By Daud Olatunji

ABEOKUTA—Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, said Nigeria is being keenly watched by the international community, stressing that the country must not fail as the nation’s general elections begin in a fortnight.

Obasanjo said this at a public enlightenment programme on electoral process, organized by the Organization of Tadhamunul Muslimeen, OTM, and The Muslim Congress, TMC, Ogun State chapter, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.

The former president, who  said failure would subject Nigeria to ridicule and jest from the global observers, noted that all eyes would also be on INEC  and the Nigeria Police, urging them  to ensure free and fair elections, with no excuses on arrival of materials and provision of adequate security where necessary.

Obasanjo, who was represented by Chief Idowu Abraham Akanle said: “The elections are crucial and the international community is watching us. We should not disappoint them. We must ensure that the elections are free and fair.

“This election is for progress and development of this great country and should be devoid of sentiments, like religion, ethnicity and nepotism.

“A situation where somebody at Eggua will be phoning at 11 o’clock that they are still expecting materials will be unacceptable. A situation where the Police will be telling us no fuel to move will be unacceptable.”