President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that Nigeria thwarted the doomsday prophecy over 2015 presidential poll because he and his main rival, Goodluck Jonathan, were more interested in the well-being of Nigeria than to win the election.
He also gave kudos to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC) political parties and foreign pressure groups for their efforts in helping to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy during the process.
Buhari spoke at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja where he was honoured with the ‘Leadership Person of the Year’ award alongside Jonathan and former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega ,during a ceremony organised by the Leadership Group.
“Those of us who were participating actors in the elections were led by the higher ideal of the future of our great country and the well-being of our people rather than the mere desire of politicians to win elections.
“ It is, therefore, our commitment to this ideal, the patriotic zeal of former President Jonathan, the impartiality of the electoral umpire, INEC and exemplary conduct of the political parties, foreign pressure and other actors that we collectively disappointed the prophets of doom who had predicted the disintegration of the country after the 2015 General Elections.
“ Our democracy has been strengthened by the outcome of the elections as our people now have more faith in the electoral system in the sense that their votes would count when choosing political leaders at various level"
“We, the political class should build on the experience of the 2015 elections to nurture our democracy”, said Buhari at the ceremony in which Jonathan was represented by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki.
The President enjoined the Nigerian media to contribute to his administration’s agenda to defeat terrorism and violent extremism in the country, fight corruption, diversify the economy to create jobs for the teeming population and generally improve the standard of living of Nigerians.
“On our part, our doors are wide open to media inquiries in line with the transparency and anti-corruption stance of our administration”, he added
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