ACF tasks INEC, security agencies on credible polls

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure that the coming general elections are credible.

The northern socio-cultural group warned against electoral malpractices that might throw the nation into anarchy.

National publicity secretary of ACF, Alhaji Mohammad Biu, in a statement yesterday, highlighted the expectations of northern elders this year, insisting that the two bodies must be neutral in the performance of their constitutional duties at the polls.

Biu stated: “The political parties, candidates and their supporters must adhere to issue-based campaigns on how to improve security, economy and job opportunities to our teeming youths, in place of unnecessary accusations that will not add value to electoral votes.

“How best to tame corruption should also feature prominently in their campaigns.

“We also expect the citizenry to be more security-conscious in view of the spate of avoidable attacks and killings which the nation is witnessing. This is because the nation can surmount these security challenges when Nigerians complement the efforts of the security agencies. It is only in an atmosphere of peace that we expect our democracy to develop with its dividends.”