President Muhammadu Buhari has urged all Nigerians with voting cards to participate in defining the future of the nation by exercising their democratic rights tomorrow.
Buhari said this in his broadcast to the nation on the presidential and national assembly elections taking place tomorrow.
“Tomorrow, the polls open. Tomorrow, we affirm that Nigeria stands as a democracy and that no worldly hand can deter us from this wise and fitting path we have chosen for ourselves.
“While democracy is the most beneficial way to select a nation’s leaders, it is far from the easiest thing to achieve and maintain,” he said.
Buhari said it requires a combination of patience, tolerance, compassion, diligence, wisdom and hope.
“These traits exist in us the Nigerian people. Because of who we are, democracy has the chance to flourish in this land.
“Thus, I commend all of you for your patience and peaceful conduct so far during this electoral season and especially during this intervening week following the postponement of the February 16 elections,” the president said.
He said many were worried and thought the worst might happen.
“You proved them wrong by showing that you are a great people with an abiding love for peace, democracy and the unity of our country,” he said.
The president said according to the daily INEC public briefings this week, the Electoral Commission says it was ready and fully prepared to conduct the election in a free, fair and transparent manner.
“I believe INEC realises the profound and weighty duty that rests upon it. We must cast aside doubt and have faith that INEC will rise to the occasion. We must believe and encourage INEC to fulfil and honour this responsibility it owes to our country.
“As your President, I hereby ask all Nigerians with voting cards to participate in defining the future of our nation by exercising your democratic rights tomorrow. I urge you to go out and vote.
“Do not allow anyone to discourage you from the exercise of your rights as citizens and voters tomorrow.
“To vote means that you believe in Nigeria and the excellent things the future holds for this nation and its people.
“No matter our political leanings, we all believe in Nigeria, in the noble principles for which it stands and in the values we strive for our beloved nation to uphold.
“All who are able, must vote so that we may better perfect this democracy and continue to build the greater nation we seek.”
The president, while assuring voters, citizens and international observers of their safety, said they should not be afraid of rumours of violence and unrest.
“We appreciate their efforts in encouraging us to further entrench and strengthen our democracy.
“Honour your civic duty as voters by going to the polls tomorrow to vote for the government of your choice, for the government that will lead Nigeria toward its finest destiny,” he urged Nigerians.
