2019: Engage candidates on issue-based campaigns – NGO

Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, Mr Benson Olugbuo has called on Nigerians to engage candidates seeking election in 2019 polls on issue based campaigns devoid of hate speeches and inflammatory languages.

The Executive Director gave the advice on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing newsmen at a news conference commemorating the 20th anniversary of the foundation.

He said that it was important for citizens to engage candidates in fruitful dialogues as it was the only means to having an inclusive and violent free election.

“A fair, transparent, inclusive and violent free election is possible when citizens engage candidates in fruitful dialogues and campaigns are issue based.

“Priority must be given to people centered policies that will directly affect the lives of every citizen positively.

“Nigerians also expect the Federal Government to create an enabling environment where citizens will freely exercise their rights to vote candidates of their choice without fear of retribution,’’ he said.

Olugbuo added that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies must work together to ensure that the 2019 elections were successful.

He noted that adequate trainings on electoral processes and procedures must be given to Nigerians as well as relevant agencies that would be deployed for the exercise.

He added that his organisation on its part would be training about 1,500 election observers that would be deployed to the 774 Local Government Areas in the country during the elections.

CLEEN Foundation is a non-governmental organisation aimed at promoting public safety, security and accessible justice in Nigeria.