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As Nigeria approaches the 2023 general election, the former president, Goodluck Jonathan and his vice, Namadi Sambo, have advised the various political party candidates and stakeholders to address issue-based campaigns instead of abuses.
Both leaders made the call during the Annual Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Legacy Dialogue which held on Thursday in Abuja.
Goodluck Jonathan who addressed the crowd through zoom, said the 2023 general elections should be free, and fair, even as it called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to ensure itremains an unbiased arbiter.
Also present at the occassion were Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former Vice President Nnamdi Sambo; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Musa Bello; Vice Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed; and Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo
Others include former Governor of Niger State, Muazu Babangida Aliyu; former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung; former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki; former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku; former Minister of State, Health, Architect Gabriel Aduku; former Minister of State, Works, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda; former Minister of State, FCT, Chief Chuka Odom, amongst others.
Jonathan also noted that the 2022 dialogue put together by the Ibrahim and Maryam Babangida Presidential Library Foundation with the broad theme: ‘Issues in Africa’s Democratic Journey,’ was unique and apt, especially as it comes ahead of another electioneering process scheduled to hold next year in the country.
Namadi Sambo added that political stability in Nigeria’s democracy is as strategic as stability in Africa’s democratic journey.
The former Kaduna State Governor further said since the return to democratic rule in Nigeria in 1999, the nation has witnessed six successful elections which is a clear indication of how acceptable democracy has become as the best method of governance in the country.
He stated that democratic institutions have continued to be strengthened, while more Nigerians have continued to participate in the process either seeking to lead, or as active participants to elect their leaders at various levels of leadership.
Sambo recalled that in December 2020, he led a 90-member delegation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Observer Mission to the Republic of Niger to observe presidential and parliamentary elections in the country.
He disclosed that the outcome of the elections were not only impressive, but a clear departure from the sit-tight syndrome of some of past African leaders who never wanted to cede power through democratic process.
Sambo said recent elections in Kenya and some parts of Africa have also established evidences of Africa’s democratic journey as a continent and how democracy is taking firm root in Africa, but not without peculiar challenges.
“As we approach the critical stage towards the 2023 general election in Nigeria, it is important to use this opportunity to call on all political parties and indeed, candidates and other key stakeholders to adopt issue-based campaigns.
“We must all shun the use of hate or foul language and mudslinging to avoid overheating the polity. Peaceful, free and fair election next year will definitely mark yet another important milestone in our march towards sustainable democracy, peace and development of our dear nation. “
While encouraging Nigerians to actively get involved in the electoral process by exercising their constitutional rights, Sambo called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure adequate voter education and sufficient preparation for hitch-free elections.
“Next year, by the grace of Almighty Allah, we shall witness another transition from one democratically elected government to another Insha Allah.
“Nigeria must continue to get it right as a positive example for other countries in West Africa and indeed, beyond. “
On his part, Bello said it was imperative that governments and people across the African continent work hard to sustain the demands of democratic governance across the entire African continent.
The FCT Minister added that in Nigeria, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, building on the foundation laid by past leaders, including former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has further entrenched democratic values in the country.
“The signing into law of the Electoral Act 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari, has far-reaching positive outcomes that will also strengthen the confidence of citizens in our electoral processes, leading ultimately to a more stable polity,” Bello said.
In her welcome remarks, the Convener of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Legacy Dialogue, Aisha Babangida, said the event brought together, some of the finest minds in Nigeria to consider the prospects for the future of the nation as Nigerians look forward to next year’s transitional election.
“Today is an opportunity to build on the success of last year’s maiden edition of The Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Legacy Dialogue and to take forward, the ideas discussed there. But more than that, it is an opportunity to build on the wider legacy of progress towards democracy in our great nation as we consider the pressing issues in Africa’s democratic journey,” Babangida said.