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The Network for Democracy and Development (NDD), a Muslim civil society organisation, through its Election Situation Room, which is a collaborative platform for major Islamic organisations on election matters, has urged Muslim electorates and all patriotic Nigerians to prepare to exercise their civic obligation by participating fully in the forthcoming general elections.
The group, according to its National Coordinator, Tajudeen Alabede, believes that Muslims, like all other citizens, have a duty to deepen the nation’s democratic culture through free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.
NDD therefore advised the electorates to avail themselves of information about the voting process, critically engage the candidates of various political parties and vote for credible candidates that have the capacity to deliver good governance and development to Nigerians.
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Eligible voters who are yet to collect their permanent voter cards (PVCs) are advised to use the remaining window of opportunity which lapses taday Friday, February 8, 2019 to collect their PVCs.
NDD appeals to Muslim leaders, organisations and local mosques to, in the few remaining days, embark on an intensive grassroots sensitisation and mobilisation of Muslims and other citizens to get their PVCs on or before Friday.
The group appreciates the good work of many religious groups and interfaith organisations in promoting free, fair, credible and peaceful elections. Of particular importance are the positive interventions of such bodies as NIREC, NSCIA, CAN, IIP, IDFP, COFP, among others.
“The critical leadership provided by their eminences, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of NSCIA, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Rev Samson Ayokunle, CAN President, in rallying religious leaders to this national cause is also commendable,” it stated.
However, it appeals to all candidates not to engage in the illicit act of vote buying while we enjoin prospective voters not to sell their votes or their PVCs.
“We must all shun electoral malpractices and avoid acts that may jeopardise national peace and security. Elections are not wars. We must put the culture of impunity and desperation behind us,” it stated.
