President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that the outcome of the 2023 general election will remain one of the proudest achievements of his administration “in addition to our neutrality in the conduct of the elections”.

Buhari stressed that the outcome of the 2023 polls was in line with his pledge to leave a legacy of free and fair elections in the country, adding that he did not interfere with the electoral process to give an unfair advantage to anyone.

The President said this via his Sallah Message to Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration to mark the end of the 30-day Ramadan fasting on Thursday, April 20.

He said: “I’m proud that I have created a level playing field for all contestants regardless of party affiliation in order to produce a fair outcome for all.

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“Free and fair elections are the only principles that give credibility to our democracy because the subversion of the will of the people undermines democracy itself.

“The elections were so transparent that even members of my own party were routed and unseated. At no point did I interfere with the process in order to give unfair advantage to anyone.”

On the Ramadan fasting, President Buhari, who congratulated Muslims on successfully completing the demanding spiritual obligation, prayed to Allah to reward them for their sacrifices during the season.

“We shouldn’t forget the important lessons of Ramadan which include improving our bond with the underprivileged and poor members of society.

“Abstention from food and drinks during the fasting period had made it possible for us to appreciate the situation of those who go without eating every day,” Buhari added.

The Star