The president said this at State House, Abuja, while hosting the West African Elders Forum Pre-Election Mediation Mission led by Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma.
He reaffirmed that the 2023 general elections would be free, fair, and credible.
"Thank you for doing this service for our sub-region," the President told his guests, citing off-season elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun States as evidence that the Federal Government will let people choose their leaders.
"That right is guaranteed," Buhari's spokesman said.
"We're progressing" People can vote for anyone in any party. No one can intimidate the people with money and thugs. Nigerians now know it's better to talk than to carry weapons. He said, "It's harder to rig elections now."
Former President Koroma led a team that included Fatoumata Tambajang, former Vice President of The Gambia, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, former UN Special Representative, and Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. "We commend you for making it clear both locally and internationally," Koroma said.
He praised President Buhari for refusing to run for a third term, which is illegal. Others look to Nigeria for direction, he said.
"When Sierra Leone and Liberia had problems, Nigeria stepped in," the former president said.
He urged President Buhari to address security and "issues that may cast doubt on the clarity and credibility of the elections."
