Edo Poll – Behave Responsibly, Buhari Warns Candidates, Parties, Security Agents

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday cautioned political parties, candidates and security agents to behave responsibly in tomorrow’s governorship election in Edo State.

The president, in a message to voters, political parties, election officials and security personnel, reiterated his stance that he is passionately committed to free and fair elections, adding that his own commitment is not enough if other actors at ground zero refuse to abide by the rules.

A statement by presidential spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, quoted Buhari as saying: “I want to see democratic standards in the country raised higher at every level, but these cannot be achieved when politicians resort to do or die methods to gain power by any means or machination.

“The do-or-die mentality to politics is a threat to free and fair elections because the actors are more focused on winning than caring about a fair outcome that reflects the Will of the people.”

The president appealed to all political parties and their candidates to behave peacefully and respect law and order.

He also advised election officials and security agents “to remain neutral to ensure free and fair elections and avoid any action(s) capable of compromising the integrity of the elections.”

President Buhari noted that conducting free and fair elections is one of his main concerns for the nation’s democracy, saying, “I want this commitment to be one of the legacies I will leave behind when I depart office.”