The Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo has called for a conscious effort towards maintaining peace after elections in the country, not just during elections.
He explained that what must be done differently this time is to know the journey of peace which involves saying the truth at all times even when it is not favourable.
Adebayo made this call on Tuesday when he attended the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Foundation 2022 Peace Conference at the NAF Conference centre, Abuja, with the theme: Nation Building; The Role of Election in a Multi-Ethnic Context Background.
He said: “The reason why we are celebrating President Jonathan for many other reasons is that, in the search for peace, he made sacrifice. If we take that peace which he donated but if we refuse to do justice, the next person may not do it. What we need to do therefore is to do justice. This election will come and go in the same ritual of fear and war and rumors of war.”
“I think we must go as a nation beyond just saying the target we set for ourselves is peaceful election, which is too much of a low bar. What happens the day after the election?”
The SDP presidential candidate added that the 2023 elections should be one where Nigerians unite to bring in a new leadership that can advance the country beyond where it is.
Adebayo was accompanied by his entourage; Sen. Ugochukwu Uba, Mulikat Adeola, Pst Ade Alabi, Hon. Richard Oriri and Chief Godwin Osigbeme.
The event provided an opportunity for various stakeholders to examine how the Nigerian democratic space has evolved over time, discuss the trends and threats to inclusive and peaceful elections and canvass strategies towards nation building that will consolidate the Nigeria’s 23 years of democracy and sustain a culture of peaceful elections.
The dignitaries present at the event were H. E Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Chairman, West African Elders Forum, ECOWAS Council of the wise, Patience Jonathan, former First Lady of Nigeria, Ms. Ann Iyonu Mpi, Executive Director, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria, H. E Douye Diri – Governor, Bayelsa State, and others.
