Polls: Buhari Canvasses Support for APC Candidates
BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – Ahead of March 9 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to vote for All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates at all levels in the State.
Drumming up support for his party in Abuja yesterday, the President promised that APC will not disappoint Nigerians if they repose such confidence on its flag-bearers nationwide.
He also assured that security agencies are working hard to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free exercise on Saturday.
The President stated that Saturday’s poll is as important as February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections, even as he warned youths against becoming willing tools for violence and ballot box snatching during the polls.
In his message to Nigerians, President Buhari said: “The second and final phase of the 2019 general elections comes up on Saturday, March 9, with Nigerians voting for governors and members of Houses of Assembly in the states.
“Let me once again extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives or sustained injuries as a result of accidents or criminal violence during the elections.”
According to him; “The onus is once again on qualified people to turn out in large numbers to exercise their civic rights. With the presidential poll behind us, let us not become complacent, and fail to vote in the gubernatorial poll.
“The forthcoming elections are as important for good governance as that of the presidency and the National Assembly. Indeed, governance at the state level is closer to us, and should touch our lives more directly. That is why it is vital for us to participate in the choice of who governs us at the state levels.”
He therefore urged all eligible Nigerians to troop out en-masse on Saturday to elect your governors and state lawmakers of their choice.
President Buhari said as an APC member, he is recommending that Nigerians should support and vote for all those contesting on the Party’s platform, adding; “we are guided by progressive ideals, and we will not disappoint you.”
“Equally, I urge you to comport yourself properly, as you turn out for the election. Avoid all deviant behaviours like ballot stuffing, ballot snatching, and any other action that does not conform to best electoral practices.”
Assuring that the security agencies will be on hand to protect voters, and ensure the process is not undermined in anyway, the President pleaded; “Let’s make the gubernatorial polls much better than the presidential which both local and international observers have adjudged to be free and fair.”
