ECOWAS Will Ensure Credible Election in Nigeria - ECOWAS Chair assures Nigerians & International Community


ECOWAS Chairman President John Mahama, has assured Nigerians and the International Community that the sub-regional body will ensure that the upcoming   Presidential election in Nigeria is free, fair and transparent. 

Having had discussions with key stakeholders in the elections, President Mahama said he has been assured that Peace will reign. 

President Mahama, was addressing the media in Abuja, Nigeria after he had held close door meetings with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, leader of the main opposition party General Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria's Electoral Commission and the Commonwealth and African Union Observer teams.
                           
President Mahama, was on a Pre-election visit to Nigeria which goes to the Polls this weekend. Due to some security issues, elections in that country which was scheduled for the 14th of last month was postponed to the 28th of March.  

The ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP is facing its major challenge since it came into power in 1999. The PDP is being fiercely contested by the All Progressives Congress, APC led by General Buhari.  

As Chair of the regional bloc, President Mahama paid a working visit to assure Nigeria of ECOWAS' support to ensuring that there is peace before and after the elections. 

He first met with his Nigerian counterpart President Goodluck Jonathan, Chair of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Professor Attahiru Jega and Heads of the AU and Commonwealth Observer Missions, former Presidents Bakili Muluzi and Amos Sawyerr.
 
The Presidents last meeting was with the leader of the main opposition party General Buhari. President Mahama, said he leaves Nigeria fulfilled because he has been assured by the Parties involved that they will accept the final results as declared and abide by the tenets of Democracy. 

President Mahama, encouraged all Nigerians to come out in their numbers to cast their ballot and elect their preferred choice. He said ECOWAS will be monitoring closely to ensure that the elections are credible and the voice of the people will be respected
                                
 Head of the ECOWAS Observer Team Former President John Agyekum Kufuor,is expected in Nigeria on Wednesday March 25, to oversee the crucial elections.



SOURCE: GBC’s Pascaline Adadevoh's special report from Abuja