0
The Igbo Agenda Dialogue (IAD) on Monday waded into the ongoing political situation in the country, warning players against actions that could threaten national peace and security.
The warning followed the conclusion of the parties’ presidential primaries and the publishing of names of presidential candidates of the various political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement jointly signed by Chief Chekwas Okorie, Convener/National Chairman of IAD, and the Executive Secretary, Jonathan Elendu, and made available to Daily Independent, the body cautioned “that any attempt to manipulate the electoral process or to shortchange the electorate during and after the elections may result in an uncontrollable anarchy that may threaten the very foundation of our country.”
The duo stressed that the world is watching and called on security agencies not to allow themselves to be compromised.
Nigeria currently has several flash points, and the citizens are restive at this time as a result of many existential challenges over the exercise.
The statement also urged politicians and supporters to remain focused on issues and avoid what it described as “resort to acerbic and inflammatory rhetoric.”
“The Independent National Electoral Commission has the onerous tasks to deliver to Nigerians credible, transparent, free, and fair elections. Nigerians expect nothing less.
“Politicians, INEC, and security agencies must not exacerbate an already incendiary and potentially explosive polity by their actions and utterances.
“The Igbo Agenda Dialogue, IAD, a non-partisan socio-political and pro-democracy organisation, has already embarked on a nationwide advocacy to urge our people who are eligible to take advantage of the ongoing last phase of the continuous voters registration exercise by INEC to register and to come out en masse in January and February 2027 to vote massively for candidates and political parties of their choice.
We urge similar organisations to join in this patriotic effort,” it added.
Continuing, it congratulated the presidential candidates of all the political parties for the 2027 presidential election.
According to the statement, “Practically all the presidential candidates in their acceptance speeches highlighted and almost agreed on the key areas and sectors that require particular attention to develop, secure, and unite Nigerians, notwithstanding our ethnic, religious and sectional diversities.
The 2027 general elections promise to witness robust and vibrant electioneering campaigns. The presidential election promises to be an epic encounter.”
