The apex northern socio-political organization, the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, on Sunday in Kaduna State described the shift in dates of the February general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission as disappointing in spite of earlier assurances of adequate cover during the polls by security agencies in the country.
The Forum, however, urged Nigerians to be prayerful and desist from act that could jeopardise the nation’s democracy.
It also noted that intimidation, threat and arm-twisting by individual or groups would not be in the interest of democracy in the country.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, on Sunday, the ACF said, “Arewa Consultative Forum received with disappointment the INEC’s decision to re-schedule the elections slated for February 14 and 28, citing security challenges in the states of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe and Yobe as the main reason.
“ACF commends Nigerians for their patience and perseverance during this trying moment of uncertainty that engulfed the nation in the last three days.
“Nigerians should therefore continue to be prayerful, remain calm and restrain themselves from any act of lawlessness that will jeopardise the democratic process of free and fair election.
“It is only our collective resolve to respect the tenets of democracy that will strengthen our unity and peaceful coexistence.
“Intimidation, threat and arm twisting by any individual or group of people in order to subvert the democratic process will not be in the best interest of Nigeria’s young democracy”.
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