President Muhammadu Buhari has urged presidential candidates and others contesting the 2023 polls to accept the result of the exercise as may be announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Buhari, who spoke at the signing of the 2nd Peace Accord for the 2023 Presidential elections at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday, urged the contestants at all levels to respect the choice of voters.
“There should be no riots or acts of violence after the announcement of the election results. All grievances, personal or institutional, should be channeled to the relevant courts.
“Any aggrieved candidate should resort to the established judicial processes, and we must have the confidence to trust our legal systems.
”I once again ask the candidates to abide by the spirit and letter of the Accord they have signed today,” Buhari said.
Three frontrunners in the presidential race are Peter Obi (LP), Bola Tinubu (APC), and Atiku Abubakar (PDP).
”Let me remind all Nigerians not for the first time that this is the only country we have, and we must do everything to keep it safe, united and peaceful.”
He assured Nigerians that his administration will continue to do the utmost to deliver a free and fair election, adding: “Deep concerns have been raised about the conduct of the 2023 general elections and the outcomes they may throw up.
”Since my assumption of office, we have worked so hard to ensure that we pass on a legacy of free, fair, credible, safe, and peaceful elections.
”We will continue to act with neutrality and allow the rule of law to take precedence over political expediency.
”We have demonstrated that with the off-circle elections in Edo, Ondo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States. We allowed Nigerians to decide who should govern them. We are committed to that legacy in this administration.’’
Buhari assured INEC, security agencies and all relevant institutions saddled with responsibility of conducting the elections, of his administration’s continuous support.
He asked them to be firm and courageous, abiding by the laws and constitutional provisions in conducting the elections.
”We must constantly improve our electoral process using technology and all the positive elements it brings to consolidate the integrity of the elections.”
He thanked the Chairman and members of the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State, retired Gen.Abdulsalami Abubakar, for their commitment and sacrifices towards ensuring peaceful elections in Nigeria.
”I commend the Committee’s commitment and loyalty not only to the electoral process but to peace generally in Nigeria. The committee has made a name for itself, at home and abroad.
“The Federal Government will give the Peace Committee all the necessary support needed to make their work more impactful and successful.”
He called on all other agencies and the International Development Partners to give them all the support in facilitating peaceful elections in the country.
In his speech, Gen. Abubakar expressed concern about non-compliance by major political parties with the National Peace Accord signed in September 2022.
”44 per cent of the violations were carried out by the spokespersons of the political parties; 26 per cent by party members; 19 per cent by the presidential candidates themselves; 11 per cent by the hardcore supporters and 4 per cent by the Chairmen of the parties.”
According to him, since official campaigning on September 28, 2022, there have been 60 attacks recorded on political rallies, resulting in nine fatalities, with the highest numbers in the southwest and southeast and lowest in the northeast and north-central, according to data collated by the National Election Violence Tracker.
He, therefore, called on all political actors, key stakeholders and Nigerians to support a peaceful transition, promote the ideals of peace and a violent free post-election period.
‘‘I urge all politicians who will sign the accord to fully commit themselves to the letter and spirit of the Accord.”
INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu assured the nation that the presidential election will hold on Saturday, February 25, as scheduled, saying‘‘INEC is ready.’’
He said INEC had already commenced the movement of sensitive materials to the various local government areas nationwide.
”All political parties and candidates are hereby reassured of the commission’s neutrality. INEC is not a political party. We have no candidate in the election. Our allegiance is to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and our loyalty is to Nigerians.
”Therefore, Nigerians should feel confident that their votes will count,” he said.
