Buhari said that this would be the last time he would celebrate with Nigerians while he was in office. He thanked the people who made the event memorable, especially the people who live in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. He also sent a message to troublemakers who want to stop the 2023 election: you've already lost the battle.
In his traditional Christmas Message, the President told his followers, through his spokesman Garba Shehu, not to forget why they were celebrating. He told them to celebrate love and help the poor, especially those who couldn't join in the holiday celebrations.
He said: "I'm very happy to celebrate Christmas with our Christian brothers and sisters this year.
Many of us look forward to the holiday season because it gives us a chance to travel, give and receive gifts, spend time with family and friends, go to special carols and events, and remember the good things that happened during the year.
No matter what our lives are like, Christmas is a time when everyone comes together to celebrate and put their differences aside.
"This year's holiday is different for me and my family. It's my last day as the President you chose. In twenty-two weeks, this government will hand over to a new one. In the last seven years, I've been able to celebrate Christmas with people from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), except for the year when the COVID-19 pandemic stopped us. I will always remember them with fondness because they were kind landlords and nice neighbours.
"It is important for me to remember this about my closest neighbours, because there is no better way for us as a people to celebrate Christmas than by showing each other real love, care, compassion, and empathy.
We should never forget that Christmas and hope, Jesus Christ and humility, and Christianity and grace all go together.
"During this time of love, joy, and peace, let's not forget to reach out to those who really want to celebrate but can't for one reason or another.
Together, we can make this celebration amazing by recommitting to working for the unity and prosperity of our beloved country.
"I will keep giving political and material support to sub-national governments, the Armed Forces, institutions, and people who are working hard for Nigeria's peace, unity, stability, and progress until my last day in office. We will need to build on the economic progress we have made so far, especially in infrastructure, food security, fighting corruption, security, and having enough energy.
"This happy time has come at the same time as the campaigning for a new government.
I want you to be smart and vote for people who will keep the momentum we've built up for the good of the country as a whole.
"This is another chance to show the rest of the world that Nigeria is ready to strengthen its democratic credentials, which has been noted in international circles." Let the peace and happiness that are so common during this time last well into the new year, through the elections in February and beyond.
"I want to reassure the people of Nigeria that those who use violence to try to upset the peace in our country have lost the battle.
Our country is lucky to have a lot of people and things. Let's celebrate our good fortune this holiday season with the hope that Nigeria will get better in the morning. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas."
