MAY 29 HANDOVER IS SACROSANCT - BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari guaranteed on Friday that the May 29th handover date will be honored. "God willing, nothing will stop it," he said, adding that he is looking forward to the end of his second term on May 29, 2023, when he would hand over authority to the new president.

Buhari, who spoke just after the Eid prayer in Abuja to commemorate the end of Muslims' 30-day Ramadan fasting, said he would return to his home in Daura, Katsina State, after the transfer to give the future president space.

He said: "I thank God for what He has done for me personally and for what He has enabled us to achieve.

"I am looking forward to returning to my town, to be as far away as I can from Abuja so that the incoming President will have the time and the space to take decisions without my distracting him."

The president also voiced optimism about the country's democratic system of government's future.

He noted that as he prepares to leave office in a little more than a month, he is certain that Nigerians would defend the system against all attacks.

"Nigerians cherish democracy. They have shown their love for it and will defend it against real or perceived threats. They will continue to vote one way or the other depending on their preferences," he stated.