Buhari encourages voters to participate in supplementary elections

ayodele johnson 22:59 - 22 March 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari [Twitter/@BashirAhmaad]

President Muhammadu Buhari, has encouraged his countrymen to participate in the supplementary elections fixed for Saturday, March 23, 2019.

He said this in a state house press release a day to the polls. Due to many challenges including elections violence, polls are expected to be repeated in 17 states across Nigeria.

Contrary to some opinions, Buhari says he has no intention to influence voters and that they are free to choose from many candidates to represent them.

"I believe in the will of the people, and I cannot, therefore, put pressure on voters to elect leaders they don't like," he said.

Describing the rumours as baseless, the President said at no time did he give instructions that the electorate should vote particular candidates. “I believe in the will of the people, and I cannot, therefore, put pressure on voters to elect leaders they don't like.”
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) March 22, 2019

The President appealed to voters to vote for the candidates they believe will deliver on promises because it is their “constitutionally guaranteed democratic right.”He dismissed rumours & insinuations that he was forcing voters to elect candidates other than those they preferred.
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) March 22, 2019

The president also restated that he is going to fulfill his promises made during his campaign while thanking Nigerians for his successful second bid.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure hitch-free elections. And the security operatives likewise.

President Buhari also called on INEC and security agencies to ensure that the supplementary elections are conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law and constitution.
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) March 22, 2019