Buhari-Okadigbo Campaign USA Calls on Watchdog Groups to Monitor Upcoming Nigerian Elections

Washington, D.C. -- March 17, 2003 -- The Buhari-Okadigbo Presidential Campaign USA, is currently contacting and soliciting the assistance of several international election watchdog groups in an effort to eliminate election rigging and to ensure an outcome that correctly reflects the intentions of Nigerian voters.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Dr. Chinua Akukwe, Chairman, Buhari-Okadigbo Presidential Campaign USA
1201 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20004
Phone: 202-661-4714
Fax: 202-661-4699
Email: info@buhariokadigbo.com
http://www.buhariokadigbo.com

Buhari-Okadigbo Campaign USA Calls on Watchdog Groups to Monitor Upcoming Nigerian Elections

Washington, D.C. -- March 17, 2003 -- The Buhari-Okadigbo Presidential Campaign USA, made up of a cross-section of Nigerian and American professionals actively supporting All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) candidates Drs. Muhammadu Buhari and Chuba Okadigbo, are currently contacting and soliciting the assistance of several international election watchdog groups in an effort to eliminate election rigging and to ensure an outcome that correctly reflects the intentions of Nigerian voters.

Attacks on political candidates, such as the recent killing of an ANPP leader, Marshall Isokari Harry, only serve to threaten that confidence and the promise of a free and fair election which is central to the Buhari/Okadigbo campaign, and we know that a stable democracy cannot exist unless rigging is eliminated," said Dr. Chinua Akukwe, Chairman of Buhari-Okadigbo Presidential Campaign USA. Presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari underscored this point at the ANPP Presidential inauguration on March 8, 2003, when he stated, 'We dont want to rig elections but we are against those who want to rig."

The April election represents the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power since 1983 and offers Nigerians and the world the opportunity to regain confidence in Nigerias commitment to democratic rule. Several international organizations, many of which participated in the 1999 Presidential elections, have already announced plans to send delegations to participate in monitoring the upcoming elections. Among these are representatives of the Carter Center/National Democratic Institute delegation, the International Republican Institute (IRI), and the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES).

It is very encouraging to see the level of international attention being directed at these elections, said Bob Black, a member of the Buhari-Okadigbo USA Campaign Team, It simply demonstrates that ensuring the integrity of the election process is critical to establishing the credibility of elected leaders not just in Nigeria but around the world."

For more information about the activities of the above-mentioned organizations, please visit their websites at www.cartercenter.org, www.ndi.org, www.iri.org and www.ifes.org.

To schedule interviews with the Buhari/Okadigbo Presidential Campaign USA supporters or to receive additional press materials, contact cakukwe@att.net or phone 202-661-4714.

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