Acting Head of Mission and Country Representative, International Peace Commission of the United Nations, Amb. Hussaini Coomassie has urged presidential candidates in the upcoming 2023 elections to be prepared to accept the outcome of the polls.
Coomassie, in a goodwill message to mark the 62nd Independence Anniversary of Nigeria stressed that the major contenders vying to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 should embrace peace ahead of the presidential election.
He noted that all the presidential candidates should prioritise the message of peace, unity of Nigeria and her development during this campaign period.
Coomassie also warned supporters of the major presidential candidates against thuggery, hate speeches and fake news during the electioneering campaign.
The UN Representative expressed hope that the country will overcome all the challenges confronting her presently.
He said: “As the Nigerians get ready to elect another leader to succeed the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari next year, it is our hope, however, that the major contenders will prepare their minds and that of their supporters to gladly accept whatever the outcome will be in the sportsmanship spirit.
“This I emphasise should be registered in their minds that only one of them will emerge victorious at the poll as Nigerian voters will decide. Therefore, I urge the political gladiators and their supporters to embrace peace, preach peace and practice peace during and after this forthcoming exercise.
“Nigeria should be seen as a collective project and not a personal project. This Nation is greater than anyone and history will not forget in a hurry whatever said and done either in the country’s favour or against her.”
Coomassie called on the Nigerian youths to actively and peacefully participate in the ongoing process and elect a leader that will protect their future and the generations yet unborn.
