The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on all political parties
in the country as well as all other relevant stakeholders in the
electoral process to relegate all narrow group interests and join hands
with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee
the success of the 2015 general elections.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh in a statement on Sunday
said all parties must come together in the interest of the nation and
ensure that measures that create the environment for credible, free and
fair elections are firmly put in place.
“The responsibility of building a united, strong and prosperous nation
anchored on democratic principles lies on all of us collectively. We
therefore charge all political parties, other relevant groups and all
stakeholders in the electoral process to jettison all personal/group
interests and put that of our nation and its people ahead of all.
“The future of our nation is determined by what we do or say at this
point in time. We must therefore resolve to work together as patriotic
citizens and join hands with INEC and relevant institutions of
government to ensure credible, free and fair elections devoid of rancor
and avoidable disagreements.
“At this point, what should be paramount is the well being of our people
and the survival of our dear nation and its democracy. We must therefore
close ranks as brothers and sisters and resist the machinations of
enemies of our country who do not wish us well.
“In this regard, we must redirect our political discourse and energies
to productive issues that promote national development, reinforce our
unity and engender mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence of our
people. It is only through this that we can create the enabling
environment for peaceful general elections and guarantee the overall
stability of our country.
“Nigeria is a great nation. We must appreciate the resilience of our
people and their resolve to succeed. In the last four years, through the
meticulous application of policies by the President Goodluck
Jonathan-led PDP administration, our economy has grown to become the
largest in Africa and the third fastest growing in the world, a feat
that would not have been possible without the support of hard working
Nigerians who have excelled in business and economy.
“Indeed, we cannot afford to fail our citizens at this time of our
national life. We must work hard to continue to ensure that the
environment that contributed to the successes we have recorded is
adequately maintained and enhanced”, the PDP said.
The party also called on INEC to gird it loins and appreciate the fact
that it is “saddled with an enormous responsibility and that “Nigerians
expect nothing less than a transparent electoral process”.
Urging INEC to “work harder and effectively use the period provided by
the shift in the dates of elections to perfect all arrangements
including its processes and equipment for credible election, the PDP
said the commission should understand that “observations by stakeholders
are not intended to castigate, weaken or destroy the electoral process
but to assist in deepening democracy so that at the end of the day,
Nigerians will be the ultimate winners”.
The party also urged the electoral umpire to adequately test-run its
equipment in a mock election session, within two weeks to demonstrate
and ensure their practicability and reliability in the field.
While commending INEC for sacking its two officials involved in denying
non-indigenes of their voters cards in Lagos, the PDP said such
practices are still going on in various parts of Lagos and other select
states and urged the commission to ensure that the trend is completely
checked and that all registered voters are given their PVCs to
participate in the elections.
Finally, the PDP called on all registered voters to continue to show
patriotism by obtaining their voter’s card and voting for the candidates
of their choice in the elections, especially recognizing the need to
move the nation in the path of peace, unity, tolerance, respect for the
rule of law and personal freedom of all citizens.