Nigeria Must Learn from French Election – Ojudu

Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has urged Nigerian leaders to take a cue from the French presidential election.

Ojudu, who led the Nigerian government’s team of observers to France to monitor the first round of the election, also congratulated the president-elect, Emmanuel Macron.

The former governorship candidate, who spoke to journalists in Abuja, on Monday, commended the peaceful conduct of the French election.

Ojudu further stated: “In addition, they were honest enough not to attempt multiple voting, despite the fact that all they do is sign a register to indicate they had voted and receive a card as proof. Furthermore, the professional coordination by electoral officials without any need for the heavy presence of security agents showed how much the French society had evolved since France became a representative democracy in the late 19th Century.”

Ojudu observed that Nigeria as a nation still has a lot to learn to take her democracy to the next level, while noting: “With proper orientation and education of voters, as well as massive cooperation by politicians, the electorates will be able to make informed choice.”

“We need to allow our people to choose their desired candidates without inciting hate or heating the polity

“Nigerians are good people. The leadership only needs to provide an enabling environment to foster knowledge and the kind of education that engenders peaceful and well conducted election like we have in the developed nations of the world,” he added.