The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prove its neutrality by conducting a free and fair election in 2019.
CAN said this during its New Year message signed by Mr. Bayo Oladeji, media assistant to CAN President, Samson Ayokunle.
According to the statement, “The year 2019 is a crucial one to all Nigerians because it is a year of general elections.
“I therefore urge all Nigerians to make sure they abide in peace without getting involved in violence throughout the year, especially before, during and after the elections.
“We should all distance ourselves from electoral manipulations in whatever form. I urge politicians not to be too desperate to be voted into power or get themselves involved in using thugs to cause chaos or commit electoral fraud. Vote buying is evil; all stakeholders should shun it.
“The military should not be dragged into the electoral process. They should instead be allowed to face their primary responsibilities. Voters should not be intimidated, and election observers should not be harassed like we witnessed in recent polls.
“INEC and their personnel should maintain neutrality in their conduct throughout the elections. Let us remember that without a free, fair and credible exercise, which will bring credible leadership, the ‘dry bones’ of Nigeria will not rise again.”
