The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), said on Thursday in Abuja that the outcomes of the February 25 and March 18 elections demonstrated that voters had awakened to their power, ending “business as usual” in politics. Speaking to a delegation led by the newly installed Emir of Dutse, Muhammad Sunusi, Buhari warned that no one should underestimate the Nigerian voter any longer and that politics would become more challenging.
Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, released a statement titled “Outcome of 2023 has changed politics, there is no more easy route to power says President Buhari.” He highlighted the “stunning outcome” of the National Assembly elections, noting that at least ten incumbent governors lost their senatorial bids. Buhari described the results as a testament to the maturity of Nigeria’s democracy and the sophistication of its electorate, emphasizing that the voter is now truly the king.
Among those who failed to secure Senate seats were outgoing governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Darius Ishaku (Adamawa), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Ben Ayade (Cross River) and Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi). In Hausa, Buhari expressed his surprise that ordinary citizens, often underrated, had demonstrated a keen political understanding. He added, “The assumption is always that you are governor for eight years and you go to the Senate to crown the career. No one should underrate the Nigerian voter anymore. Politics will be more difficult, henceforth.”
After hearing the Emir outline several government projects implemented in Jigawa State during Buhari’s presidency and request assistance with the state capital’s water supply, the President pledged to do his best for the state in the remaining weeks of his term and to brief his successor, Bola Tinubu, on these matters. He also expressed condolences for the late Emir Nuhu Sunusi, saying the nation would continue to pray for his repose.
The Emir and his delegation thanked the Buhari administration for boosting Jigawa’s rice production, approving a rail link from Kano to Dutse, and restoring peace to the state, the nation, and neighboring countries previously affected by insecurity. They also welcomed the upgrade of the Army battalion in Dutse to a full military brigade.
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