President Muhammadu Buhari has assured commonwealth that Nigeria will conduct free and fair elections.
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| Buhari with Patricia Scotland |
He said people have more confidence in a
government they have elected in free and fair polls, than one that
wangles its way into office through artifice and subterfuge.
President Buhari stated this when Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland paid a courtesy visit to him
at State House, Abuja, after attending the signing of the Peace Accord
at the International Conference Centre.
“One Nigeria is non-negotiable,” the President said.
“Over two
million people died in the civil war we fought, and when people elect
their own government through a free and fair process, they have more
confidence in such government. We will not spare any effort to organise
credible polls, and people should come out and vote for their choices,”
he added.
President Buhari expressed pleasure that the Commonwealth was showing
keen interest in the Nigerian election, appreciating Rt. Hon. Scotland
for coming all the way to be a part of what would engender free and fair
polls.
The Secretary-General described Nigeria as “a treasured member of the
Commonwealth family,” adding that the signing of the Peace Accord would
lead to better voter turnout, “as they would have seen the commitment
to peace by all the main actors.”
She commended what she described as President Buhari’s “calmness and
good humour,” even as the polls approach, stressing: “When Nigeria is
healthy, vibrant and strong, the whole of Africa is strengthened.”
Rt. Hon. Scotland also lauded “the energetic way” the President has
pursued issues of security and anti-corruption, pledging that the
Commonwealth stands ready to assist Nigeria at all times.
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