INEC former chairman Attahiru Jega has expressed optimism that Nigeria will conduct a credible election in 2023 despite current challenges.

Mr Jega stated this at a colloquium in honour of Adele Jinadu to mark his 79th birthday.

“I have a lot of fears about the outcome of the election, but I am an incurable optimist about the future of our country. So I remain hopeful that in spite of the recklessness that we see, in spite of the vandalism that we see perpetrated by many of our so-called leading politicians,” he explained.

He added, “We are hopeful that people will mobilise and become effectively engaged in the electoral process so that we have a good outcome in 2023. We can’t give up hope. We still have to engage because the more we engage, the more the possibility of change happening.”

Mr Jega said there was a need for the academia to participate actively in politics for the progress and development of the country.

“Nigeria is at a very critical juncture when the promises of democratic development are being systematically undermined and eroded,” he explained. “The nation is in need of good and knowledgeable people who believe in humanity to address the fundamental needs of the people like Jinadu.”

Former INEC national commissioner Okey Ibeanu said the 2023 general elections would be very important in defining the country’s future.

(NAN)