President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the 18 presidential candidates contesting in the Saturday’s election to respect the choice and voice of the electorate.
The President while speaking at the signing of the peace accord by the candidates and chairpersons of the 18 political parties participating in the presidential election, said election is a medium through which Nigerians make their decision known, hence the need to allow free, fair and peaceful polls.
All the 18 presidential candidates and party chairmen were physically present at the ceremony.
Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, and members of the National Peace Committee led by its chairman, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah also witnessed the event.
The event which attracted many members of the diplomatic corp and foreign observers also had former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta among other African leaders in attendance.
Buhari, while admonishing the candidates said since the start of his administration, he has been committed to leaving a legacy of “free, fair, credible, safe, and peaceful elections”.
He urged the candidates to embrace the outcome of the election and work hand in hand with the winner to work to make Nigeria great.
The President further said anyone aggrieved with the outcome of the election should seek redress in the court of law and shun wreaking havoc in the country.
“The chairman of the committee asked me to deliver a goodwill message in support of issue-based and peaceful campaigns and political rallies devoid of insults and personal attacks,” he said.
“I readily agreed because this is my personal belief and conviction that we need to dwell more on issues that are fundamental to Nigeria.
“We will continue to act with neutrality and allow the rule of law to take precedence over political expediency. We have demonstrated that with off-cycle elections. We allowed Nigerians to decide who should govern them.
“I want to assure INEC, the security agencies, and other relevant institutions of continuous support. I ask you to be firm and courageous in conducting the elections.
“We must constantly improve our electoral process using technology and other positive elements which consolidate the integrity of the election.
“I urge the candidates contesting this election at all levels to respect the choice and voice of voters and accept the results of the election as announced by INEC, the agency empowered by law to do so.
“Any aggrieved candidate should resort to the established judicial processes. We must have the confidence to trust out legal systems.”
