Dr. Osifo Accuses Buhari, APC of Being Unprepared for Credible Elections
Osifo Accuses Buhari, APC of Lacking Commitment to Credible Elections
Coordinator of the Friends of Atiku Abubakar (FoA) in Edo State, Dr. Isaiah Osifo, has accused President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of lacking commitment to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.
Osifo made the allegation while reacting to Buhari’s controversial comments warning that anyone who attempted to snatch ballot boxes during the 2019 elections risked serious consequences.
The university lecturer criticised the President’s statement, arguing that the responsibility of government should be to strengthen the electoral process rather than make statements that could be interpreted as encouraging violence.
According to Osifo, Nigerians were increasingly dissatisfied with the leadership of the APC and were capable of assessing the government’s commitment to credible elections.
He argued that peaceful and transparent elections could be achieved through an independent electoral commission, impartial security agencies and the full support of the government.
Citing Ghana as an example, Osifo said credible elections did not require threats against citizens but rather strong democratic institutions and respect for the electoral process.
He urged President Buhari to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies in conducting elections without interference.
Osifo maintained that election-related violence could be avoided if the government and political parties demonstrated genuine commitment to a peaceful and transparent process.
He further argued that supporting credible elections would ultimately benefit Buhari by strengthening public confidence in his administration and protecting his legacy after leaving office.
According to him, restoring confidence in the electoral process required the President and the APC to demonstrate through their actions that they were committed to allowing Nigerians to freely choose their preferred candidates.
