Edo Guber Poll: Buhari Tasks Parties, Candidates, Others On Responsible Behaviour
Says peaceful election not negotiable
BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – President Muhammadu Buhari has cautioned political parties, candidates and security agencies against irresponsible behaviour during the September 19 Edo State governorship elections.
“I want to see democratic standards in the country raised higher at every level, but these cannot be achieved when politicians resort to do or die methods to gain power by any means or machination”, the president said
In a message to voters, political parties, election officials, security personnel and all stakeholders,, President Buhari stated that “the do-or-die mentality to politics is a threat to free and fair elections because the actors are more focused on winning than caring about a fair outcome that reflects the Will of the people.”
According to him, “I am passionately committed to free and fair elections, but my own commitment is not enough if other actors at ground zero refuse to abide by the rules”, the President said.
He therefore appealed to all political parties and their candidates to behave peacefully and respect law and order.
Signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the message quoted Buhari as also advising election officials and security agents “to remain neutral to ensure free and fair elections and avoid any action(s) capable of compromising the integrity of the elections.”
He said; “conducting free and fair elections is one of my main concerns for our democracy, and I want this commitment to be one of the legacies I will leave behind when I depart office.”
