ACF urges Nigerians to accept outcome of elections in 2023

For the survival of democracy in Nigeria, the Arewa Consultative Forum, or ACF, has urged Nigerians to strictly accept the results of this year’s elections.

The forum asserted that there must be winners and losers and emphasized that, regardless of the outcome, nobody should try to discredit Nigerians’ choice by denouncing or rejecting it.

The forum’s Secretary General, Mallam Murtala Aliyu, said in a statement that any attempt to contest the election’s results would be seen as a cruel assault on the nation’s democracy and would be viewed as unacceptable and harmful to the democratic process.
The statement explained, “The resolve of Nigerians to conclude the 2023 general elections successfully has also never been in doubt. Given all that has been accomplished, there is no earthly reason for anyone to even attempt to tamper with the announced timetable of the elections. That will be totally unacceptable.”

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Before, during, and after the elections, the forum urged leaders at all levels to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all citizens and foreigners in their spheres of influence. It also urged Nigerians to ensure a peaceful transition from one civilian administration to another.

The forum also gave the media advice on how to calm any unrest that might develop as a result of the elections and results.

ACF expressed satisfaction with the introduction of technology to the electoral process, stating that it is a wise move that would serve to prevent the previously common electoral malpractices of over-voting, ballot stuffing, ballot box snatching, and result alteration.
The forum believed that the online transmission of results from the polling points to the collating centers and the provision of facilities for people to monitor election results online are also innovations that will ensure that the elections are not rigged.

The statement hailed the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for creating the conducive environment that will ensure that the elections are free and fair, and that every vote cast counts in the country.
Although the principle of power rotation is still largely and somewhat divisive, the statement noted that efforts must be made to bring disparate groups together to accept that Nigeria is a country for all of its citizens and that each citizen has the right to choose whatever they feel is in their best interests and the interests of their supporters.

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The forum advised voters to take into account very lucid and objective party manifestos as well as the personalities and backgrounds of the candidates.

It emphasized that Nigerians should vote for candidates who will best serve their country’s interests, not just those of their ethnicity, religion, or location.