2019: Presidency speaks on ‘foreign pressure’ against Buhari

The presidency has reacted to news that foreign powers, including the
European Union, the United States of America, United Kingdom, and
Saudi Arabia, are putting pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari not
to seek re-election.

Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, in a statement on Tuesday, said
the information was "fake news".

He said: "If there are quarters in which President Buhari is held in
very high esteem, and the work he is doing for Nigeria highly lauded,
it is in the countries mentioned.

"Some of them are equally bastions of democracy, and will not
interfere in the democratic affairs of a sovereign country. The
newspaper should simply tell its story to the marines.

"President Buhari is not a flippant or frivolous individual. He gave
deep thought to the prospect, before announcing his bid for a second
term in office.

"It is only those who fear that their goose would be cooked, if they
meet with him at the polls, that are trying to dissuade him from
running by all means, including sponsored newspaper stories.

"By saying it got feelers that President Buhari may opt out of the
2019 presidential election, Daily Independent embarrassed itself, and
all those who love good journalism. The newspaper can surely do
better."