In his statement to political parties and candidates ahead of Saturday’s polls, President Muhammadu Buhari urged all candidates and their political parties to respect voters’ choices and accept the election results as declared by the Independent National Election Commission.
He emphasized that Nigerians had no other country to call home and tasked the candidates and their parties with doing everything possible to keep the country secure, unified, and peaceful. He also urged them to abstain from riots and other acts of violence after the election results were announced.
Buhari instructed them to file any institutional or personal complaints with the appropriate courts.
These were said by the President during the national peace accord between political candidates & parties held in International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Buhari’s words: “I would first like to thank the Chairman of the National Peace Committee and all the members; very distinguished Nigerians, for their commitment and sacrifices to support peaceful elections in Nigeria.
“Back in September 2022, the chairman respectfully asked me to deliver a goodwill message in support of issue-based and peaceful campaigns and political rallies devoid of insults and personal attacks. This is at the very heart of my personal belief and conviction, that we need to dwell more on issues that are fundamental to the heart of Nigerians.
“Despite having no financial support from the government, the Peace Committee has remained steadfast, working with relevant agencies to provide moral compass and serve as an independent agency for alternative dispute resolution on the electoral process. I commend the committee’s commitment and loyalty not only to the electoral process but also to peace generally in Nigeria.
“I am aware of the deep concerns that have been raised about the conduct of the 2023 general elections and the outcomes they may throw up. However, since my assumption into office, my government has worked so hard to ensure that we pass on a legacy of free, fair, credible, safe, and peaceful elections. We will continue to act with neutrality and allow the rule of law to take precedence over political expediency. We have demonstrated that with the off-circle elections in Edo, Ondo, Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun states. We allowed Nigerians to decide who should govern them. We are committed to this legacy till the very last day of my administration.
“I want to assure INEC, the security agencies, and all relevant institutions saddled with the responsibility of conducting the elections of my administration continuous support. I ask you to be firm and courageous and to abide by the laws and constitutional provisions in conducting the elections. We must constantly improve our electoral process using technology and all the positive elements it brings to consolidate the integrity of the elections.”
Buhari called on the candidates “to respect the choice of voters and accept the result of the elections as announced by INEC, the agency empowered by law to do so.
“Any aggrieved candidate should resort to the established judicial processes, and we must have the confidence to trust our legal systems.
“I, once again, ask the candidates to abide by the spirit and letter of the accord they have signed unto today.”
