“— I want Nigerians to know that we respect them, and for us to show that, we will allow them to vote who they want”

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday told governors on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that he and his government will not allow anyone to rig the 2023 General Elections.

He said his government will ensure that Nigerians “don’t get intimidated, or humiliated by those in positions, or the more privileged.”

Buhari made this commitment while receiving members of Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) led by Chairman and Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, at the State House, Abuja.

President Buhari said: “We will not allow anyone to use personal resources or their influence to intimidate other Nigerians. We will not allow intimidations materially, morally or physically. This is the kind of leadership that can emerge and consolidate our nation,” he said.

“In six months, Nigerians will appreciate the government of APC that we are sincere and we respect them,’’he added.

President Buhari, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) political leaders to intensity efforts in “thinking, meeting and strategizing for the 2023 elections.’’

Buhari assured Nigerians that the APC would continue to bequeath strong political institutions that reflected their choices, through non-interference in elections, citing outcome of polls in Ekiti, Anambra and Osun States as indicators.

President Buhari said APC, under his leadership, will continue to respect Nigerians by ensuring that their votes count and the people’s voice matter in choosing political leaders at different levels.

“I want Nigerians to know that we respect them, and for us to show that we will allow them to vote who they want. 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.’’

In his remarks, the Chairman of the PGF thanked the President for his leadership, guided by wisdom and foresight, saying that the Nigerian economy had been growing, in spite of challenges.

“We want to congratulate you on the positive trajectory of the economy, with the 3.5 per cent growth in the second quarter, up from 3.1 per cent of the first quarter of this year. Infrastructure projects are ongoing in parts of the country, and the social intervention programme is expanding,’’ Bagudu stated.

The governor said the growth trajectory had defied initial predictions of some multilateral institutions, affirming that the World Bank and others had acknowledged the resilience of the economy, and reviewed their positions.

“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. We note your instruction for the release of 40,000 tonnes of grains.

“We also note efforts on improving security and measures to cut oil theft,’’ he said.

The PGF Chairman told the President that some APC governors were contesting elections for second term in 2023 with impressive records in their first term.