Buhari: I Deserve to Be Re-Elected for a Second Term

President Muhammadu Buhari has said he deserves to be re-elected for a second term, arguing that his administration has made significant progress in fulfilling the promises made to Nigerians during the 2015 election campaign.

Buhari stated this in Akure, the Ondo State capital, while addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during his re-election campaign.

The President said his administration had focused on three major areas — the economy, security and the fight against corruption — and maintained that considerable progress had been recorded in each of them.

He said the government had weakened Boko Haram in the North-East and would continue efforts to improve security across the country.

Buhari also pointed to agricultural policies introduced by his administration, saying Nigeria had significantly reduced rice importation while encouraging increased local production.

According to him, farmers had benefited from the shift towards domestic food production, while the government had continued investing in infrastructure and other programmes aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on crude oil.

The President further maintained that his administration had remained committed to fighting corruption and strengthening the economy.

“We have performed well in the areas of the economy, security and anti-corruption,” Buhari said, adding that the government would build on those achievements if returned to office.

He also said attacks on places of worship, markets and communities by Boko Haram had reduced, while assuring Nigerians that his administration would continue working to address remaining security challenges.

Osinbajo Promises Expansion of Social Programmes

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who also spoke at the rally, said the administration would expand some of its social intervention programmes if re-elected.

Osinbajo said the number of beneficiaries of the N-Power programme would be increased from about 500,000 to 1.5 million.

He also promised that the ongoing railway development programme would be extended to Ondo State, arguing that the project could create thousands of employment opportunities.

The Vice President further said the school feeding programme would be expanded, with the number of benefiting pupils rising from about nine million to 13 million.

Tinubu Accuses PDP of Election Manipulation

Also speaking, APC National Leader Bola Tinubu urged supporters to vote for the party and ensure that their votes were protected.

Tinubu accused the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of having a history of manipulating elections and argued that its warnings about possible rigging were politically motivated.

He referred to elections conducted during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, alleging that several opposition governors in the South-West were unfairly removed during that period.

Tinubu maintained that the APC was capable of winning a credible election and urged voters not to be discouraged by opposition claims.

APC Leaders Predict Victory in Ondo

Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and the state APC chairman, Ade Adetimehin, also expressed confidence that the party would win the presidential election in the state.

They argued that the APC had previously won elections in Ondo while in opposition and was therefore in a stronger position to defeat rival parties as the ruling party.

Several senior APC figures attended the rally, including then National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole, Governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo and Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun.

Former APC Interim National Chairman Bisi Akande and other prominent party leaders were also present at the campaign.