New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on a level-playing field for all political parties in this year’s general elections.

In a New Year goodwill message, yesterday, by its National Publicity Secretary, Agbo Major, the party stressed that the will and mandate of the people must be respected, as power belongs to them, vowing that NNPP would resist any attempt to subvert the mandate of Nigerians.

Noting that the general elections are crucial to the survival of democracy in Nigeria, the party urged eligible citizens to pick up their permanent voter cards (PVCs), come out en masse, vote for candidates of their choices and ensure their votes count.

NNPP said: “The tasks ahead are enormous and so are the opportunities to build a strong, virile, united, progressive, prosperous, equitable and just democratic society. Nation building is a collective responsibility of citizens and calls for prayers, unity, and tolerance and shared vision.
“The new year and the upcoming general elections will afford Nigerians a unique opportunity to choose patriotic, credible, courageous, honest, compassionate, versatile and God-fearing leaders, who will turn around the destiny of the nation and steer the ship of state from its perilous course.
“The general elections are crucial to the survival of democracy in Nigeria. It demands citizens’ active participation in the electoral process.

“The will and mandate of the people must be respected, as power belongs to the people. The party will resist any attempt to subvert the clear mandate of Nigerians.
“INEC should ensure that all electoral materials are ready and provided on time to ensure citizens discharge their civic duties that will chart the way forward for the country in the next four years.

“Security agents should be alive to their constitutional duties and ensure adequate protection of the people and electoral materials. The wanton killings and burning of INEC offices are outrageous, barbaric, despicable and sad commentary in our political process. This madness must stop. Enough is enough.”

Similarly, National Chairman of Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, has said the forthcoming polls would change narrative and return power to the people.

The party, in its New Year message, said 2023 remains a year of action in “our collective resolve to elect credible, visionary, purposeful and resourceful leaders. It calls for active participation of eligible Nigerians to exercise their franchise in all elections.”

Dantalle observed that Nigerians have suffered untold hardship due to imposition of leaders, who did the bid of their godfathers at the detriment of national unity, security and prosperity.

He said: “The forthcoming elections are crucial to voters to change the narrative and return power to the people. This is the first step to advance democracy in Nigeria and deliver its dividends to the masses.

“APM calls on INEC to ensure the elections are free, fair and credible, as all eyes are on the Commission to justify the confidence repose in it with improved technology to discharge its constitutional duties.

“Security agents should also be proactive and ensure adequate protection of lives and property and apprehend electoral offenders and their sponsors to face the full weight of the law, which will serve as a deterrent to others.

“As a foremost opposition party in Nigeria, Allied Peoples’ Movement is strongly determined to build a prosperous nation and present credible candidates for the elections. A vote for APM is a vote for a progressive leadership. The party is prepared for the general elections and urges Nigerians to identify with APM and its candidates to move the nation forward. Together, we will lift the nation higher.”