Obi/Datti media tasks Buhari, INEC on credible elections

The Obi/Datti Media Office has called President Muhammadu Buhari and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to keep their promises to deliver free, fair and credible elections to Nigerians.

While urging INEC to make adequate logistics arrangements without excuses on election days, the organisation in a statement expressed delight that President Muhammadu Buhari had repeatedly promised to bequeath a legacy of free, fair and transparent polls to Nigerians.

Quoting Buhari as saying that “no election winner will be denied his mandate, irrespective of the party to which they belonged,” the Obi/Datti campaign organisation reminded INEC of its promise that it’s “allegiance is to Nigeria.”

Obi/Datti media told INEC chairman, “You have repeatedly said our loyalty is to Nigerians who want free, fair, credible and verifiable elections supported by technology, which guarantees transparent accreditation and upload of polling unit results for citizens to view in.”

The campaign organisation, therefore, urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the INEC boss “to walk their talk as it’s the best thing to do for our democracy to endure.”

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Part of the statement read: “It was refreshing and encouraging for the growth of democracy in our country hearing President Muhammadu Buhari and the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu giving assurances of free, fair and credible elections in 2023.

“President Buhari on a courtesy call at the palace of the Gbong Gwom of Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba last Tuesday said, “No election winner will be denied his mandate, irrespective of the party to which they belonged.”

“In an open letter to Nigerians to mark 100 days to the Presidential election on February 25 2023, INEC boss, Prof Yakubu said on Thursday, “Once again, another general election is upon us, the 7th since the restoration of democracy in Nigeria in 1999. Over the last 23 years, we have made a steady progress in the twin areas of electoral reform and election administration.

“The Obi-Datti Media Office notes these assurances coming from the two most critical characters whose sincere guarantees and commitment will ensure for free, fair and credible  elections in 2023.

“In 2019 about 28.6m Nigerians voted in the presidential election out of 82.3m registered voters which is not good enough and part of the seeming voter apathy is due to lack of transparency that puts voters off.

“It’s also due to logistics challenges arising from personnel incompetence, corruption and abuse of privileges and power by some stakeholders that includes security operatives.

“In view of the fresh assurances from these key stakeholders, the Obi-Datti political family wishes to encourage and urge them to perform actions consistent with their claims and pronouncements.

“We, therefore, finally urge the President and the INEC boss to walk their talk as it’s the best thing to do for our democracy to endure.”