2015: Islamic group embarks on voter education in FCT

As the 2015 general elections draw nearer, an Islamic group, Women in Da’awah in Abuja has embarked on voter education campaign to educate the electorate in the rural communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Niger State on the importance of voting based on integrity.

Speaking during a sensitisation campaign in Tungan-Madaki village in the Abuja Municipal Area Council of the FCT, vice president of the group, Hajiya Rahmatu Musa Sani, in her lecture titled: “Say no to Violence, Don’t be Used,” enjoined the people not to allow themselves or their children to be used to perpetrate violence before, during or after elections, saying that the survival of their community and the country are paramount.

Sani advised the residents to ensure that they all collected their permanent voters’ cards, stressing that their cards are their weapon with which they can vote for candidates of their choice.

She urged them not to allow themselves to be used by any political element for selfish interest, noting that they should vote based on the will power of candidates, who understand their problems and have the capacity and willingness to solve them.

The residents confessed that they have been used before but promised not to allow any person or group to use them again because they are now well-informed. They also pledged that they would vote based on integrity.

The vice president also called on the residents to guard their votes by staying behind after voting and support INEC officials to carry out their constitutional duties effectively.

She said Tungan-Madaki is the first to be visited and that subsequent campaigns will take place at Shetiko, Kuje and Minna in Niger State.

It was gathered that many of the people were yet to get their permanent voters’ cards (PVCs). The group said it would network with INEC to ensure that the residents get their PVCs so that they can discharge their civic right during the elections.

Responding, the youth leader of the community, Saliu Jagaba, commended the group for bringing the campaign to his community.

He advised the residents to vote for credible candidates and shun violence.