A coalition of civil society groups has raised alarm over what it described as plans by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to frustrate the successful conduct of a free and fair 2019 general elections.
The coalition said the President’s refusal to sign into law the recently amended Electoral Act is a big threat to the success of the next election which is just few months away.
Addressing newsmen at a press briefing in Lagos, over the weekend, the Coalition Spokesperson, Charles Adeyeye, flanked by other executives of the coalition, said the coalition is “apprehensive that there is a grand design by the incumbent administration of President Buhari, to halt peaceful elections, judging by its refusal to give the needed support, to preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and other institutions, that can guarantee a free and fair election come 2019.
It urged President Muhammadu Buhari to shun the counsel of political jobbers and immediately sign into law as amended, the Electoral act, if indeed he wants to stamp his mark on the country’s history as a true patriot and democrat. Failing which, the National Assembly is hereby called upon to override the President’s veto and proceed to pass the amended Electoral Act into law.
The coalition also passed a vote of confidence on the National Assembly under the chairmanship of Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for conducting its affairs as true democrats, and consistently upholding the sanctity of Nigeria’s Democracy.
“Saraki epitomizes the rising of a new generation of Democrats who can manage the affairs of Government, and take Nigeria to the next level, the coalition appealed to the PDP to unanimously elect Saraki as its flag bearer for the 2019 Presidential election,” it added.
“The Senate President stands out as one candidate, with requisite experience, capacity and determination, to set Nigerians free, from the bondage of bad leadership that has been imposed on Nigeria, since 2015.
The coalition also disclosed that by October 1st 2018, it will launch a nationwide campaign for a new generation of genuine democrats to take over the rein of power in the general elections next year and steer the affairs of the country.
