Editorial: Our Stand…We vote Nigeria

The 2015 general elections beginning today, March 28, represent a major watershed in the nation’s history. Perhaps, for the first time in our democratic journey the dominant political forces appear so evenly matched that outcomes would seem too close to call.

In spite of initial doubts cast on the electoral process, arising from a shift in the initial date of February 14, the electoral umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) has returned some confidence to the system with a record of nearly 56 million Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) distributed.

If available stats are anything to go by, over 70% of registered voters are reportedly below the age of 35. The significance of this cannot be lost as it makes a bold and clear statement about where the power to shape the future of our nation lies.

We invite all Nigerians of voting age, who are duly registered, to turn out en mass to exercise their civic responsibility of electing leaders of their choice. In doing so, we enjoin them to vote wisely and eschew violence.

It is comforting that political office seekers have committed, and restated, their preference for peaceful polls. We hold them by their words and trust that they would rein in unruly supporters.

We encourage INEC to resist any temptations that would call to question the integrity of the elections. We demand that the 2015 elections should be free, fair and credible. The will of the people must prevail. Nigeria and Nigerians must emerge as winners of this election.

We call on the agencies of State, the armed forces as well as civil society, to faithfully discharge their responsibilities in honour and truth.

We wish to remind Nigerians that our strength lies in our diversity.
We vote Nigeria.
We vote…without borders, without fears.

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