TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration will ensure that Nigerians cast their votes without any form of intimidation or manipulation in the forthcoming 2023 elections.

Buhari spoke on Friday when he received the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) led by Abubakar Bagudu, governor of Kebbi, at the presidential villa, Abuja.

Speaking on the outcome of recent governorship polls, the president said the Anambra, Ekiti and Osun elections have shown his administration’s resolve on non-interference in political processes.

The president said he will not allow any politician to use “personal resources or their influence” to intimidate Nigerians in 2023.

“I want Nigerians to know that we respect them, and for us to show that, we will allow them to vote who they want,” the president was quoted in a statement by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesperson.

“We all witnessed what happened in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun states. What happened in those states gives me a lot of hope that we are succeeding.

“The government will also ensure that Nigerians don’t get intimidated, or humiliated by those in positions or the more privileged.

“We will not allow anyone to use personal resources or their influence to intimidate other Nigerians. We will not allow intimidation materially, morally or physically.

“This is the kind of leadership that can emerge and consolidate our nation. In six months, Nigerians will appreciate the government of APC that we are sincere and we respect them.”

On his part, Bagudu commended Buhari’s administration for what he described as the “positive trajectory of the economy” amid the prevailing challenges.

“We want to congratulate you on the positive trajectory of the economy, with the 3.5 percent growth in the second quarter, up from 3.1 percent of the first quarter of this year,” the governor said.

”Infrastructure projects are ongoing in parts of the country and the social intervention programmes are expanding.

“Your Excellency, as we speak, there is drought in Europe and China. The Ukraine-Russia war is taking a toll on economies. In the UK, there is rationing of electricity, and energy shortages in China.

“While other countries are banning food export, we are preparing for more production, in spite of floods in places like Jigawa state.”