Why I joined politics after forceful exit from the military

Ebun Francis |

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday said he joined politics out of a desire and commitment to serve Nigerians, and not to enrich himself.

President Buhari made the disclosure at the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress held at Bayagida Model Primary School, Katsina state, according to Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu.

According to the President who is seeking re-election in 2019, the passion to serve and see real changes in the lives of Nigerians inspired him to contest elections in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015, and his desire for a second term.

He said his desire to seek re-election was based on the “clamour by Nigerians”.

Buhari said, “I am not in politics for fun, frivolity or to amass wealth, I have always been driven by a deep sense of commitment to make a difference to the lives of our people.”

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“After my retirement from the army, or forceful retirement, I sat back and watched as events unfolded on the political turf, and realised the country needed an intervention for fairness, justice, and inclusion of Nigerians in the issues that affect their lives.

“After going to the court so many times to challenge results of elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011, and going up to the supreme court, I concluded that ultimately it is God who determines who will win elections, and in 2015 I got here.”

President Buhari, therefore,  called for patience, maturity, and orderliness as the 2019 elections’ calendar begins to unfold, and urged political parties, candidates and the electorate to put the country first.