Ambassador Chibuzo Okereke and two other partners at a Press Conference on Wednesday in Abuja
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Ahead of general election slated for February 25, 2023, the frican Parliamentary Advocacy and Reform Group, APARG, on Wednesday appealed to the media to be committed to enlightening the citizens on the importance of national elections.
The group also noted the imbalance in the reportage of activities surrounding other arms of government away from legislative arm of government and called interrogation of lawmakers by the media.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the team lead, Ambassador Chibuzo Okereke, stated that the parliament is the only symbol of democracy and remains strategic to constitutional democracy, hence, the media should not only trumpet their activities, but interrogate the institution.
He said: “The African Parliamentary Advocacy and Reform Group, notes that the National Assembly is both the symbol and important governance institution that mirrors the democratic character of a nation State.
“Therefore, priority interest and active participation of voters in the election of the National Assembly members is crucial to Nigeria’s democracy development and democratic consolidation.”
Stressing further on the importance of National Assembly elections, Ambassador Okereke, who was flanked by two other partners, appealed to citizens to ensure that they massively participate in the parliamentary election.
He said, investigation has shown that after the presidential election, some votes would leave the polling unit and never returned to vote candidates of their choice in the parliamentary election.
He said: “The outlook of the 2023 National Assembly elections according to INEC report, shows that about 1,101 candidates are vying for the 109 Senate seats. While 3,122 candidates are vying for the 360 seats of the House of Representatives.
“The record highlight the degree of competitiveness of you National elections in Nigeria with an average of 9 candidates to one seat, representing 50% of the total number of candidates expected on the ballot seat.”
APARG assured that the election would be held using BVAS and IREV technology amid security concerns and economic hardship ocassioned by currency swap policy of government.
