Regarding voter participation and the overall calm environment during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has once more voiced his delight with how well they were conducted.
Speaking to his peers at the Commonwealth Leaders Summit on Friday in London, the president said that the nation had learned lessons that will improve future elections.
The meeting was one of the primary events building up to His Majesty, King Charles III’s coronation as King of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Commonwealth, according to a statement released on Friday in Abuja by the president’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina.
The event’s topic was “The Future of the Commonwealth as an Organization and the Role of Youth.”
“These elections saw a remarkable turnout of voters and proof that Nigeria’s democracy is maturing,” the Nigerian president stated.
“We have shown that a government can be elected peacefully and fairly, notwithstanding occasional areas of violence.
We aspire to do an even better-going future after learning from our mistakes.
“In light of this, I’m happy to say that we’ve made progress toward strengthening our democracy with peaceful, open, and reliable results.
“Even though we are aware that there are still difficulties, we are committed to working toward a greater participation of all Nigerians, including those in the diaspora, in the democratic process.”
He thanked the Commonwealth for sending a delegation to observe the election process and said that overall, the elections were free and fair.
He claims that the tone of the country following the announcement of the victors so far demonstrates that Nigeria’s democracy is developing and can only grow better.
Mr Buhari emphasized the crucial role that Nigerian youths played in the elections and in favour of the country’s growth. He said that the passage of the “Not Too Young To Run” Bill, which his government had passed into law in 2018, was largely responsible for the young turnout in the general elections.
In addition, he declared that this year’s Commonwealth Youth and Students Summit for the African Region will be held in Abuja, Nigeria, from May 9 to 11, with the subject “Making Change Happen.”
The Nigerian president used the chance to say goodbye to his colleagues and expressed happiness over their shared ambitions and principles over time.
“As I stand before you today, I’m also conscious of the fact that as I leave office on May 29, 2023, this will be my final formal meeting with His Majesty The King and some of you.
“Therefore, I feel both thankful and humble for this exceptional and critically crucial occasion.
“Over the years, I have cooperatively worked with Commonwealth leaders to realize the goals and ideas that are held by its members.
“The aspirations of the Commonwealth family, which include positioning it to be a strong and respected voice in the world and improving the lives of all its citizens, are being vigorously pursued,” the official added.
(NAN)