Buhari Vows to Improve Electoral Process

Expresses lack of faith in government media

Onyebuchi Ezigbo The president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), has said his incoming administration will do everything possible to improve on the credibility of the electoral process to ensure that Nigerians are able to elect their own representatives and leaders under a free and fair atmosphere.

Buhari, who gave the undertaking while recieving a delegation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders from Taraba State led by the governorship candidate, Aisha Alhassan, at his campaign office in Abuja yesterday, also expressed displeasure over what he described as the declining interest Nigerians have on news generated by the national news media.

Speaking on the progress made so far by the country in the practice of democracy, especially in the area of conduct of credible elections, Buhari said despite the flaws, he still believed that multi party democratic system is a superior form of governance.

“We have made a big stride this year and I assure you God willing, if we survive the next four years, Nigerians will be in a position to confidently raise their head up and elect their own representatives and leaders.

“They will choose those they want as their representatives from local government, states and to the centre. I will fight for free, fair and credible election because that is why I remained in politics. I thank you very much for the sacrifices you have made to make sure we succeeded,” he said.

While harping on the ills of the country’s electoral process, Buhari narrated his ordeals trying to fight his way through an orchestrated rigging machinery plotted by his opponents during his previous attempts at the presidential race.

He painted a scenario where those who engaged in rigging the election took advantage of the difficulties of challenging their act in the court to pepertrate their evil act.

“They continued with what they use to do, in their party offices or their seating rooms, write the results, go to radio house and television house and announce the result and say whoever does not want the result should go to court. How many people can go to court when they are struggling to get the next day’s meal. Where will they get the millions to give to those Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

“I was able to do it because of the goodwill of Nigeria, which again demonstrated itself this year. People agreed that I am not a very rich man, but I was lucky that Nigerians believe in me and they put their strength together, voted and made sure that their votes count.

“I say thanks to the technology. Please continue to support those among you that you feel will go and work for your state and for the country. I assure you that the government of the APC, when eventually put in place will be a competent Nigerian government.

“We will never betray the people because they have risked everything. Some even lost their lives in this course to make sure that APC succeed and that we have a leadership in place that they trusts. This is what multi party democracy is all about.

Buhari urged the Taraba governorship candidate not to give up on her ambition but to pursue her case in the court. He also promised to look into the request made by the people of the state.

“So, Aisha, don’t give up. You are younger and this is your first attempt. I contested three times and this is my fourth attempt. I hope that you succeed in the court. I am impressed by the quality of Taraba people you brought here.

“I think that for all I get and purpose, the whole of Taraba is here and I am very grateful for that in spite of your expensive shopping list.

“You said you have gold, you have tantalite, you want your roads to be finished, you want agriculture. If you think I am in trouble, I am not. Honestly, I hope you will win in the court.

Earlier, Aisha had asked Buhari to help recover her stolen mandate.

Apart seeking for adequate representation of Taraba State in his administration, she gave Buhari a long list of demands from the people of the state, which included requests for the completion of the Mambila Hydro Power Project, provision of infrastructural projects, solid mineral development, security and assistance in the development of the state’s agricultural endowment.