President Muhammadu Buhari has warned against foreign meddling in the upcoming elections, promising to employ all legal means at his disposal to protect Nigerians’ votes in the 2023 elections.
“As Nigeria goes through this trajectory, I urge our friends in the global community, represented by you, the Diplomatic Corps, to adopt a positive role that reinforces the doctrine of respect for our internal affairs and respect for facts, devoid of preconceived notions and bias,” he said in a direct message to international observers and organizations.
The President who addressed members of the Diplomatic Corps at an Iftar dinner on Thursday also made it known that there will be no room for electoral malpractice.
‘‘As you are all aware, the tenure of this Administration ends on 29th May 2023. Typical of election years all over the world, the tempo of political activities is often high… That is the nature of democracy. I am committed to bequeathing a stronger culture of credible elections to Nigeria than I met.” the President stated.
‘‘Those planning to rig the forthcoming elections should think twice because I intend to resolutely protect and defend the sacred will of the Nigerian people, to be expressed through the ballot box,’’ he added.
Amb. Ibrahima Salaheddine, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Cameroon’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, promised that the international community would continue to help Nigeria before, during, and after the upcoming general elections.
Many presidential contenders, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Yahaya Bello, Yemi Osinbajo, and Rotimi Ameachi, have been creating a wave around the country in order to acquire popularity and support ahead of their party’s primary, according to Forsige Africa.