Kofi Annan says, 'Nigeria’s election is extremely important'

Former Secretary General of the United Nations and Chairman ,Global Commission on Elections, Peace and Security, Mr. Kofi Annan, was in Nigeria between the 12th and 14th of January as parts of efforts of his foundation, The Kofi Annan Foundation to ensure that the 2015 general elections are credible, fair and violence free. During his stay in Nigeria, he met with major stakeholders in the political scene, INEC, civil society groups and the media.

His visit also facilitated the signing of the “Abuja Accord” on violence free election by the presidential candidates of 11 political parties, including President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP and General Mohammadu Buhari of the APC. Mr. Annan spoke to a select group of journalists in Abuja after the signing of the “Abuja Accord”.

Speaking on the Abuja Accord and its importance to the nation’s election, Annan said ”I am delighted that President Goodluck Jonathan, former Head of State, General Mohammadu Buhari and nine other presidential candidates agreed to its terms in the presence of their party chairmen and many other stakeholders.

”I am pleased that all parties are participating in this responsible initiative, which I believe will reassure all Nigerians and their international partners who are concerned about potential election related violence and their consequences for the country. I encourage political leaders of this country to focus on issues of concern to Nigeria in a sober manner and to avoid personal attacks and inflammatory languages."

He said that the candidates, the parties and their supporters also have various roles to play at the election. ”We need to work together to make sure we have a credible election.

”The security officer has a specifically critical role to acting impartially to secure the electoral process. In connection with today’s high level meeting, I have met with a broad range of Nigerian civil society organizations and business leaders to discuss the upcoming elections and stress their roles in ensuring transparent, fair and violent free elections. Whatever happens in Nigeria impact on the region, this election is important for your neighbours and the region. So, I hope we will have a very successful election so that you can make Africa and the rest of the world proud." ...DailyPost