We Won’t Change Position On Non-Interference In Elections — Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that his
administration is committed to free and fair elections, and will
follow through in every future election, stressing that the bedrock
of democracy remains sustenance of the multi-party structure, with
trust from citizens.

According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the
President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Bihar said this
while interacting with some Nigerians in Paris, France, on
Wednesday.

He noted that results from elections since he assumed office had
been a mixed bag, with the people’s choice playing out, promising
to keep the template that had brought more credibility to the
electoral process.

“Free and fair election is a great concern. In the last
elections, our party lost in some elections and it reflects our
position of non-interference.

“Normally those in power will win by hook or by crook. We
believe in free and fair elections. I have respect for Nigerians to
choose their leaders. We have shown we respect our citizens by
allowing them to choose their leaders.

“We gave instructions to security to deal with anyone who uses
thugs to disrupt electoral processes. What I can assure you is that
you can walk about and around with your head raised high that this
administration is committed to multi-party system,” he said.

President Buhari said he had watched Nigerians spend long hours
in campaigns listening to candidates since 2003, 2007, 2011, when
he contested elections and lost, and 2015 and 2019 presidential
elections, which he won.

“Nigerians deserve respect. I have suffered before, so I know
what it means. My duty is to serve Nigeria and Nigerians with all
my heart. I assure that in spite of the ill-luck, with drop-in
resources, we will do our best,” he added.

The President said investments had been channeled into the
agricultural sector, with visible results, explaining that the
policy on border closure to neighbouring countries was to protect
the economy and improve security.

“The future of Nigeria is in agriculture,’’ he noted.

On security, President Buhari said all the service chiefs were
changed in order to inject new energy and ideas into protecting the
country, adding that the security chiefs were also given clear
targets and time lines.

“We will educate people to develop our country. Our greatest
resources are our people and educating them is a priority,’’ the
President added.

In his remarks, Nigerian Ambassador to France, Kayode Ibrahim
Laro, appreciated the President for always creating time to
interact with Nigerians, describing him as the “most friendly
President to Nigerians in diaspora.”

At the meeting, Nigerians in Paris raised issues with the
President on security, voting in elections, economy and
education.

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that his
administration is committed to free and fair elections, and will
follow through in every future election, stressing that the bedrock
of democracy remains sustenance of the multi-party structure, with
trust from citizens.

According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the
President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Bihar said this
while interacting with some Nigerians in Paris, France, on
Wednesday.

He noted that results from elections since he assumed office had
been a mixed bag, with the people’s choice playing out, promising
to keep the template that had brought more credibility to the
electoral process.

“Free and fair election is a great concern. In the last
elections, our party lost in some elections and it reflects our
position of non-interference.

“Normally those in power will win by hook or by crook. We
believe in free and fair elections. I have respect for Nigerians to
choose their leaders. We have shown we respect our citizens by
allowing them to choose their leaders.

“We gave instructions to security to deal with anyone who uses
thugs to disrupt electoral processes. What I can assure you is that
you can walk about and around with your head raised high that this
administration is committed to multi-party system,” he said.

President Buhari said he had watched Nigerians spend long hours
in campaigns listening to candidates since 2003, 2007, 2011, when
he contested elections and lost, and 2015 and 2019 presidential
elections, which he won.

“Nigerians deserve respect. I have suffered before, so I know
what it means. My duty is to serve Nigeria and Nigerians with all
my heart. I assure that in spite of the ill-luck, with drop-in
resources, we will do our best,” he added.

The President said investments had been channeled into the
agricultural sector, with visible results, explaining that the
policy on border closure to neighbouring countries was to protect
the economy and improve security.

“The future of Nigeria is in agriculture,’’ he noted.

On security, President Buhari said all the service chiefs were
changed in order to inject new energy and ideas into protecting the
country, adding that the security chiefs were also given clear
targets and time lines.

“We will educate people to develop our country. Our greatest
resources are our people and educating them is a priority,’’ the
President added.

In his remarks, Nigerian Ambassador to France, Kayode Ibrahim
Laro, appreciated the President for always creating time to
interact with Nigerians, describing him as the “most friendly
President to Nigerians in diaspora.”

At the meeting, Nigerians in Paris raised issues with the
President on security, voting in elections, economy and
education.