As the Edo State governorship election draws nearer, the Inter-Party Advisory Council has urged stakeholders not to view the election as a war.
The National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, in a statement on Sunday after a stakeholders’ meeting, explained that the exercise is intended to select leaders who will promote good governance, accountability, and development.
He advised all those involved in the election to prioritise peace, equity and justice and also called on stakeholders in the off-cycle election to collaborate to create an environment conducive to credible elections.
He reminded the stakeholders that the election is not war but simply an exercise in a democracy where voters choose leaders who will promote good governance, accountability and development.
He added, “As stakeholders, we must prioritise peace, equity, and justice. Let us work together to create an environment conducive to credible elections.”
Dantalle urged all stakeholders to adhere to the principles of democracy, respect the rights of others, and prioritise the interests of the Edo people and Nigeria in general, calling on all to join them as they work towards deepening democracy in Nigeria.
He also called on voters in Saturday’s governorship election to come out en masse and exercise their civic duty without hindrance and also encouraged the electorate to vote for candidates based on their manifestos, track records, and leadership qualities.
The council urged voters to reject any form of vote-buying, as it undermines the integrity of democracy, urging them to recognise that the will of the electorate is sacrosanct and must be respected.
The decision to choose leaders, according to him, rests squarely on the shoulders of the people, saying that is what makes democracy unique.
Leadership, he added, should be a selfless service to the people, stressing that no responsible leader would want to force themselves upon the people.
The IPAC chairman appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to remain neutral and impartial, pointing out that their roles are critical in maintaining the trust and confidence of the electorate.