The presidency has addressed the controversy trailing the 2023 general elections, emphasizing that the annulment of June 12, 1993, would not repeat itself.
The assurance was given by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, in a statement issued on Thursday.
The presidential election held in the country on June 12, 1993, was marred by its subsequent annulment by the then-military ruler, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB).
The unofficial result, which was not declared by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) indicated a victory for the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
The annulment sparked protests and political unrest in the nation, leading to IBB's resignation.
In the statement released on Thursday, Shehu reminded members of the public about President Muhammadu Buhari's promise at the palace of the Gbong-Gwon in Jos to inaugurate the Tinubu-Shettima campaign.
“In addition to other things, this trip, more than any other, speaks to the courage, political stamina and statesmanship with which the President has managed the affairs of the nation.
“Before the trip, he was faced with orchestrated attempts to poison public opinion against national institutions, particularly the presidential election and its conduct by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as an institution, against which vile and unsubstantiated allegations were hurled.
“The clear intent of this was creating an atmosphere of fear, polarising the public and demonising the administration of the President.
“The wishful thinkers appeared to assume that the June 12, 1993, election crisis, the worst ever since the civil war could be recreated.
”Those who sought to do this forgot what the President said at the palace of the Gbong-Gwon Jos when he went to the city to inaugurate the Tinubu-Shettima campaign: 'This election will not be annulled; whoever is the winner will be president.'
“President Buhari not only muted himself, following the cacophony, he picked up international travel: Bola Tinubu’s election stands.
“If you are aggrieved, and you have the locus to do so, go to court.’’
“President Buhari used the opportunity of the visit to speak to his guests about the recent election in Nigeria and the fact that a new President would be taking over in less than three months.
“He expressed hope that the strong relations he had built between those countries will continue to endure in the new administration”, the statement reads.
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