UN Chief Urges Nigerian Politicians Not To Derail 2023 Polls

Amina Mohammed,  United Nations Deputy Secretary-General and chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group, has warned Nigeria politicians not to derail the 2023 general elections, saying it must not fail.

Mohammed gave the warning during a keynote speech she presented at the Nigerian Bar Association state of the national dialogue, with the theme, ‘Security, economy and administration of justice.’

She explained that the only path for a nation to succeed was through sustainable development which it had been advocating.

Peter Umeadi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance; Major Hamza Al-Mustapha Hamza of the Action Alliance and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress were the only presidential candidates who attended the dialogue

According to the UN Scribe, “As Africa’s leading economy, with the biggest port of views, and security anchor for our neighbours, Nigeria cannot simply afford to fail”, Mohammed said and reminded the judiciary that as members of the Bar, “You have a key role to play to advance the country’s aspiration towards 2023 general elections.”

Mohammed said the UN would support any process that would lead to credible, all-inclusive, free and fair general elections.

“The UN is committed to accompanying Nigeria on this journey”, she said.

Mohammed said “things will be turned around to a more inclusive, equal and just society where we will embrace the best of our traditions with open minds and build trust that will allow us to build a better future together.”

The increase in the number of registered voters from 84 million to 93 million was encouraging, she said, adding that it had suggested that Nigerians were enthusiastic about the electoral process.

She slammed politicians and candidates engaging in politics of bitterness, rancour and acrimony.

“However, we have continued to witness attacks on institutions, fake news, hate speech, a spate of religious and ethnic identities, conditions as well as attacks on INEC facilities since the political campaigns began,” Mohammed lamented.