Jega cautions Nigerians against voting criminals, greedy candidates
Attahiru Jega, a former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Tuesday, cautioned Nigerians against voting for candidates with questionable characters in the forthcoming general elections.
Mr Jega advised in his keynote address titled, “Toward Free, Fair and Credible 2023 General Elections”, at a public sensitisation organised by the Abuja National Mosque Da’awah.
He urged Nigerians to shun financial and material inducements during the election.
“Even more significantly, vote your conscience! Do not let monetary or material inducements sway you to vote for criminal, selfish, and greedy people,” he said.
The former INEC boss added, “We should also desist from voting for anti-people and narrow-minded contestants when there are decent, selfless, responsible, pro-people, visionary candidates.”
He said democracy hinged on citizens’ participation in elections, who in an enlightened manner, elect their trusted representatives in the legislative and governance institutions.
Mr Jega urged the electorate to use their PVCs appropriately during the general elections.
“The more enlightened voters we have going on election day to vote their conscience and make informed choices, the more choices, the better the quality of elected representatives will be.
“And the more likely the prospect of having good governance that will address people’s needs and aspirations while securing them and protecting their human dignity.”
Mr Jega, who said the 2023 general elections were the most consequential elections to be held globally, emphasised the need for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the country conducts free, fair, and credible elections.
“This is the only way to ensure quality representation, peaceful co-existence, progress, and socioeconomic development in our country,” he added.
Also, the special adviser to INEC chairman, Mohammed Kuna, said strides were being made to ensure that the electoral eco-system was credible, accountable, transparent, and responsive to the stakeholders’ needs.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Osun government urges residents to be on lookout for water pipe vandals
The water corporation’s general manager appealed to the state residents to be vigilant and monitor the activities of scavengers in their areas.
NationWide
Saudi donates 50 tonnes of dates to Nigerian government
Mr Alghamdi said the humanitarian donation reflected the decades-long brotherly bond between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
World
Iran, China agree on closer military cooperation
China has become the main customer of Iranian oil and a significant economic partner.
States
Lagos seals three churches, five hotels for noise pollution, other environmental breaches
According to the statement, LASCOPA shut down the establishments for alleged noise pollution and violation of other environmental laws.
World
Xi Jinping meets Blinken amid China-U.S. frosty ties
President Xi Jinping of China met with the U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken meet on Friday.
NationWide
Lawmaker seeks establishment of rehabilitation, integration agency for talented offenders
Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta) says he has proposed a bill before the Senate to establish a National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Agency.
