According to President Muhammadu Buhari, the peaceful conclusion of the general elections in 2023 "will go down on record as one of the proudest achievements of my administration in addition to our neutrality in the conduct of the elections."
In his message of goodwill to Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration to mark the end of the Ramadan fasting season, the Nigerian president explained that “the outcome of the elections were in line with my pledge to leave a legacy of free and fair elections. I’m proud that I have created a level playing field for all contestants regardless of party affiliation in order to produce a fair outcome for all.â€
According to Buhari, “free and fair elections are the only principles that give credibility to our democracy, because the subversion of the will of the people undermines democracy itself.â€
“The elections were so transparent that even members of my own party were routed and unseated. At no point did I interfere with the process in order to give unfair advantage to anyone,†he added.
President Buhari congratulated Muslims on completing the difficult spiritual duty of the Ramadan fast.
President Buhari advised that "we shouldn't forget the important lessons of the Ramadan which includes improving our bond with the underprivileged and poor members of society" while praying to Allah to reward the Muslims for their sacrifices made during the fasting season.
In his words, “abstention from food and drinks during the fasting period had made it possible for us to appreciate the situation of those who go without eating every day.â€