Elections: Don’t be discouraged by rumours of violence — Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the electorate to honour their civic duty by going to the polls on Saturday to vote for candidates of their choice.

In a nationwide broadcast on Friday in Abuja, the president said it is only upon the freely expressed will of the people that government truly dedicated to the welfare, rights and interests of the people can be founded.

He stressed that voting means that the citizens believe in Nigeria and what the future holds for the country.

“Tomorrow is an encounter with history in which you, the people, shall affirm your collective belief in our national greatness and in our future. I ask that you embrace and hold on to the importance of the moment soon to be upon us.

“As citizens there is no greater duty than this and no greater honour. Tomorrow, I know you will once again make Nigeria proud of its people. Do not allow anyone to discourage you from the exercise of your rights as citizens and voters tomorrow (Saturday).

“No matter our political leanings, we all believe in Nigeria, in the noble principles for which it stands and in the values we strive for our beloved nation to uphold. All who are able must vote so that we may better perfect this democracy and continue to build the greater nation we seek,” Buhari said.

He assured of adequate provision of security for the electorate as well as international and domestic observers.

“As we thank domestic monitors and observers for their contributions to our democracy, we also thank the international groups for the friendship and concern they have demonstrated to our nation.

“We appreciate their efforts in encouraging us to further entrench and strengthen our democracy,’’ he said.