The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) on Monday urged Nigerians not to flee to their areas of origin out of fear for the February 25 and March 11 general elections.

They made the call at the end of meeting in Abuja attended by their representatives to, among other things, review the state of political campaigns and explore ways in which their groups can contribute to the emergence of leaders from credible elections conducted under peaceful conditions, as well as a peaceful transition to the next administration.

A communique of the meeting was jointly signed by Alhaji Murtala Aliyu

Secretary, ACF; Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) for Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Director Advocacy and Engagement, NEF.

The meeting noted the need for responsible conduct by all politicians and vigilance by other leaders and elders towards ensuring that the country produces the best leadership possible under the most peaceful conditions.

The meeting also resolved that all Nigerians have a role to play in ensuring the conduct of credible elections and a peaceful transition to the next administration

“All voters must be availed the opportunities to freely exercise their political choices. Nigerians living in all parts of the country must be encouraged to stay put, under secure circumstances to vote and exercise their franchise.

“Government at all levels, security agencies and host communities should give every Nigerian, wherever they live and work, assurances of their safety and the protection of their rights during elections.

“We urge our fellow citizens who may be planning to travel to areas of origin to resist every temptation to do so. Let them make their staying back a clear demonstration of real willingness to protect their rights to live wherever they are and participate in all election activities like all other Nigerians,” they said.

They also urged Nigerians to be conscious that these are defining elections wherein leaders should be elected on the basis of competence and the capacity to drive the nation’s economic development, social justice and political unity forward.(Vanguard)