President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration is determined to ensure peaceful handover of power in 2023.
Buhari, who stated this on Friday at the virtual ‘Summit for Democracy’ organised by US President Joe Biden, added his administration will ensure that the 2023 elections are free, fair and transparent.
According to a statement by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, the president said: “As we count down to our next general election in 2023, we remain committed to putting in place and strengthening all necessary mechanisms to ensure that Nigeria will not only record another peaceful transfer of power to an elected democratic government, but will also ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner,”
“Your excellencies, Nigeria will continue to actively support the democratisation processes in our region, West Africa, and the African continent at large.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Also Read: Stop Putting blames on President Buhari Over Nigeria’s Problems – APC Chieftain
“But regrettably, our democratic gains of the past decades are under threats of unconstitutional takeover of power. This unwholesome trend, sometimes in reaction to unilateral amendments of constitutions by some leaders, must not be tolerated by the international community.
“Nigeria fully supports the efforts by ECOWAS to address this growing challenge and appreciates the support of both the African Union and the United Nations.”
He added: “It is one governance system that guarantees freedom of speech, rule of law, respect for human rights and inclusiveness in governance. It also promotes social justice, economic and social development and national and global peace,” he said.
“However, in spite of these laudable qualities, more is required from us as members of democratic societies, particularly in ensuring that democratic institutions and processes are strengthened, particularly during this period of a global pandemic which has threatened social cohesion in most democracies.
Also Read: Buhari’s Reputation As Democrat Won’t Change if He Doesn’t Sign Electoral Bill; Femi Adesina
“We, therefore, must remain resolute and enhance cooperation, so that together, we build back better democratic institutions and sustainable democratic values.”
