Regarding next year’s general elections, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) on Saturday, October 1 promised Nigerians that he would ensure free and fair elections come 2023.

In his final Independence Day speech as president, Buhari said he had been a “victim of unfair electoral processes” in the past and as such, he would leave a robust electoral institution that would ensure the emergence of credible leaders.

Speaking further, he called for more youth and women’s participation in the electoral process and cycle.

He stated, “Having witnessed at close quarters, the pains, anguish and disappointment of being a victim of an unfair electoral process, the pursuit of an electoral system and processes that guarantee the election of leaders by citizens remains the guiding light as I prepare to wind down our administration.

“It is for this reason that I have resolved to bequeath a sustainable democratic culture which will remain lasting. The signing of the Electoral Act 2021 as amended with landmark provisions, further assures us of a more transparent and inclusive electoral process.”

Furthermore, Buhari promised that the success recorded in the Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states governorship elections will be scaled up come 2023.

“You would all agree that the recent elections in the past two years in some states notably Anambra, Ekiti and Osun and a few federal constituencies have shown a high degree of credibility, transparency and freedom of choice with the people’s votes actually counting. This I promise would be improved upon as we move towards the 2023 general elections,” he said.

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