The Board of Trustees and National Executive Council of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday declared that the 2015 polls must hold on the rescheduled dates.

“We reaffirm our faith and commitment to the democratic process in Nigeria, and we hold the elections of March 28th and April 11th sacrosanct and inviolate. The re-scheduled elections of March 28th and April 11th must take place and produce credible results. Under whatever circumstances, no attempt from any quarter should be made to interfere with the elections,” ACF said in a communiqué of the meeting held at its headquarters in Kaduna under the chairmanship of its Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Adamu M. Fika (Wazirin Fika).

The group said in the communiqué signed by its National Chairman, IGP Ibrahim A. Coomassie (rtd.), that it will view any threat or intimidation against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as an attempt to further cripple its integrity and credibility of the elections. “INEC must also realise that it holds the future of this nation in its hands. There is a historic opportunity for the Chairman and Commissioners of the Commission to salvage the present dangerous situation in which our nation finds itself,” the communiqué said.

It added: “ACF irrevocably rejects any attempt to subvert the constitution and that no arrangement which violates the electoral Act or the constitution will be accepted by Nigerians. In particular, suggestion of an Interim Government that violates the Constitution must not be actualised. Similarly, attempts to prolong the life of this administration using the cover of national security will be resisted by Nigerians. In this respect, we strongly appeal to the National Assembly to resist any attempt to be used in violating the rights of Nigerians to live under the Constitution.

“We urge all Nigerians, particularly those in privileged positions of leadership on the need to support a peaceful conduct of the March/April elections and ensure that they are free, fair and credible. Losers should also accept the result and ensure a peaceful handover on May 29th. We look forward to an administration that will reverse the damaging politicisation of the public service, the police, the judiciary and the electoral process. We note that this administration has dragged the military into the electoral process for which they have no constitutional responsibility. ACF therefore, demands that the military be kept out of the electoral process. The only security requirement in the electoral process is the maintenance of law and order, which is the constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) which the Inspector General of Police has already indicated not only his capability but his preparedness.

“ACF notes with disappointment threats from some elements in the Niger Delta that they will unleash mayhem on the rest of the country if the March/April elections do not produce the result they want. ACF is not intimidated by this. It is regrettable to observe that up till now security agencies have refused to arrest those threatening the nation and beating drums of war. We therefore urge them to immediately discharge their constitutional responsibility by arresting and prosecuting those who make such threats. The Attorney General of the Federation should particularly note this

“We appeal to the international community to maintain its vigil on events leading to the scheduled elections and sustain the pressure on the Government to honour its pledge to allow the elections to hold.

“We also appeal to leaders of regional groups, civil society organisations and leaders of communities at all levels to rally Nigerians to defend and protect our democracy and ensure that elections take place in March/April.

“We invite the attention of the Nigerian Military to its hallowed and constitutional duty to protect the peace, security and survival of our fatherland. This is the time for our military to stand behind the people and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which they have sworn to protect.

“ACF rejects the allegation that it had a meeting with the Chairman or any member of INEC This is not true and is baseless. ACF has instructed its lawyers to look into the matter and take appropriate legal action.”

•File photo shows ACF National Chairman Coomassie addressing a press conference.

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