By Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja
Barely two weeks to the 2023 presidential election, a group of elder statesmen called The Compatriots has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold all elections in one day.
Led by a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Victor Attah, the group said its advice if heeded would reduce logistics challenges and security risks associated with the current system in which elections are held in two separate days.
Led by a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Victor Attah, the group said its advice if heeded would reduce logistics challenges and security risks associated with the current system in which elections are held in two separate days.
INEC had since released a time table which stipulated that while the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 25, 2023, the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will hold on March 11, 2023.
In a statement signed and released by Attah, The Compatriots said: “All things considered, we strongly believe that there is merit in considering the option of holding all the elections in one day.
“While acknowledging that this will pose some challenges to the management of the elections, we consider it a safer option in the light of potential consequential threats to security.”
Attah also said the group observed with concern preparations and timelines for the forthcoming national and state elections, adding: “We reiterate our earlier statement that these elections must hold at all cost and must be credible. All actual and perceived threats to the elections must therefore be handled promptly and decisively. Current difficulties facing citizens represent threats to the elections.”
The group also advised that “rhetorics and statements which inflame passions should be avoided by all”, noting that “in particular, comments that suggest that the democratic elections must end with their candidate’s victory at all costs should be condemned.”
The Compatriots have former INEC secretary, Malam Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as Deputy Chairman and Prince Tom Iseghohi as its Secretary and Chief Operating Officer.
Other members of the group are Hajia Kadariya Ahmed, Chief Silas Mak Akpa, Alhaji Mohammed Murtala Aliyu, Dr. Kabir Chafe; Hajia Inna Ciroma and Rev. Bitrus Dangiwa, Prof. Rahila Gowon, Dr. Enyantu Ifene, Hajia Asmau Joda, retired Generals Zamani Lekwot and Saleh Maina as well as Bello Suleiman, an engineer.
Source: The Guardian
