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Attahiru Jega, a former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Tuesday, cautioned Nigerians against voting for candidates with questionable characters in the forthcoming general elections.
Mr Jega advised in his keynote address titled, “Toward Free, Fair and Credible 2023 General Elections”, at a public sensitisation organised by the Abuja National Mosque Da’awah.
He urged Nigerians to shun financial and material inducements during the election.
“Even more significantly, vote your conscience! Do not let monetary or material inducements sway you to vote for criminal, selfish, and greedy people,” he said.
The former INEC boss added, “We should also desist from voting for anti-people and narrow-minded contestants when there are decent, selfless, responsible, pro-people, visionary candidates.”
He said democracy hinged on citizens’ participation in elections, who in an enlightened manner, elect their trusted representatives in the legislative and governance institutions.
Mr Jega urged the electorate to use their PVCs appropriately during the general elections.
“The more enlightened voters we have going on election day to vote their conscience and make informed choices, the more choices, the better the quality of elected representatives will be.
“And the more likely the prospect of having good governance that will address people’s needs and aspirations while securing them and protecting their human dignity.”
Mr Jega, who said the 2023 general elections were the most consequential elections to be held globally, emphasised the need for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the country conducts free, fair, and credible elections.
“This is the only way to ensure quality representation, peaceful co-existence, progress, and socioeconomic development in our country,” he added.
Also, the special adviser to INEC chairman, Mohammed Kuna, said strides were being made to ensure that the electoral eco-system was credible, accountable, transparent, and responsive to the stakeholders’ needs.
(NAN)
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