Buhari shocks APC Governors with stance on 2023 election
By Blessing Wika, Abuja
If the governors on the platforms of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are hoping to get help from the so called power of incumbency to win election during the 2023 general election, they have something else coming their way.
The above is true because, President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday told the APC governors that his government will not interfere in coming elections.
The APC governors visited the Nigerian leader in Abuja on Tuesday and details of their discussion were contained in a statement by the president’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina.
According to Adesina, Buhari told the governors that non-interference in elections gives credence to the political process, ensures participation and inclusiveness, and shows that the governing party respects the electorate.
The president said he was impressed by the recent governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun, where he said he did not also interfere.
“APC lost the governorship elections in Anambra and Osun but won in Ekiti.
“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,” Buhari said.
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja assured Nigerians that the governing party, All Progressives Congress (APC), will continue to bequeath strong political institutions that reflect their choices, through non-interference in elections, citing outcome of polls in Ekiti, Anambra and Osun states as indicators.
The president, who received members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) led by Chairman and Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Bagudu, at the State House, noted that non-interference in elections gives credence to the political process, ensures participation and inclusiveness, and shows that the governing party respects the electorate.
President Buhari 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.
“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 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 intimidations 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.
