On Tuesday the presidency welcomed the endorsement by 60 presidential candidates and their party chairmen of the 2019 presidential elections, described as free, fair and credible, urging opposition to accept loss with grace and maturity.
According to a declaration made on Tuesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu in Abuja, the government responded to the candidates ‘ joint forum press conference.
He said the president assured Nigerians that as the candidates had recommended, President Muhammadu Buhari would examine the Electoral Act.
”We are encouraged by the patriotism of the presidential candidates expressed in clear and matured language.
”We are convinced that regardless of our different political persuasions we can work together to improve electoral integrity in Nigeria,’’ Mr Shehu said.
He added that the ”presidency is in agreement with the joint forum that despite the temporary setbacks experienced at the beginning, INEC managed to produce an election in which the voice of the ordinary people counted.
”Democracy is founded on the will of the people and INEC did well to ensure this outcome was achieved in the 2019 elections.’’
Mr Shehu restated that “the success of democracy does not only depend on electoral laws, but also on behaviour, character and attitude of politicians.’’
He also reiterated that “do-or-die politics is a threat to the success of electoral laws and democracy. And you don’t need to kill in order to serve the people.’’
The presidential assistant said the presidency assured members of the 60 political parties and party chairmen’s joint forum that after considering it, the president would not spare any effort to sign the Electoral Act into law.