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You’ve No Reason Not To Be Ready For Elections In 2023 : Buhari To INEC

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4 years ago

December 18, 2022

Ireporteronline

You’ve No Reason Not To Be Ready For Elections In 2023 : Buhari To INEC

Buhari 7

President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his avowed determination to hold free, fair, and transparent national elections, the results of which would be widely accepted by the contestants.

Malam Garba Shehu, the president’s media aide ln a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said the president made this position known in Washington DC, USA, at an interactive session entitled, “A conversation with President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria”.

“Since 2015, the conduct of our elections has steadily improved,” said the president.

‘‘That is what we hope for in 2023. Through the observatory roles of the international community, the credibility of the elections can be further enhanced to make the acceptability of the outcome to the contestants and political parties a non-issue.’’

On West African democracy, Buhari stated that Nigeria would “aggressively work together to improve the quality of governance in the West African sub-Region, where the survival of democracy is currently challenged.”

He stated that this could be accomplished through targeted investments that can increase democratic dividends and the creation of robust means of livelihood for the people, as well as promote political accountability and transparency.

“I call on all of you here today to continue to partner with us and our electoral body for the necessary collaborative efforts that are critical to deepening and stabilizing democracy in Nigeria and throughout Africa,” Buhari said.

‘‘The recent reversals witnessed in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea are most unfortunate indeed and ECOWAS continues to effectively remain engaged with these countries.

“This is in order to restore democracy to all the Member-States of ECOWAS as indeed the entire African Continent.’’

Buhari expressed gratitude to Amb. Johnnie Carson, a former United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and his team for inviting him back to the Institute after his previous visit in 2015.

The president recalled a speech he gave shortly after taking office in 2015, during which he spoke extensively about his administration’s vision and priorities in the three critical areas of security, economy, and fighting corruption.

The president recounted his outing in 2015, shortly after he assumed office, wherein he spoke extensively on the vision and the focus of his administration in the three critical areas of security, economy and fighting corruption.

He said: ‘‘I am therefore, exceptionally pleased today, that this stage which served as my opening act has once more presented itself as the curtains are almost being drawn, for the opportunity to share experiences and discuss the last seven and half years.

‘‘When I met you in 2015, I was not unaware of the enormous domestic and international goodwill that I attracted.