The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), the umbrella body of Muslims in the region on Thursday called on Nigerians to vote peacefully during the presidential and national assembly elections billed to take place across the country tomoron Saturday.
While reminding Nigerians that it is only in the atmosphere of peace that electorate can exercise their franchise, MUSWEN however urged Nigerians to vote for their prefered candidates in the elections.
MUSWEN in a statement on Thursday by its Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Professor Daud Noibi, said that all Nigerians have a duty to make the elections mark a positive milestone in the nation’s progress.
MUSWEN noted that, “We need to remind ourselves that it is only in an atmosphere of peace that the electorate can exercise their right to vote for candidates of their choice and that their votes can truly count.
“We all have a duty to make the elections mark a positive milestone in the nation’s progress, and not a step backwards. We must, therefore, make sure that the elections are free, fair, peaceful, violence-free and credible.
“While MUSWEN commends INEC, security agencies and other critical stakeholders for their diligent preparation for the elections, we urge them to spare no effort in order for them to deliver well on their mandate during and after the elections.
MUSWEN appealed to Imams and the generality of Muslims to use the opportunity of the Friday prayers today to pray for peaceful elections.
The statement added that, “Our Imams should also, please, use the opportunity to admonish their congregations on the need for them to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner before, during and after the elections”.
