A former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, on Wednesday canvassed for all elections to be held in a single day, instead of the present staggered arrangement.
Kalu made the recommendation at a lecture organised by the Oodua Peoples’ Congress in Lagos to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The former governor, whose paper was entitled: “20 Years after June 12: Options for Survival,” said the country was in dire need of a credible electoral process.
He said: “My challenge to our lawmakers is that the Electoral Act should be amended to provide for holding all elections in one day.
“Let all elections, including houses of assembly, federal legislature, gubernatorial and presidential, hold the same day.
“That is the best global practice today, and Nigeria should adopt that option. It will be cheaper, ultimately, for the country.
“Holding elections in one day will eliminate the bandwagon effect that characterises our polls today, in which people have seen the direction of victory and simply follow in that direction.”
Kalu further advocated that Nigerians in the Diaspora, who were eligible to vote, be given the opportunity in the 2015 elections.
He said the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola of the Social Democratic Party, was acclaimed to be the freest election ever held in Nigeria.
“On June 12, 1993, Nigerians shunned all tendencies that had always divided us a people, and voted for change, for a new dawn,” Kalu said.
Also speaking, Chief Gani Adams, National Coordinator, OPC, urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to genuine democracy and work together for a better country.
Adams said the political tension being generated as a result of the 2015 elections was uncalled for.
He said: “We must rededicate ourselves to the service of this country and prove that we are capable of rising above tribal and religious sentiments in taking political decisions.
“I want to call on all Nigerians to come out and play their part in a way that will not destroy the unity of Nigeria.”
Adams said the forum was organised to honour Abiola, who sacrificed his life to entrench democracy in Nigeria.
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