President Muhammadu Buhari has advised voters to spend money offered by politicians but still vote their conscience.
Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement on Friday during the governorship and state house of assembly elections in Daura, Katsina State.
“I know that money is not there like before for those who are terrorizing the electorate as usual,” Buhari said.
“And if they bring money now, people have to pocket it and still vote their conscience.”
The president also noted that he was not surprised by the results of the presidential election on Saturday, February 25, which saw Bola Tinubu emerge as the president-elect.
He believes that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win the governorship and state council elections across the country.
“I am confident of winning again,” Buhari told reporters after casting his vote in Ward A, Sarkin Yara Polling Unit 003 in Daura, Katsina State.
Buhari added that Nigerians should trust the APC and noted that the ruling party followed constitutional procedures for the entire electoral process in electing the chairman of the party, Abdullahi Adamu, who has served two terms as governor of Nasarawa State, and a legislator in the Senate, with experience that will securing electoral value and party relevance.
“Nigerians trust us because we mean what we say and say what we mean. We have maintained that trust. We told Nigerians that we will work for them, and we have done our best in education and health facilities, and people Nigeria appreciates our efforts.
While talking about the deepening of democratic culture and the rising awareness among Nigerians, Buhari noted that the media plays a major role in empowering people with information about their rights and providing a platform for voters to challenge leaders on their promises and records.
“The media does a good job of creating awareness and allowing the right conversation. You can hear difficult questions for leaders during interviews on TV, radio and other platforms, and journalists always demand answers.