Boko Haram attacks are increasing daily and insurgency spreading like wild fire in Nigeria’s north, but President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians that elections will hold all over the country in 2015.
According to him, his administration was putting all necessary security measures in place to enable the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct violent-free elections across the country.
“It is encouraging that the security situation is improving, and by the grace of God, elections will be conducted in all states of the federation,” he said on Thursday, in his acceptance speech during the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“I call on all Nigerians, irrespective of party or belief, to join me in this fight against insurgency and terror. We must be united. Bickering and quarrels only serve to send the wrong signals to terrorists and insurgents that we are divided in this fight.
“More importantly, it can also demoralise our dedicated and brave armed forces. This would be wrong. For this reason, we must remain united.
“The experience in many countries shows that there may be a tendency for the escalation of violence in an election year. We must not succumb to blackmail. We must be vigilant – every one of us. Only by united action, can we defeat terrorism,” Jonathan said.
The president who was nominated as the flag bearer of the PDP in the 2015 presidential election, accepted his nomination, saying; “I once more accept the challenge to serve our party and nation. I will continue the work we have begun with the Transformation Agenda.
“I will work to secure Nigeria’s future. I will serve with humility and moderation, with simplicity and forthrightness; with openness and inclusiveness; and with firmness and strength. I urge all Nigerians to support me, to finish what we started together.
“It is imperative to secure the future of Nigerians by building the nation, rather than destroy it.
“The choice before Nigerians in the coming election is simple: A choice between going forward or going backwards; between the new ways and the old ways; between freedom and repression; between a record of visible achievements and beneficial reforms – and desperate power-seekers with empty promises.
“Our systematic efforts have been acknowledged and we will do more in the coming years. Corruption degrades development; we will continue this fight, without compromise,” said Jonathan.
