President Muhammadu Buhari has renewed the commitment of his administration to ensuring that the Independent National Electoral Commission delivers peaceful, transparent, free, fair and credible elections in 2023.

He assured INEC of a free hand, noting that with the conclusion of the primaries of the political parties, all eyes are now on the 2023 elections in Nigeria. 

Buhari, according to a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, spoke Wednesday night in Lisbon at a meeting with representatives of Nigerians living in Portugal.

 ‘‘We also look forward to a smooth transition to the next government. As I’ve said before, our administration will not compromise on doing the right things and the welfare of Nigerians, home and abroad,’’ he said.

Buhari, who cited the last gubernatorial elections in Anambra and Ekiti States, said his administration had proven consistently its zero tolerance for interference in elections and insistence that Nigerians should be allowed to vote for the party and candidate of their choice. The president cautioned against the use of social media to insult and incite from a safe and anonymous distance.