A leading Muslim organisation, The Muslim Congress (TMC) has charged Nigerian politicians and voters and electoral officials to abstain from any act that is capable of frustrating the fairness and success of the 2023 general elections.
The Amir (president), Alhaji AbdulWasi’i Taiwo Bangbala, made the call in a statement released on Friday, hours before the presidential and national assembly elections scheduled for Saturday, February 25, 2023.
He said, “When we get to our polling units to elect the next president and members of the national assembly, listen and comply to what INEC officials have to say and adhere strictly (to the guidelines), that the elections may be peaceful and successful.
“Let’s try as much as possible to cast our votes in the right order and manner so that we won’t lose our vote for our preferred candidates. Don’t engage or involve in any activity that can cause any fracas, raucous, or result in violence.
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Tomorrow in shaa Allah, #Nigeria is going to write another history which will be on record for generations to come. When we get to our #pollingunits to #elect the next #president and #NASS members…1/3 #NigeriaDecides2023 #Atiku #Tinubu #2023Elections pic.twitter.com/Dwps6acaBc
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) February 24, 2023
“Don’t allow yourself to be used by politicians. This also applies to electoral officers. They should be professional and avoid actions that will frustrate the fairness and success of elections. All eyes will be on us tomorrow.”
Speaking further, Amir TMC said, “The election is an opportunity for Nigerians to give their preferred candidate a chance to rule and make things right.
He added, “Nigeria is ours and we have nowhere to run to if things go haywire. Moreover, this election is our opportunity to give our preferred candidate a chance. So, please, exercise your rights and do nothing otherwise. As Muslims, we should also know that ours is a religion of peace and we need to exhibit that tomorrow. The same goes for non-Muslims as well.”
He pleaded with Nigerians to be part of a great history tomorrow for this generation and generations to come.
“Tomorrow In shaa Allah, Nigeria is going to write another history that will be on record for generations to come. It is on this note that I want to advise Nigerians, Muslims and non-Muslims alike that as Nigerians, we should know Nigeria is ours, as such, we need to be of good conduct and decorum as we go to our respective polling units tomorrow. We should know that history will never forget whatever happens tomorrow. So, what kind of history do we want to be told about us?”
He urged Nigerians to vote for their choice candidates through a free, fair and violence-free electoral process and prayed for the nation, its leaders, INEC officials and Nigerians at large.