In previous statements issued from London, APC UK demanded that the President must exercise caution and stop meddling in the affairs of an election body that should be acting independently. We called on President Goodluck Jonathan to disassociate himself from 'political touts' like Gani Adams who has made it known that he would like the INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega asked to proceed on 'terminal leave' today (24 March).
APC UK warned that President Jonathan who last week summoned Professor Jega to a closed door meeting, must desist from doing such again as he is contesting in the same election. He should desist from holding meetings with Professor Jega without other candidates present in the meeting.
Few days ago, the UN and US Vice President, Joe Biden gave their backing to the use of card readers in the March 28 and April 11 elections.
APC UK welcomes the recent statement of support given by President Barack Obama reiterating the need for credibility in the elections due to begin on Saturday, 28 March, 2015.
In a video released by the White House, President Obama who directly addressed the people of Nigeria urged for all concerned parties involved in the upcoming election to make it a peaceful and credible one.
"For elections to be credible, they must be free, fair and peaceful. "All Nigerians must be able to cast their votes without intimidation or fear," he stated.
The democrat who commended Nigerians said "now you have a historic opportunity to help write the next chapter of Nigeria's progress—by voting in the upcoming elections."
He said: "Successful elections and democratic progress will help Nigeria meet the urgent challenges you face today. Boko Haram—a brutal terrorist group that kills innocent men, women and children—must be stopped.
"Hundreds of kidnapped children deserve to be returned to their families. Nigerians who have been forced to flee deserve to return to their homes. Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria and all that you have worked to build. By casting your ballot, you can help secure your nation's progress."
President Obama who joins an increasing number of prominent people within Nigeria and the international community to have issued warnings to Nigeria government about the upcoming elections called on Nigerians to be peaceful as they "express your views and to reject the voices of those who call for violence. And when elections are free and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace, no matter who wins."
I'm told that there is a saying in your country: "to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done". Today, I urge all Nigerians—from all religions, all ethnic groups, and all regions—to come together and keep Nigeria one. And in this task of advancing the security, prosperity, and human rights of all Nigerians, you will continue to have a friend and partner in the United States of America."
Adenike Lucas
Press Secretary
APC – UK Chapter.
APC - United Kingdom
Email - press@apcunitedkingdom.com
Website - www.apcunitedkingdom.com