Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to Nigerians not to be complacent and fail to vote in the gubernatorial poll and house of Assembly elections on Saturday.
He stressed that the forthcoming elections are as important for good governance as that of the presidency and the National Assembly.
In his message to Nigerians, ahead of the elections, Buhari noted that governance at the state level is closer to the people because it touches lives more directly, hence the need for eligible voters to participate in the choice of those who governs them at the state levels.
Buhari said: “The second and final phase of the 2019 general elections comes up on Saturday, March 9, with Nigerians voting for governors and members of Houses of Assembly in the states.
“Let me, once again, extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives or sustained injuries as a result of accidents or criminal violence during the elections.
“The onus is, once again, on qualified people to turn out in large numbers to exercise their civic rights.
“With the presidential poll behind us, let us not become complacent, and fail to vote in the governorship poll.
“The forthcoming elections are as important for good governance as that of the presidency and the National Assembly.
“Indeed, governance at the state level is closer to us, and should touch our lives more directly. That is why it is vital for us to participate in the choice of who governs us at the state levels.
“I, therefore, urge you to troop out massively on Saturday to elect your governors and state lawmakers.
“As a member of the All Progressives Congress, I recommend those standing on the platform of the party to you, as we are guided by progressive ideals, and we will not disappoint you. Equally, I urge you to comport yourself properly, as you turn out for the election.”
The president also warned against electoral violence and ballot box snatching, reiterating that dire consequences awaits perpetrators.
“Avoid all deviant behaviours like ballot stuffing, ballot snatching, and any other action that do not conform with best electoral practices,” he said.