2019 elections: CAN warns INEC, security agencies against rigging polls

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has cautioned security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, against being used to rig the upcoming general elections.

CAN President, Samson Ayokunle gave the call in a communique issued on Thursday which he co-signed with his spokesperson, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji.
The body also warned that no voter should be harassed or intimidated during the period of the elections.

Ayokunle commended President Muhammadu Buhari for pledging to ensure the forthcoming elections are free and fair.
The communique reads in part: “The Association however observes that the present efforts of the government in providing security is not yielding the needed results as wanton killings have continued, especially in some States in the northern part of the country.
“Boko Haram appeared to have resurrected again, decimating communities in Borno and Yobe States in particular, and not sparing soldiers. This resurgence of insecurity in the Northeast portends danger for the forthcoming general elections if efforts at curtailing it are not increased. Many voters might be disenfranchised from voting.

“We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for the continuous reassurance that all will be done by the government to make the forthcoming general elections free, fair and credible. We at the same time implore Mr. President to make sure that all these promises are transformed into reality through concrete efforts that would prevent violence and other electoral malpractices.
“We call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Police and other security agents not to make themselves available to be used for rigging or any form of electoral malpractice by the politicians.
“No voter or election observer must be intimidated or harassed throughout the period of the election. We equally urge politicians to run away from vote buying while the electorates should not allow anybody to buy their votes. If you sell your vote, you sell your future.
“We urge all Nigerians to continue praying fervently for peaceful and credible elections in our country and to walk circumspectly.”