By Gift Olivia Samuel, The Sight News
ABUJA-As Nigerians get set to elect leaders into various offices at national and state levels in about two months, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, has reiterated, that elections need not be a do-or-die affair.
Buhari, who said this in his new year message to Nigerians, urged the citizens to avoid approaching that eventuality in a democracy with trepidation and mortal fear.
He, however reiterated that the elections will be free, fair and credible, adding that those in support of negativity are fighting a losing battle.
According to him, “2019 will be an election year for us. In about two months, the polls are due, and we will elect leaders into various offices, at national and state levels.
“As I welcome you into 2019, I also reiterate my many promises and declarations that the general elections will be free, fair and credible.
“Elections need not be a do-or-die affair, and we should not approach that eventuality in a democracy with trepidation and mortal fear. Happily, a large number of presidential candidates have committed to peace, and peace we shall have.
“Those who continue to trumpet falsehood and negativity are on their own, fighting a losing battle. The greater number of Nigerians are trusting and believing that we shall deliver on our promises for a level playing field at the polls, and that is what we shall do.
“Nigerians desire peace, security, prosperity, inclusiveness and infrastructural development, a nation they can be proud of, a country that can hold its own among the nations.
“That is the journey we have embarked on since we came onboard in 2015, and we are not distracted as we move on”, he stated.
Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduled the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, 16th February, while the Governorship and State Assembly/Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council elections have been scheduled for Saturday, 2nd March 2019.
Presently, Nigeria has only 44 days to the 2019 General elections.
