Following the decision by the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the 2015 general
elections by six weeks, I wish to appeal for utmost restraint and calm by all
Nigerians, especially the teeming supporters of our great party, the All
Progressives Congress (APC).
This postponement, which comes on
the heels of the bogey of the National Security Adviser that half of the
registered voters were being disenfranchised was exposed as a crude and fraudulent
attempt to subvert the electoral process. The PDP administration has now
engineered a postponement using the threat that security will not be guaranteed
across the length and breadth of Nigeria because of military engagement
in some states in the North East.
It is important to note that
although INEC acted within its constitutional powers, it is clear that it has
been boxed into a situation where it has had to bow to pressure. Thus, the
independence of INEC has been gravely compromised.
As a Nigerian and a presidential
candidate in the elections, I share in the disappointment and frustration of
this decision. This postponement coming a week to the first election has raised
so many questions, many of which shall be asked in the days ahead. However, we
must not allow ourselves to be tempted into taking actions that could further
endanger the democratic process.
Our country is going through a
difficult time in the hands of terrorists. Any act of violence can only
complicate the security challenges in the country and provide further
justification to those who would want to exploit every situation to frustrate
the democratic process in the face of certain defeat at the polls.
If anything, this postponement
should strengthen our resolve and commitment to rescue our country from the
current economic and social collapse from this desperate band. Our desire for
change must surpass their desperation to hold on to power at all cost. We
are clearly dealing with people who feel they can get away with placing their
personal interest over those of our nation and its citizens. What is at stake
is the very survival of our country. We must not allow this temporary delay to
abort this great opportunity. While I share the pains and
frustrations of my fellow citizens over this development, my deep faith in the
democratic process assures me that this country, with your support, will
overcome.
We must remain resolute and rise
above all provocations. We must continue to trust in the entire democratic
process and in INEC, which has been brought under so much pressure in the last
few days. Our trust can only serve to encourage the electoral body to remain
steadfast and remain committed to the rule of law. I wish to state
strongly that our party will not tolerate any further interference with
the electoral process. The rescheduled elections of March 28th and April 11th,
2015 must be sacrosanct.
Nigeria is definitely greater than
any of us, and much more important than our individual ambitions. Before us
there was Nigeria, and long after we are gone there will still be Nigeria.
Let us continue to do our part to make it thegreat country that it
should be. We must rescue our dear country. God being on our side, we
shall salvage Nigeria together.
God Bless Nigeria!
Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR
Presidential Candidate of the All
Progressives Party, APC.
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