As Nigerians go to the polls on February 16, 2019, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has said it presents Nigerians another opportunity to choose a leader that has the interest of the country at heart.
Adams urged all the standard bearers contesting the elections to go into the polls with civility, saying Nigerians’ attitudes matter in ensuring a peaceful election.
Speaking shortly after holding a special meeting with the leadership of the Oodua People’s Congress, a group with formidable structure in 28 states across the country and Abuja, the Federal Capital, Adams restated his belief in restructuring, saying it is the best option for Nigeria as a nation.
He said: “We are in the crucial week as election is a few days away.
“Elections will come and go.
However, the future of Nigeria is very important to us as a people.
“One of the mistakes we do as Nigerians is that we place much premium on who becomes the president, without setting strong agenda for the future.
“It will never happen in saner climes.
“There should be agenda for the Nigerian future and that is why this election is key to the Nigerian future.
“It is the duty of all eligible Nigerians to vote.
“And in doing that, I am appealing to all my brothers and sisters to vote, bearing in mind the overall interest of the country.
“I want to also advice all politicians and aspirants irrespective of their political parties and affiliations to put Nigeria first before their personal ambitions.
“For instance, in the build up to the 2015 general elections, former President Goodluck Jonathan meant well for the nation when he said his personal ambition is not worth the blood of a Nigerian.
“As the president, he had all the opportunity to do the unthinkable.
“He spearheaded an election and eventually lost to the incumbent and heaven didn’t fall.”
Adams urged the Independent National Electoral Commission not to disappoint Nigerians, saying there should be enough security at the polling units, even as election materials should be made available for Nigerians to vote.
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