A Former Chief of Staff to Imo State Government, Uche Nwosu, says the outcome of the 2023 General Election will be acceptable and uncontestable.
Nwosu said this in a news conference in Abuja.
He said that the outcome of the elections would not be influenced externally or internally, would represent the people’s mandate and should not be contested.
He, however, advised Nigerians to vote according to their conscience adding that nobody should impose their choice of preferred candidates on another, especially on elderly voters.
“When it comes to the issue of voting in elections and who you want to represent you, it is a thing of the mind, it is you actually knowing what is good for you and what is not good for you.
“If you decide that it is B and you see the qualities of representation in B, the better for you and if you see the qualities of representation in C or D and you decide to go for any of them, the better for you.
“Democracy is not something you have to force the voting or ask somebody that they must choose this person, it is a thing of decision.
“Whoever you want to choose, choose freely and nobody should force you to choose who you don’t want to choose.
“If a 70-year-old man decides to vote for another 70-year-old man that’s his choice, if a 30-year-old-man decides to vote for somebody in his 30s, that’s his choice.
“So my choice should not affect another person’s choice, it’s a thing of joy to choose who you want to vote for and allow another person to choose who they want to vote for.”
Nwosu said that in the sequence of Nigeria’s leadership, there had been a series of administrations, both administrations led by older leaders and younger leaders.
He urged Nigerians not to vote based on the ages of the candidates but on ideologies, ability to represent, capacity and exposure, wellness and leadership prowess, antecedent and other valid criteria for electing a good leader.
“That you are voting a young person does not mean that you are assured or that you are voting an 80 or 90 year-old does not mean that you are assured.
“So let your conscience allow you to look at those people who are running for elections and choose who you think can represent and lead the nation and lead you when it comes to the Senate and House of Representatives.”
Nwosu lauded the political awareness and enthusiasm among the youths, saying it was interesting and quite different from the enthusiasm at the inception of Nigeria’s democracy.
“In a country where the population of the youths is 60 per cent, what it means is that they are the people that will determine who becomes the president, who becomes the governor.
“The senator, the federal house of representative members, state house of assembly members and even the local government chairman.
“With the current situation of things now and the awareness and enthusiasm in our young people, it shows that they are really awakened and the elections will not be the same story or business as usual.
“Because even the old ones are aware that if these young people are not carried along or are not treated well, there may be severe consequences,” he said.
Nwosu, however, cautioned the youths against being used as thugs or political tools to incite violence that could lead to the destruction of lives and properties and also mar the entire electoral process.
He urged them to conduct themselves properly and peacefully before, during and after the elections, cast their votes, and ensure their votes are counted.
