Three days to general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and presidential candidate of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.
Atiku who was quoting former President Goodluck Jonathan made this declaration Wednesday during the signing of the peace accord by the 73 presidential candidates including President Muhammadu Buhari at the International Conference Abuja.
“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 16th, 2019, approaches. “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.”
“In this context, I appeal once again to every staff and the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force, to be fair arbiters in the upcoming elections while letting neutrality prevail.
“In conclusion, I appeal once again, to our citizens, to go out and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice, to be peaceful at all times, and confident in our democracy, its institutions and processes. So, please go out this Saturday to vote for your future and the future of our great nation”, Atiku said.
On his part President Buhari of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC appealed to young people to eschew all forms of violence, adding that, “we will vote for political parties but at the end, only one party- Nigeria, will be the winner”
“No matter how prepared our candidates are, the forthcoming elections are very important, as they come immediately after one of the most peaceful elections in the history of our country.
Buhari who noted that the election has unexpectedly created anxiety in the air,said It is an evidence that, “we are all maturing in our democratic process”.
He assured that government has provided everything needed by the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct free, fair and credible election, adding that the ” Security agencies have been duly briefed about their roles in ensuring free and fair election”.
Meanwhile, world leaders and international observers who witnessed the event appealed to the aspirants and their supporters to commit themselves to peaceful, fair and credible elections.
Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General, in her remarks dclared that, “elections will come and go but Nigeria will remain. Treat her tenderly because she deserves your love and devotion”.
Scotland noted that Nigeria being the largest in Africa in terms of economy and population, whatever happens to her, “matters to all.”
She further emphasized that it is important that the country remains an example to not just other countries in the region but her peers globally.
While quoting the second stanza of the national anthem, Scotland stressed that, “whatever happens to Nigeria matters to all”.
In his remarks, Ibn Chambas who represented the UN urged, “those who win or lose should accept the outcomes of the polls”.
“The UN stands with the people of Nigeria at this critical moment and always”, he stated.
Alfred Diette-Spiff, the Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, who spoke on behalf of the royal fathers at the event noted that the world is watching Nigeria adding that the nation has suffered so much violence in the Hands of Boko Haram adding that it is time to rally everyone.
He urged the politicians to keep the peace , adding that no ambition of any politician is worth the blood of any Nigerian
Clement Nwakwo of the Civil Society Situation Room, in his good will message, noted that the country had bled tremendously and therefore there was the need to subject their ambition to the will of all Nigerians.
He told the politicians that “It is important that in signing the accord, they have committed to the Will of the people.
“Every one including the politicians agreed on the need for a free, fair and credible election.
” The Nigerian people will go out and vote and we hope their votes will count”
He noted that it is an opportunity to say to the world, we can do it ”
High point of the event was when all the Presidential candidates of the political parties signed the peace accord.
Shortly after all the other candidates signed the accord, President Muhammadu Buhari was invited to also do same
Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council, Peter Ameh, reiterated that the election result must reflect the will of the people, that their votes will count and the will of the election collator
” The world is looking on to us to lead the African nation” He called on the INEC and security agencies to be impartial during the election
Ebitu Ukiwe , the National Vice Chairman of the Peace Committee, in his vote of thanks, said the Peace Committee has “tried to clear the rubbles of doubts and anxiety that the elections will be free and fair”
He commended the leaders of the International community for the roles they played in the various elections in Nigeria from 2015.
