Former Secretary- General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, has urged the two leading contestants in the presidential election in Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to respect the letters of the peace accord they both entered into in Abuja.
The advice was contained in a statement signed by the Ghanaian diplomat which was made available to BusinessDay. Annan also urged supporters of the candidates to refrain from violence. “Nigeria is headed towards historic elections on Saturday. Though many observers express concern due to Nigeria’s history of violent elections, I am enthusiastic about what they represent for Nigeria’s political development.
Nigerians have a genuine choice between two parties and two very different candidates. According to him, “By signing this pledge, the two leading candidates have reminded their supporters that they are merely rivals, not enemies. Both aspire to serve their country and the nation will have to stand united both during and after the elections.
“I congratulate the National Peace Committee, and particularly its chairman, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, for taking this meritorious initiative.” Advising the candidates to accept defeat in good fate, Annan, who is chair of Kofi Annan Foundation said: “They must also acknowledge that defeat is a possibility. Should disputes arise, they must be settled through appropriate and peaceful means.
Meanwhile, David Cameron, Prime Minister of United Kingdom (UK) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that Nigerian elections go ahead this weekend, warning that failure to do so ‘would risk national security and stability, and adversely affect Nigeria’s international reputation. In a letter to President Jonathan, the Prime Minister underlines the importance of the elections for the African continent and points out the pivotal role for the President, saying “As Africa’s biggest democracy, successful elections in Nigeria are important not only for Nigeria’s future, but as a signal to the rest of Africa.
Delivering a credible process will be a lasting credit to you as President and to Nigeria as a nation, he says.
