The “I am Ready” campaign group, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) dedicated to the promotion of good governance and democracy in Nigeria, says all is set for nationwide mobilisation of Nigerians to actualise the objectives of the group.
The group’s Secretary, Mr Solomon Uwagabai, in a statement in Abuja, said the rally which starts on Tuesday, was in continuation of supporting the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Feb. 16 for Presidential and National Assembly elections.
According to Uwagabai, the group plans to organise series of rallies tagged “Drive 4 Buhari-Osinbajo”, across different cities in the country to promote the ideals of the Buhari presidency and take Nigeria to the next level.
“The FCT leg of the rally which holds on Jan. 8 is the first of the many drives through rallies to be held in Lagos, Oyo, Kogi, Ogun, Ondo, Kaduna, Osun and Ekiti states amongst other cities.
“Nigerians from diverse socio-political and religious backgrounds will participate in the rallies to be held in other centres and on days to be announced in due course,’’ he said.
A man casts his ballot as Nigerians vote for a second day in Lagos, Nigeria, Sunday March 29, 2015. Voting in Nigeria's elections continued in certain areas on Sunday after technical problems prevented some people from casting their ballots on Saturday and despite extremist violence in the northeast and protests in the south. (AP Photo/Kunle Ogunfuyi)
Civic Monitor, a civil society organisation has unveiled a platform to assist voters compare presidential candidates during the 2019 general election.
A statement issued on Monday by Stanley Azuakola, its Founder and Executive Director, said the platform called ‘Know-Your-Candidates’ (KYC) can be accessed at www.kyc.civicmonitor.com.
Azuakola said the introduction of the KYC would drive a new wave of engagement in the democratic process of the country.
“With just over a month to the elections, KYC presents the profile, promises and issue positions of the presidential candidates in a simple format and enable voters to compare the candidates on the most important issues.
“The election in February is perhaps the most important one for the country since 1999. Nigerian voters cannot afford to go to the polls blindfolded.
“With KYC, we are putting the spotlight on the issues, not insults or conspiracies.
”It is about voters comparing the candidates on different issues and deciding who has the best plan for them, their families and the nation,” Azuakola said.
He said that a survey conducted by Civic Monitor in November 2018 showed that Nigerians were most concerned about 15 issues.
He listed the issues to include: security, power, education, healthcare, corruption, job creation, debt profile and the economy.
Other issues are herders-farmers clashes, restructuring, federal character, state police, NNPC reforms and inclusion of women and youths in government.
“What KYC has done is to collate the positions and promises of 24 presidential candidates on each of these issues in their own words without spin.
“The data we have compiled with KYC is the most extensive and representative you will find of the candidates anywhere,” he said.
Azuakola also said that KYC would serve as a powerful resource for journalists, researchers, fact-checkers and activists, as it aids their efforts to hold political leaders accountable.
Buhari asks Tinubu to take charge of the Presidential Campaign Council
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday inaugurated the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council and asked Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the co-chairman of the council to fully take charge of the campaign.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Council at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, the president, who is the Chairman of the Council, said the leadership that formulated the campaign policy would supervise its execution.
According to him, the Director-General of the council will have overall responsibility for all aspects of the campaign, including field operations while the Secretary will be responsible for all administrative and treasury-related activities of the council
“Even though we have only 40 days, this campaign is going to tax us all, because we intend to touch all corners of our great and vast country.
“But I must also add that, though we will all be deeply involved, I would like to assure the nation that I will do my part without making governance or my work suffer.
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my co-chairman, will be fully in charge, and is going to be on 24-hour vigil.’’
The president implored the leadership of the party to resist being provoked, remain focused and civil in their campaigns.
“Let us engage our citizens on issues and ask for reflection on the comparative difference between 2015 and 2019 on security, economy and corruption and abuse by those entrusted with leadership in Nigeria.
“As we embark on the campaign to secure mandate for the next level, I want to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of all stakeholders who have endeavoured to keep our party united, and our governance successful,’’ he added.
While appealing to all members to be guided by the enduring vision behind the formation and sustenance of the party, the president urged them to always “keep their eyes on the ball, which is the success of our party at the polls’’.
“I wish to appeal to all members to be guided by the enduring vision behind the formation and sustenance of our party, which is anchored, on sacrifice and imperative to salvage and stabilise our great and promising nation.
“I appeal to all our members, and especially those who are in the campaign council, to unite and cooperate and ensure a smooth operation.
“Needless to add, Directorates could co-opt on full or part-time basic persons who could add value to our campaign and help us to attain success,’’ he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director-General of the Council, Mr Rotimi Ameachi narrated the tremendous achievements of the Buhari administration in the past three and half years.
Ameachi, who is the Minister of Transportation, assured that members of the council would do all they could legally to ensure electoral victory for the APC in the forthcoming general elections.
