Buhari urges voters to keep up enthusiasm

Ahead of today’s supplementary elections in some states, President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to come out en masse and participate in the exercise.

President Buhari, who thanked voters for re-electing him for a second term, said he would never forget their sacrifices in defying harsh weather conditions to vote for him.

The president was quoted in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, as saying: ‘‘I was deeply overwhelmed by your show of incredible confidence in me, and I will never let you down, thank you for your sincere show of support for me.’’

Buhari appealed to voters not to get tired of coming out to vote in the supplementary elections, adding, ‘‘These elections are no less important than others before them.’’

He appealed to voters to vote for the candidates they believe will deliver on promises.  President Buhari dismissed rumours that he was forcing voters to elect candidates other than those they preferred. He said at no time did he give the instruction that the electorate should vote particular candidates.

The president urged INEC and security agencies to ensure that the supplementary elections are conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law and constitution.