- Safiu Kehinde
Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has addressed all political parties and stakeholders ahead of the Saturday Edo Governorship election, urging them to respect the democratic process and the people’s will.
Tinubu called on the parties, governorship candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully.
The President made this call in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
NPO Reports the weeks of fierce campaign from the camp of the major political parties which include the All Progressive Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP).
However, Tinubu harped on a democracy that thrives on civility, tolerance, patience, and respect for the rules of the electoral process.
He assured the public of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) preparedness to conduct a free and fair election.
While commending the political parties and their candidates for their conduct during campaign, Tinubu urged the electorates to remain peaceful and respectful throughout the voting process.
The statement read in part; “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on all stakeholders in the upcoming Edo State governorship elections to conduct themselves peacefully and sportingly. The election is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.
“The President implores the governorship candidates, political parties, and supporters to respect the democratic process and the people’s will. He believes in the voters’ ability to make informed decisions about their future leaders.
“President Tinubu emphasizes that democracy thrives on civility, tolerance, patience, and respect for the rules of the game.
“He notes that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has committed to conducting a free and fair election and urges all stakeholders to work together to ensure a successful and peaceful process.
“The President commends the governorship candidates and political parties for their campaigns, which have focused on issues that matter most to the people of Edo State, including improving livelihoods, promoting economic growth, and contributing to national development.
“He urges all citizens in the state to remain peaceful and respectful throughout the voting process. He encourages them to resolve any disagreements amicably through the constituted authorities.
“In addition, President Tinubu expresses unwavering confidence in the professionalism and integrity of security agencies and INEC officials. He urges them to remain impartial and avoid any actions that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.”