The Forum of Presidential Candidates and Political Parties for Good Governance urge the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party to drop opposition to the Presidential election results

THE Forum of Presidential Candidates and Political Parties for Good Governance have called on Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to accept the outcome of the 2019 general elections. The forum urged Abubakar to drop the legal option in expressing his grievances.

The group in a statement signed by Shitu Kabir Mohammed, its chairman, said that its advice is in consistent with the counsel of many well meaning Nigerians including Olisa Agbakoba and General Ibrahim Babangida. It stated that the former vice president had made a mark among Nigerians of means who have positively impacted their communities.

“We think he has a lot more to contribute to developing humanity and promoting peace and progress in our nation, even without holding any political office.  At his age, he should now avoid any action and utterances capable of fanning the embers of discord, disagreement and violent conduct. Nigeria is greater than any personal or class interest,” it said.

The group also congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election. “We are indeed not oblivious of the fact that only one candidate will emerge as president. Now that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, President Muhammadu Buhari has been re-elected, we have no qualms accepting his victory. Permit this opportunity to congratulate president Buhari on his well deserved victory at the polls.

“The pattern of voting, the large turn-out and county-wide endorsement of President Buhari attests to the fact that Nigerians are pleased with him, his style of leadership and performance in the last  three and half years.  It is our collective view that he should be encouraged to improve on his performance during his second tenure. That is why we earlier endorsed him and gave him our backing.

“After the presidential contest and the declaration of a winner, it is time we begin the process of moving the country forward. Now is the time to do away with primordial sentiments, especially all ethnic, religious and class sentiments. Nigeria is bigger than all. We have taken keen interest in the pronouncements of politicians and some elder statesmen on the outcome of the election and its acceptability or otherwise.”

The forum also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for conducting a credible, free and fair election. It stated that despite the obvious lapses bothering on human error and isolated cases of thuggery and intolerance, INEC conducted a satisfactory election. The forum therefore, charged INEC to improve on its operational logistics ahead of the governorship and state assemblies elections to ensure that all Nigerians willing to vote are able to exercise their mandate without hindrance. “The same advice goes to all security agencies, especially security personnel directly involved in election-related duties.”

– Mar. 4, 2019 @ 15:45 GMT |