2019 elections won’t be do-or-die affair, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday declared that the 2019 general election would not be a do-or-die affair.

The president, in his New Year message to Nigerians said those trumpeting falsehood and negativity against the successes of his government were already loosing.

Buhari insisted that majority of Nigerians believe in the giant strides by his administration to improve on infrastructure and the general welfare of the citizens.

In the message released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said: “Those who continue to trumpet falsehood and negativity are on their own, fighting a lost battle.

“Elections need not be do-or-die affair, and we should not approach that eventuality in a democracy with trepidation and mortal fear. Happily, a large number of presidential candidates have committed to peace, and peace we shall have.

“As I welcome you into 2019, I also reiterate my many promises and declarations that the general elections will be free, fair and credible.”

The president said that the greater number of Nigerians were trusting and believing that his administration shall deliver on its promise to provide a level playing field at the polls.

President Buhari noted that Nigerians desire peace, security, prosperity, inclusiveness and infrastructural development, a nation they can be proud of, a country that can hold its own among the nations.

He said his government remained undistracted from the journey it has embarked upon since 2015, and is resolved to build a country in which the resources of the country are utilized for the benefit of the largest number, and not appropriated by a privileged few in their never ending quest to satisfy their greed.  

“We are on this mission together, and I assure you of a firm commitment to the ideals of a safe, secure, fair, just and prosperous country,” Buhari said.

While commending Nigerians for their support and collaboration in previous years, President Buhari said he looked forward to the same in 2019 and beyond.

“As I hope you will renew the mandate you overwhelmingly gave us in 2015, for another term, we are motivated by nothing other than service to motherland, and service without selfishness or personal interest.

“Those who are unbiased can see and appreciate the progress the country has made since 2015. A New Year provides opportunity for renewal of commitment, and I invite you to rededicate yourselves to the vision of a Nigeria that works for all.

“We are moving from potentials to actualization, and it’s a task to be accomplished by us all; man, woman, young, old, military, civilian, all Nigerians.”

The President enjoined Nigerians to come along, as the country journeys to the land of her dreams.