PGF DG, Kaigama laud adoption of electronic transmission of election results

• CSO urges prompt presidential assent

DIRECTOR General of the Progressive Governors Forum ( PGF), Dr. Salihu Lukman and Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, have applauded the Senate’s endorsement of electronic transmission of results ahead of the 2023 general elections.

In a piece titled, “Internal Democracy in Political Parties and Prospects For New Nigeria,” Lukman also welcomed the direct primary model for selection of candidates for electoral contests.

The Kaduna- born All Progressives Congress ( APC) chief said the decisions would enhance credibility of elections and expand the scope of citizens’ participation in politics.

The PGF boss expressed the hope that the Conference Committee would eventually adopt the new amendment for onward transmission to President Muhammadu Buhari for his assent.

He submitted that it behoves the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) to develop the needed technological infrastructure, procurement and installations, as well as recruit and train personnel on the novel concept.

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ESCRIBING the resolution as commendable in his homily at St Luke’s Parish, yesterday, in Abuja, Kaigama observed that, “as we approach the 2023 elections, many will be driven by desperation to occupy juicy positions of leadership,” stressing that power and honour in themselves are not evil, but could become a problem when “we desire them in the wrong spirit.”

He said: “The eagerness of politicians to occupy strategic positions does not amount to the eagerness to serve the teeming youths, people with disabilities, widows, orphans, senior citizens, women discriminated against, children, etc., but to be served and to command power.”

SIMILARLY, National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights ( CDHR), Prince Kehinde Taiga, at the weekend, urged Buhari to speedily assent to the amended Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

He said the presidential seal would enable the electoral umpire test- run the idea at the upcoming November 6 Anambra governorship election in preparation for the 2023 poll.

Taiga made the call during the group’s Annual General Conference ( AGC) of the CDHR in Asaba, Delta State.