President Muhammadu Buhari has said that people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) did not vote for him in particular, in the recent Presidential election because he had no money to share like the candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.
“I have just spoken to the senator (representing FCT, sitting), on my left (Philip Aduda) and I told him that his constituency did not vote for me. I have all the results of all constituencies. People know I don’t have a lot of money to give. So when I went round, I smiled and greeted them and I think it has helped.”
President Buhari spoke today, June 3, when he received residents of the FCT, led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Sallah homage to him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President said that despite his loss in FCT, he is not complaining and not threatening the people in the city, adding: “I am not threatening FCT because to make FCT secure is to make myself secure and the Vice President. I think they are necessary evil, that was why they decided to vote for PDP.”
He recalled that during his long journey to the Presidency in 2003, 2007 and 2011, there were interesting political developments that enabled him to visit all the 774 local governments in Nigeria, saying that his first port of call whenever he visited any local government was to visit the community leader for understanding and support.
“I am very pleased that Nigerians understand me that although I was a governor, minister of petroleum and one time head of state, people know I don’t have a lot of money to give. So when I went round, I smiled and greeted them and I think it has helped.
“Because by the time I went to campaign for my second and last term constitutionally, I visited all the states this time around; sometimes two states in a day. I thank God for giving me the stamina to do it.
“What impressed me most was the turn out in all the states and FCT. The number of those who turned out were more than what anyone can afford to pay or force to come and listen. So I am very pleased that a lot of Nigerians have voted me, sympathized with me for what I went through between 2003 and 2019.
“I went to court up to Supreme Court and in 2011, I went to court for eight months. And in the last one, God answered our prayers and gave us victory, and brought in technology through the Permanent Voters Card. And INEC said whoever is aggrieved should go to court.
“You all know as much as I know that most of my supporters are looking for the next day’s meal. We don’t have the money to give. In 2011, I said that God dey. In 2015, God brought technology – PVC – and that is how we won.
“I thank you very much for those of you who suffered very much to support me. And I congratulate you for being happy that I made it and I assure you that I will continue to do my best in spite of the toughness of my neighbours.”
President Buhari commended the fighting spirit of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and appealed to him not to get tired
“Appeal to you (Osinbajo) to remain exemplary so that those under you will know that the country is doing very well. If you break down and complain, the impact will reverberate all over and then government will not be popular and whatever efforts we are making will not be appreciated.”
