Former Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, says a free and fair presidential election will attract domestic and foreign investors to Nigeria.
Odinga said that if a country is observed to adopt fairness and rule of law in its electoral process, investors will trust that their investment will be adequately secured.
He spoke during the Leadership Annual Conference and Awards, on Tuesday in Abuja.
“If the continent democrats do not come together to defend the votes, elections will have debilitating consequences.
“Nigerians should stand firm and ensure the voice of the people is respected,” he said.
The former prime minister called on Nigeria to be cautious in adopting new technologies for election,
Odings said that it was important to note that technology could be compromised in achieving credible election results.
He however said there was need for fundamental reforms to make voting process more reliable and accessible to all citizens.
“If Africa wants to achieve Agenda 2026, we must practice equality and credible election,” he said.
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo said free and fair election is critical to the growth of Nigeria’s economy.
“The political elite have a duty in the interest of citizens and the economy to ensure elections are credible.
“There is hardly any greatest issue to the people than the economy, so there is need for integrity of the umpire and electoral course.
“This is the least we can offer our continent,” Osinbajo said.
He congratulated the awardees and commended Leadership Group for recognizing distinguished individuals and organisations, both private and public, in the country.
Leadership Group Limited Chairman, Mrs Zainab Nda-Isaiah, said it was important for the country to deliver free, credible elections, to rebuild Nigeria.
Nda-Isaiah called on stakeholders and voters to play their parts in the electoral process by transparently casting votes devoid of bribery.
She congratulated the 28 awardees, saying extreme care and diligence was taken in selecting them for the awards.
“I hope this recognition inspire you to do more,” she said.
Some of those honoured include Dr Benedict Oramah, retired Brig. Gen.Buba Marwa, Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others.(NAN)
