President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday assured that the May 29th handover date remains sacrosanct. “God willing, nothing will stop it,” he affirmed, stating that he is looking forward to the completion of his second term on May 29, 2023, when he will hand over power to the incoming president.
Buhari, who spoke shortly after observing the Eid prayer in Abuja to mark the end of the 30-day Ramadan fasting by Muslims, said after the handover, he would be returning to his home in Daura, Katsina State, to give the next president space.
He said: “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 incoming President will have the time and the space to take decisions without my distracting him.”
The president also expressed optimism that the future of democracy as a system of government in the country is bright.
He added that as he prepares to leave office in a little over a month, he feels satisfied and duly assured that Nigerians will defend the system against all threats.
“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.