ACPN Charts Path To Fair Polls

The National Secretary of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Alhaji Ganiyu Galadima,  has called on other politicians and the Independent Electoral commission (INEC) to play by the rules,

To help to improve democracy in Nigeria.

“INEC and all politicians should demonstrate to other Nigerians and the rest of the world that they are competent and capable of conducting free, fair and peaceful elections.

“This can be only be done if they all work according to the laws as entrenched in the Electoral Act and the country’s Constitution,’’ he said.

Galadima said there would not be post-election crises and any other conflict if there was sincerity on the part of government particularly to conduct free and fair elections.

He said “challenges in the Nigerian electoral process and the insincerity of influential members of the political class must be tackled for the 2015 elections to be meaningful’’.

The politician said this would enhance the right atmosphere that would help the leaders to achieve and create the needed dividends of democracy.

He said taking such steps was an absolute necessity, as Nigerians have made enormous sacrifices in seeking an enduring democratic process since 1999.

“Only some significant members of the political class have shown they have less commitment to a free and fair electoral process.

“But when all of us play by the rule, democracy will be deeply rooted in this country,’’ Galadima said.

He however noted that democracy has been deepening its roots in the country with regular and improved elections.

“This can however only be sustained when politicians develop the necessary attitude and right courage to participate in the electoral process with good intentions.

“In addition to that, they should also learn to accept the wishes of the people for whoever emerges the winner to take his position,’’ the ACPN official said.

He said any failure to do this would seriously jeopardise the sustainability and stability of the nation’s democracy. “There is no democracy anywhere in the world that is perfect. But more needs to be done for the betterment of the nation,’’ Galadima said.