As the upcoming February 25th Presidential elections come closer, a group of election observers have publicly declared their intention to expose any instances of vote buying, under-aged voting and overvoting that might occur. Their mission to ensure undisturbed elections is spearheaded by the Intercontinental Leadership Initiative (ILI). On Friday, members of ILI held a press conference in Jos to demonstrate their commitment to preventing all sorts of electoral malpractices.
Lead Trustee, Mr Prince Stafford Bisong was present at the press conference and aired his views on the matter. He made it clear that observers won’t let thieving politicians get away with robbing the people of electing competent leaders who can govern well and bring changes for their citizens.
This initiative comes as a relief for many citizens who have been straining to bring about reform for decades. They have always detested bad politics and those who are causing so much harm in their country just because they can manipulate the system for their personal gain. Now, they will receive much-needed help in making sure no such cruel activities take place during this election season.
The government has also shown its support for this exceptional cause by allowing unlimited access to voter ID cards across multiple stages of voting. This process will make sure only eligible voters get equal opportunity to involve themselves deeply in this election just like every other Nigerian whose right it is to elect legitimate leaders of their nation.
The election observers through ILI intend on doing everything they can do to hold fair elections and discourage incumbents from playing behind-the-scenes games against other candidates trying to become president or represent their constituencies respectively. They are dedicated to ensuring no malpractice takes place in these elections so that everyone’s opinion matters within the system available.
“We are calling on all stakeholders to avoid every form of electoral malpractice because our team of Observers are watching keenly to report accordingly”, Bisong said.
According to him: “Our vote is precious, it is the most powerful nonviolence tool in our society today and we must use it. In the words of Pat Mitchell, If you don’t vote, you are ignoring history and giving away your future.
“Bad leaders are elected by good citizens who do not vote because voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, our country Nigeria and the world at large.
“Nobody will deprive you of the right to vote except you deprive yourself by not voting”, he said.
Bisong called on all Nigerians of voting age who have PVC to go out and exercise their franchise by voting for the candidate of their choice in tomorrow’s Presidential and National Assembly Elections.
“We want all Nigerians to know that the security team led by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba have assured us during the signing of the Peace According in Abuja of a safe and secure environment for voting”, Bisong assured.