THE presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, disclosed that despite his military background, he has now turned to a democrat.

The APC presidential candidate equally promised that he would ensure free press if elected as the country’s president in March 28, saying that media practitioners would not suffer any harassment under his government.

Buhari, who spoke at a special interactive session with the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), in Abuja, noted that “I am a former--former, note the emphasis on the word ‘former’ -- military ruler and now a converted democrat, who is ready to operate under democratic norms.”

According to him, “I am not only subjecting myself to the rigours of democratic elections for the fourth time, but even after being elected, I will continue to promote the consolidation of democracy in our great country, Nigeria, by guaranteeing that the media’s freedom is not compromised in any way.

“I want to give you my full assurances that in this democratic dispensation, I will ensure that the Nigerian constitution is upheld. This includes respect for the media, respect for the right to free expression and freedom of speech.”

On his past experience with the media, he said “many of you are aware of Decree 4 of 1984, which was heavily criticised. I have said elsewhere that I cannot change the past. But I can change the present and the future. Dictatorship goes with military rule as do edicts such as Decree 4.”