24th February, 2023
Nigeria’s former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has appealed to all presidential candidates and others to shun violence and embrace the spirit of sportsmanship.
The three main presidential candidates in Saturday’s presidential election are Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (APC), Atiku Abubakar (PDP) and Peter Obi (LP).
Jonathan, in a statement, said this is a time for the politicians to be circumspect in their actions and work towards consolidating the nation’s democracy.
He said power is sought and held in trust to be selflessly exercised in the interest of the people and that seeking it at all costs negated this ideal and projected politicians in bad light.
“Let us eschew hatred and violence and display true sportsmanship, during and after the poll,” he said.
The former president said this election is historic as citizens cast their ballots this weekend to elect the next president and federal parliamentarians who would be expected to make laws for the common good of the land.
“The same exercise will be repeated for governorship and state houses of assembly in two weeks. It is a time that requires us all to exercise the highest form of patriotism in our nation-building journey and collective quest for peace and progress.
“Let us approach this election with devotion, dedication, and selflessness, by ensuring that we don’t jeopardize our country’s peace and unity as we exercise our franchise and pursue our political dreams and aspirations.
“In recent times, West Africa and few other nations in our continent have witnessed a crisis of democracy that has led to unconstitutional change of governments, which has derailed their democratic quest for peace and development.
“We must not allow our elections to be a source of violence and anarchy. We must desist from the temptation of yielding to those desirous of making our communities and states, theatres of conflicts for their selfish ends.
“Let us realize that the primary purpose of democracy is to uphold the freedom and dignity of citizens and deploy the instruments of governance towards advancement and improving the well-being of our people.
“We should strive to consolidate the gains we have recorded in our democracy in the last two decades by ensuring that the elections are peaceful, just, and fair,” he said.
Jonathan urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other critical stakeholders in the nation’s democracy to be professional, civil, and non-partisan as they carried out their duties during this election.
“This way, we can deepen citizens’ faith in our democratic process and minimize the likelihood of electoral violence. To our youth, the future belongs to you; do not allow yourselves to be used as agents of destruction and violence. Nigeria is yours to build.
“This election provides you with the opportunity to be key partners in the nation-building process by electing leaders of your choice; those you can hold to account, those you trust to defend your future and guarantee unity, peace, and prosperity in our great country.
“Finally, to all citizens, this is a moment of truth and courage. Democracy has put our fate in our hands. It has given us power, power to make right choices, determine our future and shape our destiny.
“I urge you all to make your respective choices in the best interest of our land. Let us make our choices peacefully and respect the choices and rights of others,” he stated.