Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria has been urged to avoid acts that will undermine the progressive democratic gains made so far.
This comes on the back of Nigeria’s 2023 election characterized with a lot of agitations all over the country after polls ended.
According to reports, the election was not free and fair as it was full of irregularities and rigging allegations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria.
There are predictions of victory for Nigeria’s governing All Progressive Congress (APC) led by Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu.
A joint statement issued by the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and Africa Union (AU) have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expedite the transparent release of results to the general public.
“We call on all political parties and their candidates to appeal to their supporters to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from the use of provocative language and the dissemination of misinformation and dis-information, which would only exacerbate political tensions, divisiveness, and violence at this critical stage, with the potential to undermine the progressive democratic progress Nigeria has continuously made over the years.
“We exhort the electorate to maintain the patience so far demonstrated in the electoral process, and await for the official release of the results of the polls. We also urge the security agencies to continue professionally discharge their duties with utmost respect for the rule of law,” the statement admonished.
Attached is the full statement from the AU and ECOWAS
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
