YEAC Demands Credible, Violence-free Elections for Smooth Transition in 2023

Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC) congratulates Nigeria and Nigerians as the country marks 4th Democracy Day celebration today, June 12 and 29th year of the annulment of the adjudged freest, fairest and most credible general elections in the history of the country presumably won by MKO Abiola, GCFR in 1993 and uses the opportunity to demand for a free, fair, credible and violence-free general elections in 2023 to usher in a smooth transition of government without repeating past bitter experiences.

It is on record that since the Ibrahim Babangida’s annulment of the general elections in 1993, “June 12” continues to resonate in the minds and actions of citizens with memories of M.K.O Abiola, GCFR, associated crisis, the struggle that ended military interregnum in the country and the enthronement of the longest running 23 years democratic experience since 1999.

On this historic day, the Executive Director of Advocacy Centre, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface on behalf of the organization commends all Nigerians for their continuous resilience, doggedness, commitment and tenacity in demand for electoral reform, good governance, transparency, accountability, rule of law, free, fair and credible elections that guarantee the promotion of human rights, franchise and women participation in politics.

He further said “The sacrifice of MKO Abiola and other Nigerians who paid the supreme price in the process of demanding for justice and restoration of the June 12 mandate and associated human rights violations have not been forgotten and as long as it continues to form part of our political history as a nation, it would continue to strengthen and embolden us to demand for reforms and hold our leaders to account for the bitter experience of 1993 not to repeat itself every in Nigeria. Our citizens should unite to fight against the common enemies. In our diversity lies our strength and in unity, we shall achieve peace, stability, prosperity and prevail over the enemies of civil rule and deepen our democratic experience for a better Nigeria for all’’.

The organization calls on President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR to make real his reiterated promise of “a free, fair and transparent electoral process” in order to improve on the records of previous elections including the June 12, 1993 general elections adjudged to be the freest, fairest and most credible in our history since independence in 1960.

The group however noted that this cannot be achieved if the security of lives and properties are not given priority attention by Mr. President thus demanded for Mr. President to minimize incidents of incessant attacks on worship centres, human rights violation, kidnappings, acts of terrorism and cases of banditry which are unfortunately spreading like wild-fire across the country and also ensure that corruption which breeds these challenges are tackled and brought under control before, during and after the 2023 general elections.

The group, demands that Mr. President seamlessly supports and ensures that processes leading to the elections are flawless and crisis-free to ensuring a smooth power transition to a new democratically elected government in 2023 in order to further heal the wounds of the bitter experience of 1993.

Fyneface Dumnamene particularly harps on the need for youths across the country to avoid being used and armed by politicians against themselves and used for electoral violence to attack political opponents and disrupt elections because such acts threaten our democracy, cause political instability and underdevelopment.

Adding that youths should register and obtain their Voter’s Cards, vote right and peacefully in the forthcoming general elections to ensure the emergence of “credible candidates that will guarantee inclusive government, good governance and youths’ active participation in decision-making processes for an egalitarian society for all”.

Signed;

Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface,

Executive Director, YEAC.

June 12, 2022