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ADC sensitizes Nigerians on electoral reforms

ADC sensitizes Nigerians on electoral reforms

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By Onwa Ekor

Ahead of the proposed zone-by-zone constitutional reforms, the Cross River chapter of African Democratic Congress (ADC), has charged Nigerians to advocate for positive electoral reforms.

This was the basis of a one-day convergence of coalition partners with the theme, “Forum for civic mobilization towards improved governance,” held in Calabar.

According to the group, having experienced electoral fraud in the system, there was need to identify the loopholes as contained in the electoral laws as well as roles of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as presently constituted.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Dr Effiong Nyong, in his presentation, stressed the need to curb the mentality of the people through intellectual capacity for things to get better as the challenges experienced affect everyone.

Amb. Nkoyo Toyo in her lead presentation, maintained that the essence of the convergence was to ensure that citizens vote count while results of the 2027 elections are not seen or viewed to be manipulated at the point of collation.

“This is the time for you to rise in all honesty and make your voice heard for proper electoral reforms where the electronic transmission of results are guaranteed.

“If elections must hold same day, issues that lead to inconclusive elections ought be addressed; If we must establish State and local government police, who will control the police?” Toyo asked.

Other areas she charged Nigerians to address properly during the constitutional reform exercise includes, compulsory resignation of national and state executive members of political parties, election petitions to be addressed before swearing in, INEC powers to conduct local government polls, governorship, national and state assembly petitions to end at the level of the Court of Appeal, among others.

The former envoy to Ethiopia, argued that “we can only get a better country if there are opportunities for people who have integrity and ideas, not people who have constructed and contracted themselves into positions of power, taking over the leadership of the country.”

Others who spoke including Dr. Ntete Bassey Duke, the ADC state women leader, Lady Christabel Assam and the State Chairman, Dr. John Ogar, stressed the need for a broad campaign aimed at sensitizing the rural populace as the issues raised are not just for the political elites or a particular political party, but all Nigerians affected by the economic challenges being experienced at the moment.

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