Buhari: I’ll leave legacy of free, fair elections

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said he would want to be remembered as a leader who kept his word that elections must be free, fair and credible.

The President spoke in Daura when he hosted Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari.

Masari visited the President to inform him of his victory in last Saturday’s governorship poll.

The President praised Nigerians, who heeded to his pre-election appeals to cast their votes peacefully.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, President Buhari described last Saturday’s Governorship and State Assembly elections as largely successful.

He said: “I have maintained a position that elections must be free and fair and people have the right to make their choices and vote their consciences. I am happy they understood the message and did just that.

‘‘Power is a public trust that belongs to the people. Power is not by strength or wisdom but by Providence. Elected persons must be fair and just.

“This is the legacy I want to leave behind. A leader must be fair and just. All leaders should strive to do that.”

The governor, who was accompanied by officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party in the state, thanked the President and the party for the support which led to his decisive victory on March 9.

He pledged to work for the good of the people of Katsina State, in line with the vision of the Next Level government at the centre.