2023: IPAC asks voters to not cast ballots based on their race or religion

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

The Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), Yabagi Sani, an engineer, has urged the public not to cast their votes based on the archaic feelings of religion and ethnicity prior to the 2023 general election.

Speaking at a conference held in Abuja to commemorate International Democracy Day, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in partnership with Alliance for Policy Advocacy and Development noted that candidates running for various elective positions in the nation should be chosen based on their competence.

Sani, who was represented by Mr. Egbeola Olawale Martins, expressed regret that the ruling class has used religion and tribalism as a dividing strategy to maintain their hold on power throughout the years.

In light of the shocking state of poverty in the nation, he urged Nigerians to shun animosity and intolerance, regardless of their racial, religious, or political allegiances, in the run-up to the 2023 elections.

He said, “If we are to advance as a nation, political tolerance must stay sacred. We must develop a respect for the decisions and viewpoints of others. The world would be at peace if we could make progress toward that goal. Conflict is a result of a lack of respect for individuals, their religions, ethnicities, and political opinions. The situation is worse in Nigeria.

“Tolerance is a fundamental democratic value. The game involves numbers. Elections would always favor the majority, but that doesn’t imply they are always right. I would rather be in the minority group on the right side than in the other incorrect group.

“Poverty and intolerance are to blame for the condition Nigerians are in today, according to our political leaders. They turn it into a weapon and employ it as a negotiating tactic. IPAC advises electorates not to perish in their war because of this. They see it as being us vs the people. Corruption is the one factor that links the ruling class together.

Therefore, voting shouldn’t be dependent on a person’s religion or race. If you wish to board the aircraft, you won’t necessarily look for your relative who is a good pilot. The same is true if you are ill and need surgery. You would choose a qualified doctor or medical professional. Why then not the governance issue, which is something we frequently view through the lenses of race and religion?

He reaffirmed IPAC’s commitment to fostering issue-based discussions among lawmakers vying for various electoral seats in order to advance the nation.

Mr. Solomon Adodo, president of the NYCN, also emphasized the need of adolescents resisting the urge to engage in acts of violence and other polarizing behaviors that serve to fan the flames of hatred in the nation.