After the results of the general elections in 2023 are announced, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has warned against riots and violence.
The presidential and National Assembly elections in all of Nigeria’s states and Abuja, the capital, will take place on Saturday, February 25. The governorship and state house of assemblies elections are scheduled for Saturday, March 11.
In a statement, Buhari warned that no one should use violence and that the election results that will be announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be accepted or challenged in court.
Buhari stated, “After the announcement of the election results, there should be no riots or acts of violence.” Courts should be contacted for any personal or institutional grievances.
“I urge the candidates contesting these elections at all levels to respect the choice of voters and accept the election result as announced by INEC, the agency authorized by law to do so,” reads the statement.
When he leaves office on May 29, 2023, Buhari, who won his first election in 2015 and his second in 2019, said he is working hard to leave a legacy of free, fair, credible, and transparent elections.
The president claimed that the off-cycle elections in Edo, Ondo, Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun States demonstrated his desire to leave a legacy.
We allowed Nigerians to choose their leaders. This administration is dedicated to this legacy.
“We will continue to act neutrally and allow the rule of law to prevail over political expediency,” the statement reads.
Buhari made it clear that he had instructed INEC, the security agencies, and any other relevant institutions to conduct the elections in accordance with the laws and provisions of the constitution while remaining firm and courageous.
Buhari stated, “You are assured of this administration’s complete and ongoing support.” To maintain the integrity of our elections, we must continuously improve our electoral process by utilizing technology and all of its benefits.
