President Muhammadu Buhari has called on all political parties in the country to keep elections and election-related differences aside and join the administration’s drive to defeat insecurity in the country.
Speaking at an Iftar dinner with members of the business community and the leadership of political parties, the President described insecurity as a ‘‘common enemy’’ bedevilling the country.
He says “Without mass, popular support to the hard working Armed Forces, it will take the country much longer to finish off the successful war it is waging against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
The President said the country must be kept safe for progress and prosperity to be entrenched.
The President recounted that last week the National Executive Committee, (NEC), of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), had a tremendous success at its meeting, ending with a clear message that the party will continue to push for the establishment of democratic principles at all levels.
On ease of doing business in the country, President Buhari told captains of industry and political leaders at the dinner that his administration has done exceedingly well in improving the business climate, urging the private sector to complement government’s effort in poverty reduction and job creation for the young people.
The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress Sen. Abdullahi Adamu urged leaders of political parties to make firm commitments towards peaceful and successful 2023 general elections, and challenged them to work in unison to achieve the purpose.
Adamu said as leaders, leadership demands that they take responsibility in ensuring peace and stability and inspiring the party faithfuld and Nigerians to conform to the laws of the land in matters relating to electioneering and the elections.
Speaking on behalf of leaders of other political parties, the Chairman of Action Democratic Party (ADP) and Coordinator Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Yusuf Yabaji who described the President as a true democrat, said the Iftar event and the invitation by the President has introduced ‘‘credibility, respect and admiration in the polity’’.
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He announced that IPAC was preparing to give the President an award as ‘‘Hero of Democracy’’, citing the historic signing into law of the Electoral Act, describing it as a paradigm shift that will guarantee peaceful, acceptable and all-inclusive elections in the country.
On the forthcoming elections, Yabagi said:
‘‘Mr President, history beckons on you. 2023 is going to be your glorious exit. That is our prayer and for that to happen you have to take charge of every activity that matter in the exercise’’.
The IPAC Coordinator, who commended INEC for innovation and reforms towards ensuring credible elections, appealed to the President to look into the role of security agencies in the forthcoming general elections.
‘‘Members of IPAC are worried that by the programme of INEC, elected candidates will spend 10 months campaigning around the country. That is a herculean task.
‘‘We also want the President to consider the appointment of a Political Liaison Officer,’’ Yabagi said, noting that the office will ensure better coordination between the President’s office and political parties.
Commenting on the type of leader Nigeria needs after President Buhari, a representative of the business community and Group Managing Director, Sahara Group, Kola Adesina, said the next President of Nigeria must carry ‘‘the banner of hope for a new Nigeria , not a banner of self.’’
Adesina, who thanked the President for sustaining investments in infrastructure across the country, including the Second Niger Bridge, the East-West Road, among others, stressed the need for continuity by the next government.
Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe
