The Southern Kaduna People in Diaspora, SOKAD, has called on electorates especially, Southern Kaduna people to cast their votes based on performance of those seeking re-election or vision of those seeking mandates to represent the people for the first time.

Stressing on the importance of the forthcoming general elections, SOKAD said there has never been an election as important as this one.

A statement signed by the group’s president, Freeman Kamuru, said, “Southern Kaduna People in Diaspora (SOKAD), has called on electorate, especially Southern Kaduna people, to cast their votes based on performances of elected leaders seeking re-election or vision of those seeking mandates to represent the people for the first time.

“SOKAD, cannot emphasize enough the importance of this election. There has never been an election as important as this one. For your survival as a people, for your social, economic, and physical security, this is a crucial vote for us. Go out and vote. Make February 16, 2019, an epoch for Southern Kaduna.”

The group called on the electorate to hinge their support on the records and promises made by the political parties and their candidates should form the basis for which they vote on Saturday presidential election.

According to the group, there are two fundamental questions that should inform the voting decision of the electorates.

“First, are your lives better today than they were when the governments in power were sworn in? Second, for the next four years, which political party or candidates will improve your lives?” the group asked.

SOKAD harped on peaceful polls, adding, “The most important determinants of a successful election are peaceful voting, transparent tallying and reporting of the votes that reflect the true will of the voters, so that every legitimate vote counts.”

Describing the forthcoming polls an epoch for both the country and Southern Kaduna, the group further said, “Free, fair and credible election is a referendum on the performance of the incumbent government. For the people of Southern Kaduna, and others, you have two important elections looming- national and state.

“At both levels, the governments in power have records on which they can be judged. President Muhammadu Buhari, of All Progressive Congress (APC), is seeking a second term. His main opponent, Mr. Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, is challenging him.

“In Kaduna State, Governor Nasir el-Rufai of APC, is also seeking a second term; while the PDP has presented Alhaji Isa Ashiru as its gubernatorial candidate.”