General Musharraf needs my participation to give credibility to the electoral process, as well as to respect the fundamental right of all those who wish to vote for me.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I reassure all Nigerians and the international community of our firm commitment to free, fair and credible elections. My commitment to free elections and one man, one vote remains unwavering.
I am constitutionally competent to contest the elections.
I reserve the right to survey the national political landscape for candidates at all levels who reflect a proper understanding of our national security, economic security, and family security - the ideals of social conservation, the heart and strength of our country.
I promise that as a president elected in a direct popular vote, I will try to be the voice of all citizens.
Your every voter, as surely as your chief magistrate, exercises a public trust.
What's important is that, come the general election, people think the right things of you. They think that you've got the right values and the right policies. And that you're the right kind of person to lead the country.
The real truth is, I just want to keep the voice of dissent alive in all of our elections. I don't really want to hang out with politicians.
As chief elections officer, it's my job to protect the integrity of the ballot.
I have confidence in the responsibility of those who occupy a seat in the legislature.
It's true that General Musharraf opposes my return, seeing me as a symbol of democracy in the country. He is comfortable with dictatorship. I hope better sense prevails.