Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s President, has urged his ministers to take the change manifesto of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to Nigerians.
Mr Buhari made the persuasion during the weekly federal executive council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, according to a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu.
The president also said he will not approve the use of public funds for execution of campaigns, indicating the ministers will have to carry out the assignment on their own.
“As political parties spread their ideologies and views to every nook and corner of the country, the issue of cash payment to voters and its corrupting influence in electioneering has once again become a topical issue,” Buhari said.
“Try and use text and multi-media messages to seek votes for the party and government. There is no money from the treasury for use in the campaigns. I will not authorise that.
“The APC has a clear development agenda best suited to take Nigeria forward and sustain economic development.
“This message needs to be taken to all Nigerians that we cannot use money from the treasury to share out to prospective voters.
“Nigerians want change and we alone can deliver that change. Our people can no longer be swayed by money politics,” he said.
Buhari also used the occasion, which was a valedictory session for Khadija Abba Ibrahim, minister of state, foreign affairs, to wish the minister success in her electoral contest.
The minister had signified her desire to leave the cabinet, in line with existing regulations, to run for house of representative seat.
