A political analyst in Nsukka, Enugu state, has advised Nigerians to be guided by the spirit of patriotism in chosing the nation’s political leaders in next Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.
The analyst, Mr Kingsley Nduka, gave the advice in an interview with the News agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nsukka on Thursday.
Nduka said that for the country to move forward, Nigerians must vote for the best candidates on Saturday, irrespective of their tribe, religion or political affiliations.
He said: “For this country to compete with developed nations of the world, we must rise above tribal, religion and political sentiments in electing our leaders.
“We must consider national interest above our personal interest in casting our votes.
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“We must show high level of patriotism by voting for the best candidates, who will help to move the nation forward.”
Nduka urged voters to resist vote buying or other electoral manipulations designed to mortgage their conscience in order for the wrong candidates to win.
“Bear in mind that the quality of people you give your mandate through your vote would determine the level of development in the country in the next four years.
“If we vote for the best candidates on Saturday, the country will move forward,” the analyst said.
He urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, to ensure that the elections would be free and fair.
He described the 2019 general elections as a ‘litmus test’ for Mahmoud.
“This is the first general elections he will conduct since his appointment as INEC chairman, so it is left for him to write his name in gold or drag it in the mud.
“He and all the officials of the commission should know that all eyes are on INEC to play the role of an unbiased umpire in all the elections so that every vote will count,” Nduka said.
He further urged Nigerians to come out en-masse on Saturday to vote for the candidates of their choice.
“Come out on Saturday to cast your vote as patriotic citizens of Nigeria but conduct yourselves orderly and avoid acts capable of causing violence.
“We must know that the international community is watching us, we should let them know by our actions and utterances that our democracy has grown,” he said (NAN)
