Opposition fighting a battle which they will ultimately lose – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari rounded off the year 2018 with words of advice to Nigerians regarding the forthcoming polls in 2019, saying irrespective of trepidations and mortal fear held by many citizens, the election need not be a do or die affair.

Buhari, however, cautioned the opposition whom he believes were peddling falsehood to gain political advantage over the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying they were fighting a battle which they will ultimately lose.

The president said all these in his New Year message to Nigerians where he used the opportunity to reiterate his resolve to conduct elections that would be adjudged free, fair and credible.

“Elections need not be do or die affair, and we should not approach that eventuality in a democracy with trepidation and mortal fear. Happily, a large number of presidential candidates have committed to peace, and peace we shall have.

“Nigerians desire peace, security, prosperity, inclusiveness and infrastructural development, a nation they can be proud of, a country that can hold its own among the nations”, the president said.

Buhari was also upbeat about his prospects for the new year, saying misgivings about his anti-graft war would not deter him, rather his administration was resolved to bequeath a nation where the resources will be used for the general good.

He admitted that Nigeria has got its fair share of challenges ranging from insecurity, economy to politics but that they will be combated squarely.

“That is the journey we have embarked on since we came onboard in 2015, and we are not distracted as we move on. We are resolved to build a country in which the resources are utilised for the benefit of the largest number, and not appropriated by a privileged few in their never ending quest to satisfy their greed. We are on this mission together, and I assure you of a firm commitment to the ideals of a safe, secure, fair, just and prosperous country.

“We have had our challenges: security, economic, political, social. But we are resolved to combat and overcome them all.

“A new year provides opportunity for renewal of commitment, and I invite you to rededicate yourselves to the vision of a Nigeria that works for all.

“We are moving from potentials to actualisation, and it’s a task to be accomplished by us all: man, woman, young, old, military, civilian, all Nigerians. Please come along, as we journey to the land of our dreams,” Buhari reiterated in his message to Nigerians.

Speaking further, he said, “It is my utmost pleasure to rejoice with all Nigerians as we enter the year 2019, which will be a very significant one for our country.

“At the turn of every year, we often use the opportunity to look back at the past and forward to the future. To review the outgoing year, its high and low points, successes and failures, and be fully thankful to God.

“We Nigerians are a religious people, and we believe that God reigns and rules in the affairs of men. A time like this offers precious opportunity for thanksgiving, stock taking and reflection on goals and targets set for the receding year, and how much was accomplished. The ones not done can then be rolled over into a new year.

“The dawn of a new year is also a time to look forward. To consider new prospects, unfold our plans, and prepare for landmark dates and events.

“2019 will be an election year for us. In about two months, the polls are due, and we will elect leaders into various offices, at national and state levels.

“I appreciate your support and collaboration in previous years, and look forward to same in 2019, and beyond, as I hope you will renew the mandate you overwhelmingly gave us in 2015, for another term.

“We are motivated by nothing other than service to motherland, and service without selfishness or personal interest, Happy new year”.