By Ismaila Chafe
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said the outcome of the 2023 elections was in line with his pledge to leave a legacy of free and fair elections in the country.
The president stated this in his goodwill Sallah Message to Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-el-fitr celebration to mark the end of the 30-day Ramadan fasting season.
The statement was issued by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Thursday.
According to the president, the peaceful outcome of the 2023 general elections will go down on record as one of the biggest achievements of his administration “in addition to our neutrality in the conduct of the elections.”
Buhari explained that “the outcome of the elections was in line with my pledge to leave a legacy of free and fair elections.
“I’m proud that I have created a level playing field for all contestants regardless of party affiliation in order to produce a fair outcome for all.”
“Free and fair elections are the only principles that give credibility to our democracy, because the subversion of the will of the people undermines democracy itself.”
The president believed that the elections were so transparent that even members of his own party were routed and unseated.
“At no point did I interfere with the process in order to give unfair advantage to anyone,” he added.
On the Ramadan fast, Buhari congratulated Muslims on successfully completing the demanding spiritual obligation.
While praying to Allah to reward the Muslims for their sacrifices during the fasting season, President Buhari advised that: “We shouldn’t forget the important lessons of the Ramadan, which includes improving our bond with the underprivileged and poor members of society.
“Abstention from food and drinks during the fasting period had made it possible for us to appreciate the situation of those who go without eating every day.” (NAN)
