Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, on Thursday, said that politicians are pressuring the armed forces to compromise the 2023 general election. 

He reassured the country that the military will remain neutral and apolitical urging the public to maintain confidence in the military. 

Mr Irabor, speaking to journalists at the State House in Abuja, said soldiers and officers are often induced and pressured to influence elections. 

He, however, said that the officers will remain committed to free and fair elections as efforts are being made to ensure that the personnel obey President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive on neutrality. 

He added that rules of engagement before, during and after the elections have been handed to the officers.

Nigerians will head to the polls in February and March next year to elect new leaders at both state and federal levels. Eighteen candidates are jostling to replace President Muhammadu Buhari who will be completing his second term on May 29, 2023.