Abubakar, has urged all the security agencies including the Independent
National Electoral Commission, INEC, to be neutral and fair in the
upcoming elections.
Atiku who made the charge in his speech delivered at the signing ceremony
of the Peace Accord said even though there are concerns of voter
intimidations and malpractices, he is confident security and electoral
officials would do their jobs in accordance with their oath of office.
Below is the full text of his speech
BEING STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY ATIKU ABUBAKAR, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
OF PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND VICE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA, 1999-2007 AT
THE 2ND SIGNING CEREMONY OF THE PEACE ACCORD IN ABUJA ON WEDNESDAY, 13TH
FEBRUARY 2019
Protocols
May I use this opportunity to renew my profound gratitude, firstly to my
party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and then to General Abdulsalami
Abubakar and members of the Peace Committee for their tireless enthusiasm,
dedication, and passion towards ensuring the success of this Peace Accord
Process!
Our gathering here today clearly demonstrates the importance of the
upcoming elections as well as how our democracy has matured, not only to
our people, but also to the international community whose solidarity,
Nigeria’s democracy has benefited from.
As we prepare to sign off on this Peace Accord, as representatives of our
party and people, may I freely quote the words of former President
Goodluck Jonathan, which remains a benchmark, for me, taking into account
the deep feelings that prevail as February 16th, 2019, approaches.
“My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.”
In this context, I appeal once again to every staff and the leadership of
the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria
Police Force, to be fair arbiters in the upcoming elections while letting
neutrality prevail.
For emphasis and in the spirit of fair play, I also urge our security
agencies, not to embark on indiscriminate arrests of members of the
opposition, 24 to 48 hours before elections, as has been the case in
previous elections.
Hopefully, our democracy should emerge stronger from this process with the
2019 elections proving better managed than the 2015 process, which was
adjudged free and fair with the then opposition’s victory unobstructed
Consequently, I also appeal to the President, General Buhari, to use his
good offices to ensure that every eligible person who casts their vote is
confident in the process and in the belief that their vote will count.
Additionally, every candidate must remember that this election is about
the future of Nigeria, therefore, we must abide by the will of the people
as freely expressed through elections, under the terms of our
constitution.
Once again, despite concerns expressed by my party leaders concerning
likely electoral malpractices and the intimidation of voters and
observers, I trust that our election officials and security services will
do their duty in accordance with their oath and obligations.
In conclusion, I appeal once again, to our citizens, to go out and cast
their votes for the candidates of their choice, to be peaceful at all
times, and confident in our democracy, its institutions and processes.
So, please go out this Saturday to vote for your future and the future of
our great nation.
May God bless you and God bless Nigeria
Released By:
Paul Ibe
Media Adviser to HE Atiku Abubakar, Presidential candidate of PDP & Vice
President of Nigeria, 1999-2007