Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to step down at the end of his second tenure in 2023.
There has been increased tension in the West African country in the past few weeks after reports made news of back door discussions indicating the president’s decision to remain in power.
Being a former military leader who carried a coup d ‘état during the military regime and rule Nigeria as head of state from 31 December 1983 to 27 August 1985, many Nigerians fear that he will not hand-over power.
President was re-elected into power under the democratic dispensation in 2015 after multiple attempts. Before his election, he had promised to rule for one term only if elected into power.
The promise of ruling for one tenure only was one of his campaign strong points; but after his first tenure which ended this year, the president denied making the claims himself, saying it was the party who published the report.
Despite re-assuring citizens in his New Year’s message that he will not pursue an attempt to extend his constitutional mandate, critics and opposition parties have urged Nigerians to take the president’s words with caution.
They claim that since this is not the first time he is breaking his promise, he will feel no remorse to do it again.
Also, the president has a history of disobeying court orders and going ahead to make his decisions regardless of court orders.
Recently, he was credited with a statement where he said the legislative procedure was ‘too slow for his liking.
In December last year, a renowned publication in the country officially announced that it would revert to referring to the president as a ‘Military General’ following his handling of the country like a military dictator.
The president said he is determined to help strengthen the electoral process both in Nigeria and across the region. He cited his primary concerns as the security of the nation and the safety of Nigerians.
President Buhari has the backing of many Nigerians, especially those from the dominant northern region, but his leadership approach has continued to attract criticism, mainly how he handles opposition.
