A support group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the aiges of BAT Vanguard, has promised to mobilise about five million votes for the presidential candidate of the ruling party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
The group, however, asked all the presidential candidates of all political parties to make the campaign an issues-based.
In a statement released Wednesday in Abuja, signed by its convener, Olofin Olusola, called on Nigerian youths to eschew violence and be tolerant with others with diverse opinion or choice of candidate or political party.
“As we approach this season of electoral campaign when Nigerians will be able to hear from those who aspire to lead them; BAT Vanguard, a progressive political movement, with a mission deeply rooted in its commitment to inspire the people to the polls to vote and to strategically influence the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the winner of the Presidential election come 2023 as it holds so much hope for Nigerians.
“As a support group with an active interest in the peace and prosperity of Nigeria, we enjoin all political parties and relevant stakeholders to make the 2023 electioneering campaign issue based and devoid of campaign of calumny, avoiding an unnecessary overheating the polity.
While asking political stakeholders to be mindful of their utterances, and to preach peace at all time during the campaign, the group said: “Hence, we admonish all concerned parties that there should be decorum and respect for individuals and organisations, across board. This will guarantee a peaceful conduct of the campaigns, election and eventual transition.
“In light of the aforementioned, we call on all stakeholders, within the polity, to promote the ‘Good Soldier’ syndrome as we advocate for the following:
“All candidates in the forthcoming 2023 general election are to engage on an issue-based campaign, mindful of their utterances, and to preach peace at all time as they go about campaigning.
“Presidential candidates should be forthcoming and present a clear blueprint for the next four years that will address the common challenges confronting our existence as a people; and their resolve to take Nigeria to prosperity and place her high amongst the committee of nations.
“We call on the youths of Nigeria to eschew violence and be tolerant with others with diverse opinion or choice of candidate or political party.”
The statement also asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to further act proactive and in a responsive manner by making sure that Nigerians experience a satisfactory, free, fair and peaceful election.
“We call on all the security agencies in the country to gear up for the increased activities in the forthcoming general election towards safeguarding our hard-earned democracy; ensuring the protection of lives and property, safety of electorates and the foreign observers before, during and after the election process. And also, assistant the electoral body and other relevant agencies in a smooth transition from one government to another.
“Just as we are sure of victory for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu come February, 2023 with our group been able to pull in 5 million votes for our principal. We believe his emergence as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will guarantee economy prosperity, unity and equity for all.”
