Atiku Abubakar, the presidential
candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says his ambition is not worth
the blood of any Nigerian.
Speaking at the signing of the
national peace accord ahead of the February 16 presidential election, the
former vice-president called on security agencies not to arrest opposition
leaders 24 to 48 hours before the election.
“May I use this opportunity to
renew my profound gratitude, firstly to my party, the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP), and then to General Abdulsalami Abubakar and members of the Peace
Committee for their tireless enthusiasm, dedication, and passion towards
ensuring the success of this Peace Accord Process,” he said.
“Our gathering here today clearly
demonstrates the importance of the upcoming elections as well as how our
democracy has matured, not only to our people, but also to the international
community whose solidarity, Nigeria’s democracy has benefited from.
“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’.”
Atiku called on officials of the
Independent National Electoral Commission to remain neutral.
“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.
“For emphasis and in the spirit
of fair play, I also urge our security agencies, not to embark on
indiscriminate arrests of members of the opposition, 24 to 48 hours before
elections, as has been the case in previous elections.
“Hopefully, our democracy should
emerge stronger from this process with the 2019 elections proving better
managed than the 2015 process, which was adjudged free and fair with the then
opposition’s victory unobstructed
“Consequently, I also appeal to
the President, General Buhari, to use his good office to ensure that every
eligible person who casts their vote is confident in the process and in the
belief that their vote will count.
“Additionally, every candidate
must remember that this election is about the future of Nigeria, therefore, we
must abide by the will of the people as freely expressed through elections,
under the terms of our constitution.
“Once again, despite concerns
expressed by my party leaders concerning likely electoral malpractices and the
intimidation of voters and observers, I trust that our election officials and
security services will do their duty in accordance with their oath and
obligations.
“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. May God bless you
and God bless Nigeria”.
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