The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has promised to step down and exit politics when his second term ends in 2023.
Buhari won a second term in office in 2019 and although the presidential election results were contested in court by his opponent, his victory was affirmed by the court.
President Buhari in his new year message to Nigerians on Wednesday said “I will be standing down in 2023 and will not be available in any future elections.
But I am determined to help strengthen the electoral process both in Nigeria and across the region, where several ECOWAS members go to the polls this year.”
Buhari said his priority during the remainder of his tenure is “the security of the nation and the safety of our citizens.”
“I will be standing down in 2023 and will not be available in any future elections. But I am determined to help strengthen the electoral process both in Nigeria and across the region, where several ECOWAS members go to the polls this year.” — @MBuhari
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) January 1, 2020
The Nigerian constitution doesn’t allow for a president to go beyond a two five-year term mandate.
But in parts of Africa many incumbent presidents have changed the constitution in order to run again.
President Buhari said he will not attempt to exceed the constitutional mandate.
Nigerians react
Some Nigerians have been reacting to this promise from President Buhari.
Good. I don’t know why some people have started writing and canvassing a third term script for you. Anxiety and overzealousness. I strongly feel you’ll comply on this one. It’s all under your control.
— songyoh1 (@songyoh1) January 1, 2020
The fact that you keep mentioning this is getting everyone uneasy. You have no business strengthening any electoral process, you just stole an election. So please shut up and get out come 2023. If you don’t, we will walk up to that chair and drag your ass out of the rock.
— HaaS&Pancras (@HaasPancras) January 1, 2020
I hope the traditional election riggers and manipulators are hearing this loud and clear. This is a sacrosanct pledge by the President that will be fully carried out. Doubt it at your expense. God bless Nigeria ?
— Ikenna Ochei (@ikoreal2005) January 1, 2020
Source: Africafeeds.com
