The Nation Newspaper

Category: Election 2019

  • Mark, Ekweremadu seek free, fair elections

    Ahead of Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, former Senate President, Senator David Mark, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security operatives to conduct the exercise in a manner that is fair and just to all parties and their candidates.

    Mark also asked all stakeholders in the Nigerian project to ensure that the elections are conducted within the ambit of the law insisting that the will of the people must be allowed to prevail.

    He cautioned those fanning the ambers of war to think otherwise “because there is no other country we can call ours but Nigeria”.

    Senator Mark expressed optimism that a peaceful conduct of the election is possible if everyone carried out his or her legitimate duty in a honest and orderly manner according to the rules of the game.

    He urged the electorate to vote for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in order to turn around the countries declining economy once again.

    Senator Mark in a statement by his media Assistant, Paul Mumeh, expressed optimism that the pains of a declining economy would be reversed for gainful employment and a prosperous nation if the PDP returns to power.

    He said the PDP has a defined road map on how to revamp the ailing economy and get Nigeria to work again.

    Senator Mark therefore urged the electorate to vote for PDP Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, its governorship, Senatatoral, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly candidates in the elections.

    Also Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (lNEC) and security agencies will take the either the blame or the praise of the elections.

    He reminded INEC and the security agencies that they would bear both the blame and praise in the conduct of the 2019 general elections, admonishing them to exhibit the highest sense of patriotism and professionalism.

    A statement by the media aide to Ekweremadu, Uche Anichukwu, said that the Deputy Senate President gave the admonition while speaking with journalists at the Enugu West People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Mega Rally, which held at Agwu, Enugu State.

    Anichukwu quoted Ekweremadu to have said: “I believe that the INEC will be able to conduct free and fair elections if they follow the rules. They have said that several times. But they also have to understand that, as the President would say, the world is also watching us. At the end of the day, it is the INEC that will be on trial. It is their chairman that will be on trial. If anything goes wrong, he will be held responsible. If it goes well, he will take all the credit.

    “We have come a long way as a country. We have tried to freshen up our electoral processes through some legislative efforts. We have amended the constitution severally in order to get the best practices. But no matter the quantum of laws we have made, the important thing is for INEC to live up to expectations to get their people to do the correct thing whether you are ad hoc staff or you are a permanent staff of INEC. Ultimately they will answer for their conduct”.

    He added that it was also up to the security agencies to live up to their several promises of neutrality, professional conduct, and protection of INEC, electoral materials and voters.

    “We have heard their promises. We will give them benefit of doubt. But they must have to remember that in 2015, some people allegedly compromised their positions and many of them lost their jobs. To compromise yourself because of one politician that choses to be fraudulent is not worth it. Then, you would have compromised your career and family.

    “They (security agents) must realise that there will be a day or days after the elections. Whatever you do, you will also answer for your conduct.

    “Importantly too, I believe that the best judge of human conduct is your conscience. I appeal to them to be conscientious and professional because we are going to tell the story after Saturday in terms of who did what and eventually blames will come and praises will as well.”

    Ekweremadu tipped the PDP to record a landslide victory in Enugu, but called for vigilance.

    He said, “Because Enugu is basically PDP we are not expecting any problem. We just expect that people will move very early to the polling stations, stay there for the arrival of the voting materials, crosscheck the materials to ensure that all necessary materials are there, and then commence the process of accreditation and voting.

    “After voting they should remain there and wait until the end and of course to watch the votes collated and results announced before they leave. They will not only take copies, but also take pictures of the results and be able to circulate as widely as possible. With that I am sure that they will be able have control of what happens. Eternal vigilance”, he concluded.

    The mega rally turned a carnival as popular Nigerian musical artistes, including Davido, Flavour, Zoro, Quincy, Nigga Raw, among others thrilled the mammoth crowd and dignitaries such the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwunayi.

  • PT’s Olawepo Hashim maintains online lead over Buhari, Atiku

    Presidential Candidate of the People’s Trust (PT) Mr. Gbenga Olawepo- Hashim, has maintained the lead as most popular candidate online.

    The weekly social media rating of presidential candidates’ engagements on the popular online platform, Facebook, on Tuesday showed he is still leading as the most popular Presidential candidate online, three days to the 2019 Presidential election.

    The latest data collected by an Abuja- based research outfit, Grandplan, showed Olawepo- Hashim was ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    The PT candidate, who first overtook President Buhari and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on 10th December 2018, has remained on top with the highest engagements on social media consecutively ever since.

    Going by the data on Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 in Abuja, Olawepo-Hashim recorded Facebook engagements in excess of 63,000 this week while Atiku Abubakar who came behind him, recorded 56,000+.

    Read Also: ‘Buhari doing more with less revenue’

    Buhari is far behind with only 6000+ engagements.

    The statistics also showed presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) Kingsley Moghalu; Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) Fela Durotoye and others were trailing behind.

    Data analysts involved in the polling project said the data on each of the candidates’ were realistic because “Facebook represents the broad spectrum of voters who will vote in the February poll.”

    According to them: “Increasing engagements imply voters’ growing interest in the candidates while a decreasing result reflects voters’ disenchantment.

    “A static return means a candidate is at a crossroads in the campaign.”

    The analysts said in their report that Olawepo-Hashim’s growing engagement rating is a measure of voters’ interest in him as a third force alternative.

    “He is no longer part of the pack of third-party candidates. He has moved ahead to emerge as a real alternative to both Buhari and Atiku. This is a game changer from data perspective,” according to Segun Seriki, the lead analyst for the project.

    “The latest data point to a major upset within the struggle for Nigeria’s presidency, we are making the report available to all the major candidates.

    “Our latest data reflect a major upset in the battle for the Presidency. It is no longer a two- horse race. There is now a third

    force that is overtaking the old alternatives.

    “We are still following the data but for now, Olawepo-Hashim has pulled the impossible to maintain an eight weeks lead over President Buhari and Atiku Abubakar,” he said

  • Women rally for Buhari in Abuja

    Thousands of women have staged a road show for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The women moved in a colourful motorcade with shouts of ‘Sai Baba, Sai Buhari’ and ‘Support Mr. Integrity’ renting the air.

    The show, which began from the Unity Fountain in Maitama at about 8.00am, took party faithful and loyalists through Kubwa – Zuba- Giri- Gwagwalada – Lugbe

    The procession had a stop-over at the City Gate specifically in Games Village to encourage Nigerians to vote for President Buhari/Osibajo on Saturday.

    It then proceeded to Area One through Central Business District and a second stop over in President Muhammadu Buhari  campaign office before finally moving the train back to unity fountain where participants were entertained with foods and drinks.

    An extensive door- to- door campaign outreach ended the show.

    The initiator chief convener, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, who is the immediate past All Progressives Congress (APC) National Women Leader called on voters to choose Buhari.

    Read Also: Nigerian Traders endorse Buhari

    The National Women Leader of the Presidential Support Committee (PSC), said: “The PMB- led administration deserves another 4 years to continue the good work and also for stabilization or consolidation.

    “The school feeding system for the pupils  is there, the Rail projects, Trader Moni, fighting corruption to standstill, N-Power, amongst other things worthy of mentioning. Time for consolidation has come.

    Minister of Youths and Sports Solomon Dalung joined the women at the unity fountain from the National Campaign Headquarters.

    He was with the Deputy National Director General, of the Presidential Campaign Committee; Okoi Obno Obla , Senior Special Assistant the President on Prosecution; Ambassador  Debora Illiya, Nigerian Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo;  Gen. Garba Audu Dibal and other APC chieftains.

    Fully represented were also all zonal and state coordinators of the Presidential Support Committee (PSC) and some members of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) as well as dignitaries and well- wishers  neighbouring Niger, Plateau, Benue, Nassarawa, Kwara, and Kogi  states.

     

  • Photos: Buhari, Atiku sign peace accord in Abuja

    President Muhammadu Buhari and the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday joined other candidates to sign the second 2019 National Peace Accord in Abuja.

    The Presidential election comes up on Saturday 16th of February, 2019.

    Buhari and Atiku called for free, fair and non-violent elections.

  • Polls: Be peaceful, shun violence, Ambode tells Lagosians

    With just two days to the presidential/national assembly elections which comes up on Saturday, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has called on Lagosians to conduct themselves peacefully especially at the polling centers and shun any act of violence or misconduct that could threaten the exercise.

    In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, on Wednesgovernor, the governor said the nation was on the threshold of history as the outcome of the election would be a defining moment in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.

    He said it was important for residents, especially the electorate to see the election as one that they must not sit on the fence but come out to exercise their franchise albeit in a peaceful and orderly manner, devoid of rancour and all forms of electoral violence.

    “As we prepare for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, I appeal to every Lagosian to ensure that the peace we have enjoyed in the last four years in the State is replicated across all the polling units/voting centres on Saturday.

    Read Also: Ambode hails Senator Tinubu for her ‘life changing projects’

    “Your PVC is your voice and it is what you would need to cast your vote. I urge you to come out, be orderly, take your place in the queue and avoid any form of violence that can mar the process or put the lives of our peace loving citizens at risk,” he said.

    While stressing that he would be casting his vote for All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Presidential election and other candidates for the National Assembly elections, the Governor said Lagos in the last four years had benefitted immensely from the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

    He listed some of the key capital projects which the State had initiated with the support of the Federal Government to include the release of Oshodi-Muritala Muhammed Airport (MMA) road for reconstruction; release of land space in Oshodi for the construction of the interchange and terminus; release of Oshodi- Abule Egba lane for BRT and the release of the Presidential Lodge, Marina for the Lagos History Centre project.

    The Governor also mentioned the ongoing road infrastructure works in Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Badagry-Seme and Ikorodu axis as other intervention projects that President Buhari expeditiously approved to be carried out in the State.

    “The fact is that since 1999, Lagos has never benefitted from the Federal Government under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government, the way it has benefited in the last three and half years. Most of the interventions that we have carried out have made life more meaningful to the average resident of the State.

    “Beyond reasonable doubt, President Buhari has shown his love for Lagos and under his administration, Lagos has thrived. It is important that we continue on this trajectory for another four years,” the Governor said.

  • Buhari, Atiku, others sign second 2019 National Peace Accord

    *Buhari: Let’s pray for our country

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari and the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday joined other candidates to sign the second 2019 National Peace Accord in Abuja.

    The Presidential election comes up on Saturday 16th of February, 2019.

    Buhari and Atiku called for free, fair and non-violent elections.

    While stressing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies have given their words in readiness to conduct free and fair elections, he urged the youths not to allow themselves to be used for violence.

    Noting that there is fear towards the election just like any other elections, he urged Nigerians to pray for Nigeria as it goes into the elections.

    The President also said that the only real party is Nigeria and that elections are only important to the extent to which they make Nigeria strong.

    Atiku again appealed to INEC and the security agencies to ensure free, fair elections.

    He recalled the words of former President Goodluck Jonathan where he said that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

    Atiku said that the Nigerian democracy should emerge stronger than the 2015 general elections that was adjudged the freest and fairest in the country.

    The former Vice President specifically appealed to President Buhari for everyone who casts his or her vote to have confidence that the votes will count.

    “We must abide by the will of the people,” he stated.

  • Polls: Police to deploy gunboats to riverine communities

    Ahead of Saturday’s elections, the police have allayed fears of possible attacks by militants and miscreants in riverine communities in Lagos, assuring residents of maximum security.

    Concerns have been raised by residents of Ijedodo, Ijegun, Ishawo, Epe and other Lagos riverine communities plagued by activities of militants, and miscreants who usually capitalised on the inaccessibility of the areas to operate.

    But Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu Wednesday assured the residents of their safety and security before, during and after the elections, noting that gunboats would be deployed for constant waterway patrols.

    Read Also: 2019: Police warn against discouraging Nigerians from voting

    Reacting to a text message from our Correspondent on how the command intended to cover voters in riverine areas, Muazu said they have been captured in the operation order.

    He said the areas would be properly manned and patrolled by operatives the Marine Police.

    “Our operation order covers the riverine areas to be properly manned and patrolled by the Marine Police. We have serviceable gunboats for this purpose,” he said.

  • 2019:Police warn against discouraging Nigerians from voting

    The Police Command in Enugu State has warned individuals and groups to desist from discouraging Nigerians, especially the residents of Enugu State, from voting in the forthcoming general elections.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Presidential/National Assembly and the Governorship/State Assembly elections will be holding on Feb. 16 and March 2.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP. Ebere Amaraizu, gave the warning in a statement issued on Wednesday in Enugu.

    Amaraizu said that the command’s attention had been drawn to activities of mischief makers bent on inflicting fear in the minds of citizens with the aim of to discouraging them from coming out to exercising their franchise on the election day.

    He alleged that the mischief makers posted bills and posters, warning members of the public not to come out to vote.

    The PPRO said the command would not sit and watch these mischief makers go about causing fear in the minds of citizens under any guise.

    “Security operatives have been directed to fish out those in this habit in order to bring them to book.

    “Members of the public are once more advised to go about their normal lawful businesses and to feel free to visit any of their polling stations, booths and cast their votes as security has been provided.

    “They should always contact the police command through these distress numbers: 08032003702, 08075390883, 08086671202 and 08098880172.

    “Or through the command’s social media platforms of twitter @policeNG_Enugu and Facebook @nigeriapoliceforceenugustatecommand for prompt and necessary action on event of such situation amongst others,’’ he said.

  • Atiku promises to make Lagos Africa’s industrial hub

    PEOPLE’S Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar yesterday promised to revive the country’s ailing economy and make Lagos the commercial capital of Africa.

    Address a cheering crowd at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos, venue of the PDP presidential rally, Atiku said as a Lagos boy, he passed through the hustle and bustle of the Centre of Excellence.

    The PDP candidate added he had never reneged on any promise, noting he would restructure the country and ensure true federalism.

    A vote for him, he said, is a vote for job security and end to unemployment.

    “I am not like the All Progressive Congress (APC) that makes empty promises. I promise Nigerians that I will restructure the country; I will do it.

    “I promise to create jobs, I will do it. Today, the country is writhing in insecurity. Initially, insecurity was limited to the Northeast, but had spread to the Northwest and Northcentral.

    “I promise to reverse all these trends. I promise to work with the National Assembly, protect the judiciary and respect the rule of law, if I become the President.

    “You also saw for yourself when President Muhammadu Buhari came to Lagos, all the trailers disappeared on the Ojuelegba and Apapa bridges, but immediately he left, they come back. It means the traffic issue in Lagos can be addressed.”

    PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus said the party was sure of victory on Saturday. He noted that the trend of the PDP rallies across the country was favourable.

    “Today, we are in the Centre of Excellence and commercial nerve of Nigeria. You saw what happened in Kano, Katsina, the Northwest, Northcentral and Southwest. Everywhere PDP campaigns, the whole place was shut down.

    “The man the PDP is putting forward is competent and can do the job. He will bring his full ability to rescue the country. Our financial and business climate will boom again.”

    Senate President Bukola Saraki said a vote for Atiku is a vote for better economy and better life. He noted that when Atiku is given the mandate on Saturday, the country would start a new journey for progress.

    He said the PDP candidate had the capacity to revamp the economy and hence, create massive jobs for citizens.

    Saraki claimed that the APC government had brought sufferings to the country, urging Lagos residents to reject the ruling party at the polls.

    Atiku’s running mate Peter Obi said the PDP was the best bet for the country’s progress and the citizens’ well-being.

    He urged Nigerians to cast their votes for the party on February 16 and March 2 “for a better Nigeria”.

    Agbaje, in his speech, said the PDP and Atiku had solutions to all the problems bedevilling the country.

    He said it was time Lagos State freed itself from what he called the political hegemony of people with vested interests and embrace a government that truly cares.

    He said if elected, he would deliver service and provides the real governance that residents deserved.

    Director-General, Atiku Campaign Organisation Gbenga Daniel said some Yoruba, who had been in the forefront of restructuring have backed out.

    He noted that Atiku was committed to ensure the country was made better, noting that it would start manifesting immediately he was elected.

    The Lagos PDP candidates contesting for the various offices were presented with the flag of the party at the campaign.

    Some hoodlums attempted to disrupt the rally.  A fight broke out among a group of miscreants, who found their way into the arena.

    The incident, which happened at about 1.50pm, saw the miscreants throwing punches and chairs at each other. It was not immediately clear what caused the fight.

    Those around the place fled, as policemen chased the hoodlums around the premises.

    It happened when flags were being presented to candidates for National Assembly positions.

    This was despite the heavy security presence as everyone was body searched before being allowed into the TBS before the event began.

    However, some boys were seen smoking within TBS, while drink sellers were allowed to sell assorted alcohol.

    Also present at the event are former PDP Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George; Atiku’s wife, Titi; former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose; Ogun State PDP governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu and former Kogi State Governor Idris Wada.

    Other are former Minister of State Defence Erelu Olusola Obada, PDP chieftain Doyin Okupe, former Majority Leader House of Representatives Mulikat Adeola, Senator Ben Bruce, Southwest Vice Chairman PDP Eddy Olafeso, Oba Olateru Olagbegi, Lagos PDP Chieftain Adedeji Doherty, former Minister of Integration and Cooperation in Africa Abimbola Ogunkelu, among others.

  • Buhari never called for violence in Zamfara, says Keyamo

    The Director of Strategic Communications for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), has absolved President Muhammadu Buhari of inciting violence in Zamfara State.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the nation’s capital, Keyamo said: “Typical of the Peoploes Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku’s campaign team, they have continued in their favourite pastime of peddling falsehood, scaremongering and misinformation.

    “This time, the candidate of the main opposition himself, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, sensing a comprehensive defeat this Saturday and out of frustration, threw caution to the wind in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on February 11, when he alleged that President Buhari called for violence when he campaigned in Zamfara State.

    “Nothing can be farther from the truth. The Hausa word the President used in Zamfara, which has been taken out of context, is “fitna”. Incidentally, all our Hausa language scholars have said the word means different things: it means distress, trial, affliction or temptation. It can also be used to describe rebellion or uprising.

    “In this case, President Buhari was actually weighing in on the joke told very often of recent in the North that due to the rice boom, farmers have embarked on pilgrimage and the marrying of more wives.

    “So, what the President meant was actually a joke deliberately taken out of context: he simply told the crowd to ensure they eat very well because of the rice boom before they can contemplate giving in to those temptations.

    “Even in some private meetings with our campaign team, the President has always commented on this joke. Sadly, out of desperation, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has decided to peddle falsehood.

    “We urge Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to realise that it is God Almighty that gives power and takes power. He should not use his palpable desperation to return to power (in order to sell Nigeria to his ‘friends’ and make them rich) to set this nation ablaze by outright falsehood.”