President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed optimism in regards to the May 29 handover, stressing that the date remains sacrosanct.
He is expected to hand over to President-elect Bola Tinubu, who won the February 25 presidential election.
“God willing, nothing will stop it,” President Buhari said.
According to his media aide, Garba Shehu, the president said this while speaking to reporters shortly after observing the Eid prayer, marking the end of the 30-day Ramadan fasting by Muslims.
On his plans after leaving office, the President said he feels fulfilled that God had made it possible to serve two terms of four years each and looks forward to an orderly handover.
“I thank God for what He has done for me personally and for what He has enabled us to achieve.
“I am looking forward to returning to my town, to be as far away as I can from Abuja so that the in-coming President will have the time and the space to take decisions without my distracting him,” President Buhari stated.
The president also expressed confidence that Nigerians would not allow democracy to fail even after he leaves office on May 29.
He said that the future of democracy as a system of government is bright in Nigeria as Nigerians would defend it against all threats.
He said, “Nigerians appreciate the stability of democracy. The outcome of the elections, in which more than ten governors failed to make it to the senate sent a clear message that ordinary Nigerians know the power of their votes and how to use it.
“Nigerians cherish democracy. They have shown their love for it and will defend it against real or perceived threats. They will continue to vote one way or the other depending on their preferences,” he stated.
