties and aspirants not to heat up the political space, urging them instead to utilise internal party mechanisms and the provisions of the Electoral Act in addressing grievances arising from the primary elections held across the country.

The forum further disclosed that it would work with critical stakeholders to ensure peaceful elections that are free, fair, transparent, and devoid of violence and intimidation.

“AFPCN is advising all political parties and aspirants dissatisfied with the conduct of the primaries to use internal party mechanisms and the provisions of the Electoral Act to address their grievances in order to avoid overheating the polity and causing national instability.

“With respect to the upcoming general election, AFPCN will work with critical stakeholders to ensure that campaigns are issue-based and devoid of violence and intimidation. This will help in ensuring peaceful and credible elections for the collective good of our dear nation.”

Fielding questions on fears of a one-party state, Onwubuya dismissed concerns about the possibility of Nigeria becoming a one-party state, arguing that the country operates a constitutional democracy and a multi-party system.

He advised the opposition to close ranks and resolve their political differences rather than blaming the ruling party for their inability to function effectively.
“It is not easy to play opposition.

The opposition should close ranks and perform its constitutional role instead of blaming the ruling party for its imperfections.”
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