As the governorship and state house of assembly elections continue nationwide, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Saturday, in Daura, urged Nigerians to pocket monies distributed by vote-buying politicians but vote their conscience regardless.
He also said the new naira policy has ensured a shortage of naira notes that would have been used by unscrupulous elements to influence the outcome of the elections in their favour.
“I am aware that the money is not there like before for people to sway voters like they used to do.
“And if they bring out money now, the people should pocket it, and still vote their conscience,'' Buhari told journalists after voting at Ward A, Sarkin Yara Polling Unit, 003, in Katsina.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Saturday titled 'Nigerians know we mean what we say, they will vote for us again, says President Buhari.'
According to Buhari, the electorate should follow their conscience in choosing the right leaders, both state executives and legislatures. He reiterated that his administration has "reduced" the times when it buys votes.
As a result, he said, Nigerians know that the party "means what it says and says what it means", so the All-Progressive Party Congress will win gubernatorial and general elections across the country. I was proud of myself.
The president said he was not surprised by the outcome of the February 25, 2023 presidential election, and the APC's campaign was meticulous and detailed, leading to the election of Boratinub as the next president.
"I'm sure we can win again," he said.
He said the APC followed constitutional procedure throughout the electoral process. This includes the election of the party leader, the senator. Abdullahi Adamu, a two-term Nasarawa governor and senator, has experience in ensuring the party's electoral worth and legitimacy.
Buhari said: We maintain this trust.
“We have told the Nigerians that we will work for them. We have done our best in education and health facilities.The Nigerians appreciate our efforts.”
The president also commended the media for their vital role in informing people about their rights and giving voters a platform to challenge leaders regarding their pledges and records.
These efforts, he said, have deepened a democratic culture and raised awareness among Nigerians. “The media does a very good job of raising awareness and facilitating the right conversations.
“Tough questions can be asked of executives in interviews on television, radio and other platforms, and journalists are always looking for answers,” the president noted.
Buhari's family and aides also voted in the community.
Five candidates are vying to succeed Governor Aminu Masari this Saturday.
These include all Progressive candidates for his Congress, Dr. Umar Radda, candidate of the main opposition People's Democratic Party, Senator Rad Dharmake of the New Nigerian People's Party, Nura Khalil, and Imrana Gino of the People's Salvation Party. , Social Democratic candidate Ibrahim Zakkari.