Posted by President Muhammadu Buhari stated that the 2023 general elections demonstrated that Nigerians can choose their leaders without being told what to do. President Buhari, in a statement released by his media aide, Garba Shehu, expressed satisfaction with the remarkable passion for democracy displayed by Nigerians through their choices in the Presidential, National Assembly, and subsequent Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, saying Nigeria’s democracy has truly matured.
“People are becoming aware of their own power. Nobody can tell them what to do if they have the opportunity to vote freely and fairly. I am disappointed that some candidates did not win the election. However, I am inspired by the fact that
that voters had the ability to make their own decisions about who won and who lost.
There was no money to distribute due to the currency change, but I still advised voters to take the money and vote according to their consciences.”
President Buhari, speaking at a farewell meeting with outgoing US Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard at the State House in Abuja, said he was completely satisfied with his role in the election process, which he said was above it, without meddling or interference.
The President praised the outgoing Ambassador for the enormous achievements she had made in Nigeria-US relations during her three-and-a-half years here.
He detailed a number of challenges that Nigeria faces as it strives to modernize.
unite our diverse communities and achieve national development, and he expressed gratitude for the way the United States is able to hold together as a nation.
He expressed hope that Nigeria will continue to make strides toward forming a nation out of our diverse and competitive communities. He also mentioned how much he enjoyed working with the Ambassador and how he wished she had more time to serve here.
In response to a question from Ambassador Leonard, President Buhari stated that he intended to be a “big landlord” back home, working his farms and caring for his more than 300 animals. “I am eager to go,” the President stated.