President Muhammadu Buhari laughed philosophically on Thursday as he reflected on the results of the just concluded federal elections that led to ten governors losing their senatorial bids.
The President obliquely blamed the failure of the governors who were serving out their final terms in preparation for promotion to the Senate in the next administration.
According to him, the 2023 elections have demonstrated that there was no easier path to power anymore as he regards Nigeria’s polity and democracy as maturing and becoming more sophisticated.
He said Nigerian citizens have known they now have a say in who represents them in leadership.
The President talked about his thoughts at the State House in Abuja while hosting the newly-installed Emir of Dutse, Jigawa State Capital, Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sunusi.
Talking, he said the shocking result of ten governors failing to make it to the Senate demonstrates that there is no longer a sure path to power, adding that when it comes to elections, the voting population is indeed king.
“It is a testament to the maturity of our democracy and the amazing sophistication of the voter. What shocked me was that the ordinary citizen who is usually underrated has made the point of his political understanding of things.
“Assumption is always that you are a governor for eight years and you go to the Senate to crown the career. No one should underrate the Nigerian voter anymore. Politics will be more difficult, henceforth,” Buhari said.
The President has already planned to leave the office on May 29, 2023.
Recall, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and his Abia State counterpart Okezie Ikpeazu were two renowned governors who were not elected to the 10th Senate.
