President Muhammadu Buhari, Tuesday, revealed that he will not indulge in rigging, adding that politicians should work hard to get the mandate of electorate.
Buhari advised those who may be planning to use their offices or security agencies to subvert the will of the people, to have a rethink vowing not to allow them to have their way.
He made this comment while receiving top government officials at his official residence inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to mark his 77th birthday.
Buhari further explained that non-interference in the political process said non-interference in elections gave credence to the political process, ensured participation and inclusiveness, and showed that the ruling APC respected the electorate.
“We will not allow anyone to use personal resources or their influence to intimidate other Nigerians. We will not allow intimidation materially, morally, or physically. This is the kind of leadership that can emerge and consolidate our nation.
“In six months, Nigerians will appreciate the government of APC that we are sincere and we respect them,’’ he added.
Subsequently, the president, through a statement issued by his spokesman Femi Adesina, urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) political leaders to intensify efforts in “thinking, meeting and strategizing for the 2023 elections.”
He assured Nigerians that the APC would continue to bequeath strong political institutions that reflected their choices, through non-interference in elections, citing the outcome of polls in Ekiti, Anambra, and the Osun States as indicators.
President Buhari said APC, under his leadership, will continue to respect Nigerians by ensuring that their votes count and the people’s voice matters in choosing political leaders at different levels.
The 2023 general elections will commence in February 2023, with the presidential election fixed for the 28th of the same month.