Nigerian president vows to leave legacy of democracy

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Nigerian leader Muhammadu Buhari on Monday pledged to leave a legacy of credible polls for the country, in what seems a veiled response to fears by opposition parties that the ballot may be rigged by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“If there is one legacy I want to leave it is the enthronement of democracy as a system of government. And for democracy to be enthroned, elections must be free and fair,” Buhari said in the capital city of Abuja as he inaugurated his party's presidential campaign council.

Buhari said the citizens have a right to vote for candidates of their choice in an election devoid of intimidation.

“I have warned INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) and security agencies to that effect. We will keep insisting that votes must count,” he added.

This comes amid calls by the opposition for the country’s police chief to retire and allegations that a top official of the electoral body is related by marriage to the president -- a claim the body has dismissed.

Presidential polls will be held in the West African nation in February.