By President Muhammadu Buhari has rehashed why his administration doesn’t meddle in elections, telling governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a meeting on Tuesday that he will allow Nigerians to vote in favor of whoever they need.
Speaking at the meeting, which took place in his office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, he guaranteed that governing party will keep bequeathing strong political institutions that mirror their choices, through non-interference in elections, referring to the result of polls in Ekiti, Anambra and the Osun States as indicators.
The President noted that non-interference in elections gives faith to the political process, guarantees participation and inclusiveness, and shows that the governing party regards the electorate.
He said under his leadership, the APC will keep on regarding Nigerians by guaranteeing that their votes count and people’s voice matters in choosing political leaders at different levels.
A statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity cited Buhari as saying: “I want Nigerians to know that we respect them, and for us to show that we will allow them to vote who they want.
“We all witnessed what happened in Anambra, Ekiti, and the Osun States. What happened in those states gives me a lot of hope that we are succeeding.’’
For the 2023 elections, President Buhari said the government will likewise guarantee that Nigerians don’t get intimidated, or humiliated by those in positions, or the more privileged.
“We will not allow anyone to use personal resources or their influence to intimidate other Nigerians. We will not allow intimidation materially, morally, or physically. This is the kind of leadership that can emerge and consolidate our nation.
“In six months, Nigerians will appreciate the government of APC that we are sincere, and we respect them,’’ he added.
President Buhari asked the party’s political leaders to strengthen efforts in “thinking, meeting, and planning for the 2023 election.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) and Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, who led the delegation, thanked the President for his leadership, guided by wisdom and foresight, affirming that the Nigerian economy had been growing, in spite of challenges.
