Abubakar cautions against violence, advises on 2019 elections

Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has cautioned politicians against acts capable of encouraging violence as the nation prepares for the 2019 general elections.

He urged them to focus on issue-based campaigns rather than embarking on hate-speeches and campaign of calumny.

Abubakar, who spoke yesterday when the National Peace Committee (NPC), which he chairs, met with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmud Yakubu in Abuja, said the committee was concerned about the peaceful conduct of the 2019 general elections, which outcome would be critical to the sustenance of the nation’s democracy.

Also, he expressed concern that some states are likely to be violent during the poll.

Meanwhile, President and Presiding Bishop, Amazing Grace Pentecostal Church, Mrs. Chioma Dauji, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to begin the change mantra of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by changing the current leadership of INEC ahead of the 2019 general election.

Dauji, who lamented the current situation of the country, stated that there is an urgent need for Buhari to address the people on the way forward.

She spoke yesterday at the 32nd yearly convention and thanksgiving of the church held in Lagos.

According to her, Nigerians have lost faith in INEC and discouraged in the electoral processes, adding that until the President addresses these issues, there would be voter-apathy in 2019.

Also, she bemoaned that women were not given a level playing ground as the men.

“It will take God for elections to be free and fair in this country,” she said.

People have lost hope in INEC. I think the change should begin with the change of INEC. Without this, the coming election cannot be free and fair.

“The President should look into the affairs of this nation, many people are in tears because the sufferings are too much. We need him to speak to us, tell us the way forward. We want to hear from him, let him come out to assure the people that everything will be okay. From now till the next election, we still have time, even a day can change things. Let him come and assure us that there is still hope for the people.

“Most people are discouraged because they think their votes does not count.”