The members of the alumni association of graduates of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, known as Alumni Association of the National Institute, have called for credible and violence-free polls as Nigerians elect their next set of leaders.
The call was made by the President of the association and former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar.
In a statement by the AANI National Publicity Secretary, retired Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, Abubakar called on the Federal Government of Nigeria, security agencies and Independent National Electoral Commission to intensify efforts towards a credible and violence-free election in all parts of the country.
The former IGP stated that the AANI had noted with great concern that the prevailing economic difficulties in the country have been aggravated by additional tension occasioned by perennial fuel scarcity and cashless policy and must be addressed decisively ahead of the 2023 general election.
He said the government must ensure that an enabling environment is created for Nigerians in all parts of the country to freely exercise their franchise, adding that reliable elections and a smooth handover of power would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and help it reach its full potential.
The AANI president said the association condemns all forms of electoral malpractice, including intimidation, vote-buying and election violence.
He urged all contestants for the various elective positions to eschew violence and money politics and uphold global best practices and focus on the issues of security, welfare and economic prosperity of Nigerians over and above personal and pecuniary interests.
Abubakar also urged politicians to follow the rules and respect the results of elections.
He advised voters to choose candidates based on their skills and honesty rather than putting their children’s and grandchildren’s futures at risk for small sums of money or ephemeral items.
He disclosed that as part of its efforts to promote credible elections, the AANI was poised to observe the forthcoming elections across the country.
He said the body will not be biased when it comes to watching elections and will do its job as a national organisation with the utmost dedication and impartiality, just like it did during the last elections.
He recalled that AANI had held a national conference on national unity in September 2022, which came up with far-reaching recommendations for implementation by the government and other stakeholders, adding that the association is always available for partnership and further collaboration to enhance national unity and cohesion.
The Alumni Association of the National Institute is the foremost national association of a diverse group of eminent Nigerian men and women that cut across professional, socio-cultural, economic and political affiliations in the country who were trained on the rudiments of policy formulation and strategy and have been contributing to national development through its mission: “To serve as a think tank to the government of Nigeria.
“To promote the noble ideas of a better society.”
It has the motto: “Towards a better society.”
According to Usman: “It is the most important think tank for Nigeria’s federal, state, and local governments.
“It has been contributing objectively to the national conversation on many issues that affect Nigeria’s growth and development and give the government the right recommendations and implementation strategies.”