2023: Those Planning To Rig Elections Should Think Twice – Buhari Warns

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned that no one would be allowed to rig the 2023 general elections in Nigeria and those who may be planning such should perish their plans immediately.

The President gave the charge on Thursday when he warned those who may be planning to rig elections that he would firmly resist their plans.

According to a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, President Buhari made the statement during an iftar dinner with members of the diplomatic corps which he hosted at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

Buhari was quoted by his spokesperson to have told the international community not to interfere unnecessarily in the local politics of the country during the 2023 elections, adding the will of the people through the polls must be allowed to prevail.

The President promised to leave Nigeria’s democracy stronger than he met in 2015.

“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 was quoted as saying.

“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.

“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 and devoid of pre-conceived notions and bias.”

The President also used the opportunity to speak on the challenges of insecurity facing the country with a clear statement to the insurgents that they can’t win the war.

He used the opportunity to thank international partners and other countries for their support in tackling the security challenges.

Buhari said much progress has been achieved in the fight against insurgency in the country including the north-east but the criminals are trying to come up with fresh strategies to cause problems.

He assured however that new tactics are being deployed by the nation’s gallant security forces while appreciating the international community for their support in making modern weapons and equipment available to prosecute the war.

He called for more collaborative efforts towards tackling terrorism globally.

“As you know well, Nigeria has made significant progress in combating the Boko Haram group in the north-east,” he said.

“We are, however, recently confronted with new tactics deployed by the enemy to threaten our democratic values, as well as the common peace and freedom we enjoy in this country.”