Former President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, has urged political candidates and leaders in the forthcoming elections to ensure a free, fair and peaceful process.
On February 25, Nigerians will go to the polls to elect President Muhammadu Buhari’s replacement as he is serving out the second of his constitutionally permitted two four-year terms.
Eighteen candidates are jostling to succeed him as leader of Africa’s biggest economy.
Top contenders include Bola Tinubu, a two-term former governor of Lagos and a major stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party as well as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president who is gunning for the position a record sixth time.
Also in the race are the Labour Party’s (LP) Peter Obi, a two-time former governor of Anambra, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, ex-defence minister and former governor of the northern hub Kano, on the ticket of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Buhari came to power promising to fix the economy, as well as tackling corruption and insecurity. But his presidency has been so underwhelming that even Tinubu, the APC’s national leader, has repeatedly dissociated himself from the failings of the government.
The economy has endured two recessions in the last five years, and the naira has plummeted to one-third of its value in that time.
There is also insecurity, especially in the northeast, northwest and southeast, where multiple armed groups hold grievances against the state and continue to conduct frequent rounds of killings and kidnappings.
The ex-president noted that Nigeria has been through a tough time but has come out victorious as the country currently has the largest economy in Africa.
“Now you have a historic opportunity to help write the next chapter of Nigeria’s progress by voting in the upcoming elections. For elections to be credible, they must be free, fair and peaceful. All Nigerians must be able to cast their votes without intimidation or fear. So, I call on all leaders and candidates to make it clear to their supporters that violence has no place in democratic elections and that they would not incite, support or engage in any form of violence before, during or when the votes are counted.”
He further stated: “I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express your views and reject the voice of those who call for violence. And when elections are free and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace no matter who wins.
“Successful elections and democratic progress would help Nigeria meet the urgent challenges faced today.“