From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that his administration is committed to free and fair elections, and will follow it through in every future election, stressing that the bedrock of democracy remains the sustenance of multi-party structure, with trust from citizens.
According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari stated this while interacting with some Nigerians in Paris, France, yesterday.
He noted that results from elections since he assumed office had been better, with the people’s choice playing out, promising to keep the template that had brought more credibility to the electoral process.
“Free and fair election is a great concern. In the last elections, our party lost in some elections and it reflects our position of non-interference.
“Normally those in power will win by hook or by crook. We believe in free and fair elections. I have respect for Nigerians to choose their leaders. We have shown we respect our citizens by allowing them to choose their leaders.
“We gave instructions to security to deal with anyone who uses thugs to disrupt electoral processes. What I can assure you is that you can walk about and around with your head raised high that this administration is committed to multi-party system,” he said.
President Buhari said he had watched Nigerians spend long hours in campaigns listening to candidates since 2003, 2007, 2011, when he contested elections and lost, and 2015 and 2019 presidential elections, which he won.
“Nigerians deserve respect. I have suffered before, so I know what it means. My duty is to serve Nigeria and Nigerians with all my heart. I assure that in spite of the ill luck, with drop in resources, we will do our best,” he added.
The President said investments had been channeled into the agricultural sector, with visible results, explaining that the policy on border closure to neighbouring countries was to protect the economy and improve security.
“The future of Nigeria is in agriculture,’’ he noted.
On security, President Buhari said all the service chiefs were changed in order to inject new energy and ideas into protecting the country, adding that the security chiefs were also given clear targets and time lines.