Tobias Sylvester
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured world leaders that his administration will not only ensure that the 2023 elections are free, fair and transparent, but Nigeria would also record another peaceful transfer of power to an elected democratic government.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, Buhari gave the assurance on Friday at a Virtual Summit for Democracy organised by President Joe Biden of the United States.
The President said Nigeria will continue to support the democratisation processes in Africa, adding that the unconstitutional takeover of power in some African countries must not be tolerated by the international community.
Buhari 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.
“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.”
President Buhari, who highlighted the advantages of the democratic system of governance, said more needs to be done to improve the process.
He said, “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.
“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.
“We, therefore, must remain resolute and enhance cooperation, so that together, we build back better democratic institutions and sustainable democratic values.”
KanyiDaily recalls that President Buhari had also described ruling the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the most organized political platform that will bring development to the country.
