Ahead of the 2019 general elections, President Muhammadu Buhari has called on politicians and political parties to pledge their commitment to the peaceful democratic process.
The president made the call in Abuja Thursday in his keynote speech as Special Guest of Honour at the 15th Daily Trust Dialogue with the theme “Nigeria and the Challenges of 2019”.
Buhari, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mr Boss Mustapha, asked politicians and political parties to urge their supporters to respect the electoral process and refrain from violence.
The president also stated that all aggrieved parties should seek redress through constitutional means and respect the rule of law.
According to him, the 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 the INEC.
“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.”
Buhari assured Nigerians that his administration would 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.”
He commended the board and the management of Media Trust Limited, publishers of Daily Trust titles, for sustaining the dialogue and for choosing this edition’s theme.
He said this “attests that Nigerians cherish their democracy and are very capable of maintaining it through thick and thin”.
