Politicians pressuring Buhari to compromise on forthcoming general election – Group

President Muhammadu Buhari is under pressure from some Nigerian politicians to rig the upcoming general election, according to the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts (ASSPT).

The group noted that it is the responsibility of the Independence Electoral Commission, INEC to conduct the elections, and that statements made by politicians implying that the President has a duty to interfere in the electoral process to ensure success for members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) are alarming.

In Abuja, during the weekly briefings on the planning for free, fair, and credible elections in 2023, Dr. Sam Amadi, director of ASSPT, revealed that attempts to shame the President into taking a side in the electoral process are attempts to further undermine the credibility of the elections.

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He stated: “The history of electoral malpractices in Nigeria shows that the main factor that typically undermines the integrity of elections is the participation of incumbents in the process. The fact that President Buhari is not on the ballot in the upcoming election, even though his party is, is a fortunate coincidence.

Regarding a safe environment for free and fair elections, the President is ultimately responsible. The President is under no obligation to aid any candidate in winning an election. Elections are not managed by the President. He shouldn’t be provoked into breaking the law or his promise to Nigerians and the international community by anyone.

“These politicians should be pressing the President to extract implementation strategy from his military and police chiefs on how to defeat the terrorist army, insurgents, and notorious criminals who would want to undermine electoral integrity through criminal actions and scaremongering,” he added. Instead of harassing the President over his alleged lack of support for his party’s candidate, he said.

The group applauded President Buhari for his unwavering resolve to leave a legacy of credible elections and his unwavering decision to refrain from meddling in the electoral process.

Speaking further about the post-Osun tribunal ruling, Amadi added: “For courts to control more than 50% of elections is not democracy. It is tragic that voters are unaware of whether or not their votes affect the outcome of the election. Rarely should the court decide who will be elected as president, governor, or legislator.

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“Nigerians are going to the polls in the next three weeks not knowing who will ultimately be a candidate,” he claimed, “because the courts will continue to invalidate and impose candidatures.”