New York, NY, February 23, 2023 – The Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) and its partner organizations in the US task Nigerians to elect candidates they can trust to run the affairs of the country in their best interests as they go to the polls on Saturday, 25th February and 11th March for Presidential and National Assembly, and Governorship and House of Assembly elections respectfully.
OAN, in collaboration with 20 other Nigerian associations in the United States is mindful of the forthcoming general election and wants Nigerians to elect their best who they can trust to faithfully pilot the affairs of the country in the next four years. The 2023 election is a critical and consequential election that has generated so much enthusiasm, interests, and support among the Nigerian compatriots both in the homeland and in the diaspora, and the international community, for obvious reasons.
Nigeria is strategic as the preeminent leader and giant of Africa. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the most populated black country in the world. Nigeria also has the highest Gross Domestic Product in Africa and is also the largest market on the African continent. The country is very rich in human resources as it has produced great men all over the world, and also blessed with abundant mineral resources.
However, Nigeria’s greatness has been challenged for far too long and there is no doubt that the last few years have brought excruciating pains to the Nigerian people. Nigeria is at a crossroad and the next set of political leaders must be fully prepared to lead Nigeria out of the current economic, social and security gloom that have befallen our dear motherland, to an era of hope and bloom. There is, therefore, a desperate need for a rebirth of this great entity to a nation of our dreams.
Being oblivious of the fact that we would live with the consequences of our decision in this election for the next four years or beyond, we appeal to Nigerians to vote their conscience in this election. The choice you make in this election has consequences for you and in many cases, for generations after you. And the decision you make in your choice of candidate in the election is the worth of your vote in the next four years. Will you be proud of the choice you make in this election or regret it?
We urge Nigerians to reject primordial sentiments with which some of you had voted before, and instead, vote based on the candidate’s character, competence, track record, and vision. You should vote someone who can lead the country out of the present era of gloom to the expected era bloom. And we appeal, generally to the youth, election officials, security personnel and politicians to not allow themselves to be used to foment troubles during the election or manipulate the popular will of the people.
This election is particularly of special interest to the diaspora Nigerians because we are a very important demographic. We send billions of dollars back home annually to boost the economy and to support our famished relations on whom we also have significant influence in this election. And as Nigerians go to the poll, we have reached out to our families and associates back home to ensure that they cast their votes. Some diasporas have also taken the pains to travel home to register and to vote at the election.
We are, therefore, charging all Nigerians in the Diaspora to reach out to their families and friends in Nigeria. We are urging you to use every and any influence you have; and encourage them to vote for candidates that represent the best interests of Nigeria and her citizens
Very importantly, we call on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to be above board in the election so as to bequeath a befitting legacy on the country. Buhari was a beneficiary of a credible process put in place by his predecessor, which saw him defeat a sitting President. He cannot afford to lower the bar. We equally call on State Governors, election officials and security personnel to honor their international commitments and constitutional principles by encouraging, enabling and protecting free and fair election. Similarly, we urge all candidates to emphasis to their supporters the unacceptability of violence in connection with the election.
There are a lot at stake in this general election. The election is a consequential one that would determine the fate of over 200 million people, and impact on the African continent and the Black race. We believe that the Nigeria of our dream is possible. Therefore, everyone must contribute his or her own quota to actualize a new Nigeria. History is upon us and the whole world is watching!
God bless Nigeria.
For: The Organizing Committee:
Association of Nigerian Physicians in America.
Egbe Olumo Progressive Organization
Christ Apostolic Church, First in the Americas
Igbo Organization, NY
Nigerian Independence Day Committee
Absolute Faith in Jesus Christ International Church
Akwa Ibom State Association, NY
Nigerian Lawyers Association
Nigerian Nurses Association
Celestial Church of Christ
NIDO – New York Chapter
Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians
Cherubim and Seraphim Church Movement
Umu-Okpu Ngwa
NIDO – New Jersey Chapter