Nigeria: CDD expresses need for free, fair election procedure on Democracy Day

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has expressed the requirement for a free as well as fair election process, stating Nigerians deserve over 23 years of democratic rule.

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has expressed the requirement for a free as well as fair election process, stating Nigerians deserve over 23 years of democratic rule.

In a statement to mark the democracy day of Nigeria by Idayat Hassan, the Director of CDD, on Sunday, June 12, showed his concerns regarding the upcoming election, highlighting the need to counter-oppose any attempt to disrupt the peaceful election procedure in Nigeria.

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Earlier, Democracy Day was observed on May 29, as it was the day military gave power to an elected civilian government back in 1999.

The Muhammadu Buhari government changed the democracy day to June 12 in unity with MKO Abiola Day, usually marked in Lagos and some states to celebrate the democratic election of Abiola on June 12.

While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Idayat charged Nigerians to support enterprises that unite the nation and promote good governance, which is essential in a democracy.

He highlighted that supporters and politicians must prioritise the country’s interest rather than fuel disunity, as the nation is already at a crossroads.

He further said the efforts being made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) till now are appreciated. No citizen of Nigeria must be disenfranchised. The vote of Nigerians is necessary.

Politicians must acknowledge the difficulty of Nigerians and cease any action that will lead to conflict in unity.

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He stresses, “This democracy day should remind the president and anybody vying for political office that Nigerians deserve a better country. I am afraid the country will not move forward if we fail to deal with our challenges.”

He urged the politicians to concentrate on issue-based campaigns and avoid any misinformation or fake news.

He said politicians also need to desist from using religion and ethnicity to further divide the country.

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