President Muhammadu Buhari has been advised to remain neutral in the upcoming governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states.
The Coordinator of Election Monitor (EM), Mr. Abiodun Ajijola, made the plea yesterday in Abuja at the public presentation of the “2015 Kogi and Bayelsa states Governorship Elections Observation and Research Guide” as part of measures to ensure the success of the elections.
“The credibility and gains built in the Nigerian electoral process by the Prof. Attahiru Jega led INEC should be sustained and improved upon, and this will only be possible if INEC is allowed to operate freely and neutrally.
“The world is watching to see if electoral reforms will continue, and this is the perfect opportunity for the government of the day to show that it is committed to free, fair and credible elections irrespective of electoral outcomes. Security agents are reminded on the need to remain impartial as their functionality is for all Nigerians,” Ajijola said.
He also urged INEC to come clear on the usage of the card readers so that its staff, electorates and other stakeholders would know what is applicable to avoid electoral malpractices.