President Muhammadu Buhari expressed his belief that Nigeria’s democracy has significantly improved during his tenure and will continue to progress as he hands over the reins. In his farewell address to the nation on Sunday, President Buhari also congratulated the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that he is the most qualified candidate.
Acknowledging the determination and perseverance of all the Presidential Candidates and their political parties for demonstrating faith in the judicial system by pursuing their grievances regarding the previous election results through the courts, the President emphasized that Nigerians have made a wise choice in selecting Tinubu.
“This year we witnessed the most keenly contested Presidential Elections since the first Republic and this demonstrates that our democracy is getting better and more entrenched with each election.
“Our democracy provides for, allows and encourages seeking redress for any perceived injustices, enabling some candidates and political parties that did not agree with the results to go to court.
“To my brother, friend and fellow worker in the political terrain for the past ten years – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu -, I congratulate you on the realisation of your dream, which was propelled by a burning passion to put Nigeria amongst the leading nations of the world.
Buhari also noted, “You have indeed worked for this day and God has crowned your efforts. I have no doubt that your passion for excellence, reliance on competence, fairness in relationships, commitment to equity, loyalty to the country and desire for Nigeria to be globally relevant would come through for you, under God’s guidance, as you lead our country to levels higher that I am leaving.
“You are the best candidate among all the contestants and Nigerians have chosen well,”
The President emphasized the need for Nigeria to continue making progress in the electoral process and maintain the achievements his government has accomplished.
He urged all parties involved, regardless of the court outcomes, to respect the decisions made by the courts and work together to build a stronger Nigeria. Buhari stressed that this incremental improvement is crucial for Nigeria to be recognized and respected among the international community.
He said: “In the course of the campaigns, we had argued and disagreed on how to make Nigeria better but we never disagreed or had any doubts that Nigeria has to be better.
Buhari however, implores Nigerians to come together, he said, “As your President, I call on all of us to bring to bear the strength of our individualism, the power of our unity, the convictions of our beliefs to make Nigeria work better and together with one spirit and one purpose,” Buhari pleaded.
He expressed gratitude towards the National Assembly’s leadership and members for their dedication to the country, emphasizing that their commitment to their roles as a check on the executive branch did not compromise their patriotism. He acknowledged that Nigeria’s democracy is founded on and continues to flourish due to the principles of separation of powers.
In conclusion, the President affirmed his confidence that he is departing from office with Nigeria in a better state in 2023 compared to 2015.
