Former presidential candidates decry insecurity, insist on peace, unity of Nigeria

The association of former presidential candidates of Nigeria, AFPCN, has decried the endless state of insecurity across the nation.

In a statement on Sunday and made available to CAPITAL POST in Abuja, the Chairman of the associztion, His Excellency, Dr Onwubuya Abraham Breakforth, said, they were poised to promote peace and unity of the country despite the daunting security challenges.

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The association warned against continued kidnapping and all forms of abductions ahead of 2027 general election, cautioning that the election should shouldn’t be threatened under any guise.

While sympathising with parents and families of abducted school pupils across the country, the AFPCN, declared that the country is at war with criminal elements and security agents must be supported to defeat them.
The statement partly read: “Therefore, condoling the parents and families of victims of kidnapping across the country, especially our heart goes to the school children (pupils) and teachers who are still inside the bush with terrorist kidnappers.

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“We are unfortunately at war with kidnappers, terrorists and other criminal elements. As a people, we must support our security agencies and the government in confronting these criminal elements decisively.

“However, we must also be careful not to allow fear to define our national discourse.”

The association discouraged ransom payment, arguing that it emboldens criminality.

“When kidnappings and ransom demands dominate our daily discourse, we inadvertently give criminals the publicity and influence they did not deserve.

“We must not project an image of a country under siege, because it may discourage investments, damage our economy, and embolden those who profit from fear. Criminals thrive when society amplifies their acts more than it celebrates the victories against them.

“This does not mean the Government should ignore insecurity. Rather, the Government at all levels should focus on greater attention on effective responses, the arrest of terrorist sponsors, and prosecution of offenders, the rescue of victims, the dismantling of criminal network.

“We should encourage vigilance, strengthen community policing, promptly report suspicious activities, and embrace the simple truth that security is everyone’s responsibility.

“We must all be our neighbour’s keepers.

“No country is entirely free of crime. The United States and South Africa, despite their challenges, do not allow criminal acts to become the sole narrative that defines their nations.

“Nigeria must also refuse to surrender its identity and future to the actions of a criminal minority.

“This is why we urge Nigerians to move beyond constant criticism and play their part in keeping our communities safe.

“The government has a duty to protect citizens, but citizens also have a responsibility to cooperate with law enforcement Agencies, share timely intelligence, and remain alert.

“In this regard, the efforts of the Security agencies deserve recognition but more is required from them to rise up to the challenge of keeping the nation safe.

“Under the leadership of Mr President H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our security architecture has recorded notable gains through improved coordination among security agencies, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and sustained operations against criminal elements.

“While much work remains to be done, it is important to acknowledge progress where it exists and encourage those risking their lives daily to keep our nation safe.

“Nigeria will overcome this challenge, but we will do so not by amplifying fear, but by promoting vigilance, supporting our security institutions, and remaining united in our determination to defeat those who seek to undermine our peace.

“The association will continue to support the security agencies and strengthen the faith of our fellow country men and women to remain responsible and confident ahead of the 2027 general election, to mobilize themselves across the 8,809 elective wards to elect patriotic Nigerians at the polls that will bring an end to the current insecurity and economic challenges.”

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