SGF: Buhari has already won re-election

Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mr. Boss Gida Mustapha delivered a parting shot to Alhaji Sule Lamido at the 15th Daily Trust Dialogue in Abuja yesterday, telling the former Jigawa State governor that “from this agenda that you delivered, President Muhammadu Buhari has already won re-election.” Mustapha, who represented the president as special guest of honour at the dialogue, remained calm and silent while Governor Lamido roundly criticised Buhari, APC and Mustapha too but as he rose to leave, he took the microphone and delivered that parting shot. While the audience roared with laughter, the SGF strolled out, his entourage in tow.

Meanwhile, in President Buhari’s speech which was earlier delivered by the SGF, he vowed that his administration would not condone any action capable of undermining the conduct of the 2019 general elections. The president also assured that he would not support any individual or group seeking to undermine Nigerians’ confidence in the ability of the nation’s political institutions to conduct peaceful and successful polls.

Speaking at the Dialogue with the theme “Nigeria and the Challenges of 2019”, Buhari, called on politicians and political parties to pledge their commitment to a peaceful democratic process. He specifically charged them to urge their supporters to respect the electoral process and refrain from violence. President Buhari also stated that all aggrieved parties should seek redress through constitutional means and respect the rule of law.

He said, “On our own part, I want to assure Nigerians that my administration will not condone any action, support any individual or group that undermines citizens’ confidence in the ability of the country’s political institutions to conduct peaceful and successful elections.” Buhari said as the nation looks towards 2019, “there is the need for all of us to sustain efforts at building confidence in the country’s democratic institutions; notably the judiciary and INEC.” He said, “In that context, on election-related disputes, it is my opinion that a timely adjudication and resolution of legal complaints arising from elections is a key component of our democratic process. Working together, we can ensure that we make formidable progress along this line.”

He added, “In my own opinion, and I know you will agree with me that the Electoral Act 2010 provides the basic legal framework for regulating the conduct of federal, state and area council elections in the country. The Act also provides the legal basis for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue notices, receive the nomination of candidates from political parties and ensure proper conduct of political parties.” He said by releasing the timetable for the 2019 general elections on January 9, INEC literally reminded all political parties that it was well placed and primed to perform its duties and move the electoral process forward.

Buhari commended INEC for living up to expectations and said Nigerians must not forget the sacrifices and efforts made to make the nation’s electoral processes “truly dynamic and definitive and indeed a model for other African countries.” He said the 2015 presidential poll was widely acclaimed as transparent and peaceful, and that it reflected the will of Nigerians. He said in the build-up to that poll, there were concerns about widespread violence throughout Nigeria with predictions of the worst scenario for the nation.

“Nigerians showed resilience and patience when the biometric card readers for verifying voters had some technical challenges. The security challenges in the Northeast did not deter out people from exercising their fundamental, political and civil rights. From Umuahia to Damaturu, Jalingo to Oshogbo, our people queued for long hours at their polling units and kept vigil as the election officials tabulated their votes,” he said. He said his predecessor Dr Goodluck Jonathan historically set the tone for future political conduct in the country by graciously accepting defeat “in the keenly contested presidential race.”