Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday urged his supporters across
the country to halt their current campaigns for his re-election. He said such activities at this time could amount to jumping the
gun since the Independent National Electoral Commission has timetable
for the electoral process.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr.
Femi Adesina, said this in a statement made available to journalists.
Buhari said he appreciated his supporters’ enthusiasm which he said
borne out of their desire to garner support for an administration that
is actuated by nothing else, other than service for motherland.
He told them that there would be ample opportunity for them to
showcase his administration’s achievements and campaign for him when the
time comes.
The statement read, “It has been observed that some fervent
supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari have begun what may be
interpreted as political campaigns in their advocacies and
advertisements in the mass media.
“We appreciate their enthusiasm, borne out of desire to garner
support for an administration that is actuated by nothing else, other
than service for motherland, but we hereby appeal for patience, so that
the game can be played according to the rules.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission has a timetable
for political campaigns, and we urge committed supporters round the
country (and beyond) to be mindful of such.
“There will be ample time ahead to trumpet the good works of
the Buhari administration, and solicit re-election, all for the good of
our country and her people.
“While a chronicle of the achievements of the administration is
in order now, outright canvasing may amount to jumping the gun. We are
an administration committed to due process and scrupulous respect for
rules, law and order.
“We appreciate our massive supporters nationwide, and urge them
to exercise restraint till the race commences officially as stipulated
by law.”