Prof. Attahiru Jega the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has asked politicians to always promote the principles of democracy in the country.
He made the appeal on Abuja on Thursday at the opening ceremony of the All Political Parties and Political Stakeholders Summit.
Prof Attahiru Jega, INEC chairman.
He said parties have an “enlightened self interest” which was to promote democracy and must, therefore, do everything to protect democracy.
The theme of the Summit was: “Inter- Party Collaboration, National Stability and Democratic Consolidation”.
Jega said that through inter party collaboration, political parties could function effectively thereby ensuring national stability and the consolidation of democracy.
He said inter-party collaboration provided mediating and moderating functions necessary for stability in the polity.
The INEC boss also said that inter party collaboration should serve as a platform for defining the character of socio-political socialisation.
Jega said the lessons that should be learnt from what happened on June 12, 1993 were that politicians should consolidate on the gains of democracy.
“June 12 represents the actualisation of the aspirations of Nigerians for free and fair elections,” he said.
In his remark, the PDP National Chairman, Adamu Muazu, said there was the need for politicians to close ranks in the fight against terrorism.
“We must do all we can to ensure the release of the abducted Chibok girls,” he said.
Also speaking, former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, said Nigerians must resolve to work for free and fair election in 2015.
He urged the law enforcement agencies to be “more neutral in discharging their duties”.
Former Gov. of Anambra, Peter Obi, who represented APGA, said “the greatest enemy of Nigeria was terrorism” and as such all political actors should fight terror.
“We must support whoever is the president.
“We must re-examine ourselves by showing true leadership in our conduct,” he said.
The Labour Party Women Leader, Mrs Ebere Ifendu, advocated that women be given more opportunity in the political affairs of the country in order for them to make their contribution.
“To achieve peace and economic development we must all work together,” she said.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs, Sen Ben Obi said the summit was aimed at proffering suggestions “on ways to preserve Nigeria’s democracy”.
He said it was also designed to strengthen the basis of collaboration among political parties.
