President Muhammadu Buhari has promised that his administration will not permit the intimidation of voters during next year’s elections.
He vowed that those in government and other highly privileged citizens would not be allowed to humiliate the electorate.
President Buhari assured that his administration will guarantee a conducive atmosphere during the polls when members of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), led by its chairman, Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu, visited him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
President Buhari, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, assured Nigerians that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will continue to protect their electoral rights through non-interference at polls, citing the outcomes of elections in Ekiti, Anambra and Osun states as indicators.
The president said the non-interference in elections gives credence to the political process, ensures participation and inclusiveness, and shows that the governing party respects the electorate.
He said APC, under his leadership, will continue to respect Nigerians by ensuring that their votes count and the people’s voice matters in choosing political leaders at different levels.
President Buhari said: “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 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 also ensure that Nigerians do not get intimidated.
“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 urged the party’s political leaders to intensify efforts in “thinking, meeting and strategising for the 2023 elections.’’
