Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, APC presidential candidate, on Sunday in Abuja urged supporters and party faithful to be calm and have faith in INEC and the rescheduled general elections.
Buhari made the statement while briefing newsmen in Abuja following the decision by INEC to postpone the 2015 general elections by six weeks.
“I wish to appeal to you supporters for utmost restraint and calm by all Nigerians, and support our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said.
“It is important to note that although INEC acted within its constitutional powers, but as a Nigerian and a presidential candidate in the elections, I share in the disappointment and frustration of this decision.”
According to him, this postponement coming a week to the first election, has raised so many questions, many of which shall be asked in the days ahead.
Buhari, however, said: “We must not allow ourselves to be tempted into taking actions that could further endanger the democratic process.
“Our country is going through a difficult time in the hands of terrorists. Any act of violence can only complicate the security challenges in the country and provide further justification to those who would want to exploit every situation to frustrate the democratic process.
“What is at stake is the very survival of our country. We must not allow this temporary delay to abort this great opportunity.
“While I share the pains and frustrations of my fellow citizens over this development, my deep faith in the democratic process assures me that this country, with your support, will overcome.”
According to him, “We must remain resolute and rise above all provocations. We must continue to trust in the entire democratic process and in INEC, which has been brought under so much pressure in the last few days.”
The APC presidential candidate said: “Our trust can only serve to encourage the electoral body to remain steadfast and remain committed to the rule of law.
“I wish to state strongly that our party will not tolerate any further interference with the electoral process. The rescheduled elections of March, 28 and April 11, 2015 must be sacrosanct.
“Nigeria is definitely greater than any of us, and much more important than our individual ambitions. Before us, there was Nigeria, and long after we are gone there will still be Nigeria.”
He said further: “Let us continue to do our part to make Nigeria a great country that it should be. We must rescue our dear country. God being on our side, we shall salvage Nigeria together.” (NAN)