President Muhammadu Buhari has urged political aspirant not to regard the 2023 election as a do-or-die affair, but rather as a reflection on the will of the masses.

The President also reiterated his committed and determination to ensure that the new President is elected through a peaceful and transparent process.

This is as he has promised to ensure a free, fair and transparent electoral process in 2023.

In a nationwide broadcast today to commemorate and celebrate 2022 Democracy Day, Buhari said that on June 12, 1993, Nigerians saw the best of their citizens as they went out to vote peacefully, but that by June 24, 1993, the country saw the worst of its leadership as the election was annulled.

He stated that June 12 is another Democracy Day anniversary and a time to celebrate freedom and national unity.

“From 1999, we consistently celebrated Democracy Day to mark the end of military rule and the return of power and control into the hands of those freely elected by the people. On this day, Nigerians recommit themselves to ensuring we protect and preserve the ideals of democracy”, he said.

"In 2018, we changed Democracy Day from May 29th to June 12th." This change was made to remind all Nigerians of a free election in which the presumed winner, as well as Nigerians, were denied their rights and freedom of choice.

"On June 12, 1993, Nigerians witnessed the best in their citizens as we all went out to vote peacefully." We also saw the worst of our leadership on June 24th, 1993, when the elections were canceled.

"We must never forget the sacrifices of Nigeria's democracy heroes in 1993." Their patriotism and peaceful struggle should guide our actions, especially when it comes to electing and holding accountable our leaders, now and in the future."

Noting that his last Democracy Day speech as your President was on June 12, 2022, he said, "By June 12th, 2023, exactly one year from today, you will already have a new President."

"I remain dedicated and determined to ensuring that the new President is elected in a peaceful and transparent manner."

He stated that June 12, 2023 will be exactly 30 years after the Presidential elections of 1993. In honor and memory of one of the nation's democratic heroes, Chief M.K.O Abiola, who advised, "we must all work together to ensure this transition is done peacefully."

"I am hopeful that we can achieve this," he added. So far, the signs are encouraging. All registered political parties recently held primaries to choose their candidates for the 2023 general elections.

“As we move into the general election campaign season, we must sustain this mature attitude to campaigning and ultimately, voting. We must never see it as a ‘do-or-die’ affair. We must all remember democracy is about the will of the majority. There must be winners and losers.

“ I will therefore take this opportunity on this very special day to ask all candidates to continue running issue focused campaigns and to treat opponents with dignity. As leaders, you must all showcase high character and never forget that the world is watching us and Africa looks up to Nigeria to provide example in governance. The tone you set at the top will surely be replicated in your followers”.

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