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Tag: 2019 election

  • INEC vows to conduct free, fair gov rerun in Kano

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) on Wednesday vowed to conduct free, fair and credible supplementary election in the state on March 23.

    According to a statement by INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Prof. Riskuwa Shehu Arabu, the supplementary elections would determine the winner of Kano state governorship election.

    He explained cases of violence and over voting invoked the decision to cancel the ballots cast in some polling units.

    He added that the gubernatorial election was inconclusive, stressing the election did not produce a winner.

    “The Commission wishes to reiterate its commitment to the conduct of free, fair and credible election in the State. It also wishes to inform the general public that the Supplementary Election would be conducted on Saturday 23rd March, 2019,” Riskuwa stated.

    He explained the cancellation of results in some units located within some local Government Areas was due to violence and over voting, which lead to cancellations of results in 210 Polling Units which constitutes 88 Registration Areas, adding that the affected Polling Units has a total number of 128, 572 registered voters.

    The Kano REC said the contenders with the highest votes are the candidates of the All Progressive Congress (APC) with 987, 819, while the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had pouch 1, 014, 474 votes.

    He said the Peoples Democratic Party PDP is currently on a marginal lead with 26, 655 while 128, 572 votes were cancelled.

    According to him: “Based on the above and looking at the marginal lead of 26, 655 between the two candidates with highest votes and the number of total votes cancelled which stands at 128, 572, a winner cannot be declared at this stage until a supplementary election is conducted in the affected polling units.”

  • Agbaje deplores poor voters turn out

    The Lagos State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Jimi Agbaje has said the low turnout of voters for the election is due the hooliganism witnessed during the Presidential election.

    Agbaje who voted immediately he arrived his polling unit 004, ward  A, Apapa 2, decried the low turnout. He voted 11 .00 am.

    He said what happened during that election like ballot box snatching, poor distribution of materials and violent in some areas discouraged the voters from going out to exercise their civic rights.

    Agbaje urged voters to go out and vote, calling on the security outfits and relevant authority to ensure voters were not hindered from voting.

    He explained that everybody must play his or her part to make the electoral process work. ‘The reports we have so far is not too impressive concerning the ongoing election.

    “There are reports that some INEC ad hoc staff are protesting no- payment of their allowance. Therefore, we have some polling stations that have not been able to vote due to this disruption by the INEC staff.

     Agbaje said the process of entrenching democracy would not materialize if people stay away from participating in the democratic process.

    “We hope that as the election progresses people will turn out to vote. They should simply come out and exercise their civic rights.  The citizen should be part of our democratic development process.

    ” They must know they their votes count, so where we do not have good turn out, it means it is not the best and like I said several factors are responsible.

    “That notwithstanding, we are going to win the election. We have the number on our side but must warn that what characterized the Presidential election like violence, intimidation and poor distribution should not be allowed to play out again,” he said.

  • Low turnout of voters in Damaturu

    There is early low turnout of voters for the governorship and state house of assembly elections  in Damaturu, Yobe State capital as opposed to what happened during  Presidential and National Assembly Elections on 23rd, February 2019.
    Most of the polling units visited by our correspondent in Water Board, Bindigari, Mairi, Maisandari wards witnessed early low turnout of voters.
    The situation was however different at designated voting points of people from Gujba Local Government in Damaturu with high voters turnout.
    The Nation reports voting in Gujba was relocated to Damaturu due to security challenges in the area. The voters in the new arrangements are expected to cast their votes at Government Day Secondary School and Government Secondary School all in Damaturu.
    The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Yobe State Ahmad Makama told reporters in an encounter during monitoring that its is too early to determine or conclude in the turn.
    According to him, “it is just one hour since voting started. You cannot therefore determine or conclude as to whether the turnout is low or high. But as far as i am concerned, the turnout is building up and viting continues till 2.00pm,” Makama said.
    He was also impressed with the smooth process that is going on, adding that, “no adverse case has been recorded and voting is going on smoothly from all the reports i got from my people in the field”.
    Some of the voters who have casts their votes are confident that their party, the APC is going to clinch victory at the end of the polls.
    Modu Ari from Goniri said the APC has no viable opposition inbYobe State so they are waiting for the declaration of their candidate, Mai Mala Buni as governor.
    Another voter, Aisha Aji who travelled from Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government cannot wait for the election to be over for her to celebrate Mai Mala’s victory.
    “Today we have do our part. We are not waiting for our governor Mai Mala to be declared so that we start celebration,” Aisha informed.
    A PDP agent at one of the polling unit in Damaturu said he was satisfied with the peaceful conduct of the elections so far.

  • Provide more security for gov polls, Minister tells Police, others

    Minister of Interior, Lt Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau on Friday urged security operatives to redouble their efforts, to ensure the safety of lives and property during the March 9, 2019 elections.

    Dambazau commended security agencies and the electorate on the peaceful conduct of the February 23, Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    According to the statement by the Director (Press & Public Relations), Mohammed Manga: “Dambazau thanked security agencies for their professionalism and conduct before, during and after the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    “The Minister also applauded Nigerians for coming out enmass to exercise their civic responsibility, the outcome of which had been adjudged free, fair and credible.

    “Although the 23rdFebruary 2019 Elections were overwhelmingly peaceful, General Dambazau however, condemned reported cases of violence in few areas and further condoles with families of those who lost their loved ones in such circumstances.

    “He therefore, directed that security agencies should redouble their efforts, to ensure the safety of lives and property during the 9thMarch 2019 elections.

    “The Minister re-emphasised government’s resolve to deal with any person, or group of persons in possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons, or engaging in electoral violence/thuggery and other acts of threats to internal security, in accordance with the laws.”

  • Let’s accept results, Ohaneze Ndigbo urges Nigerians

    The Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his victory in the Presidential Election of Feb. 23 and also urged politicians and international community to accept the result.

    President Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared re-elected by INEC on Wednesday, having polled 15,191,847 votes, winning in 19 states.

    Buhari defeated 72 other candidates, including Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 11,255,978 votes and won 17 states and the FCT, to occupy the second position.

    The Secretary General of the group, Chief Uche Okwukwu, gave the congratulatory message while briefing newsmen in Enugu.

    “The Ohaneze Ndigbo heartily rejoices and congratulates President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on his well-deserved victory at the Presidential polls on Feb. 23.

    “His victory as exposed by the majority of votes cast has clearly shown that the President has been on the right course in the last four years.

    “Ndigbo are deeply happy that Mr President secured more votes in Igbo land than he got in 2015.

    “We urge all Nigerians and the international community to accept the verdict as the election was adjudged free, credible, transparent and peaceful.

    “Ohanaze is calling on all not to heat up the polity through unguarded utterances and actions,’’ he said.

    Okwukwu added that the leadership of the group would be meeting with President Buhari next week to present to him official congratulatory message on his well-deserved victory at the poll.

    He, however, said that the group would use the occasion to present to Buhari the charter of their demands for infrastructure uplift of the entire Igbo speaking areas of the country.

    “Part of our demands will be the completion of ongoing infrastructure works such as the 2nd Niger Bridge, modern railway, completion of ongoing Enugu-Onitsha and Enugu-Port Harcourt roads, fixing of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport among others,’’ he said.

    Ohaneze members are drawn from seven states, which include; Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers States. (NAN)

  • Buhari receives Certificate of Return from INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday in Abuja presented a Certificate of Return to President Muhammadu Buhari, winner of the Feb. 23 Presidential election.

    The certificate was presented to the President by the Returning Officer of the election, who is also the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

    Yakubu first invited the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who in turn invited the President-Elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to sign and collect the Certificate of Return.

    INEC had earlier today (Wednesday) declared President Buhari, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the 2019 presidential election.

    Speaking at the event, the president assured Nigerians that they would soon see “a country moving to the `Next Level’ as the APC-led administration consolidates on its achievements”.

    President Buhari also pledged to continue to engage all parties as his administration would be operating an open government for the general progress of the country.

    He, however, vowed to continue the fight against corruption, saying accumulation of public wealth would not be tolerated.

    The president, who thanked God for the electoral victory, also reiterated his call on all APC supporters not to gloat or humiliate the opposition, saying “victory is enough reward for your efforts”.

    Personalities at the event included APC State Governors, Cabinet Ministers, Security Chiefs, Heads of Para-Military agencies, Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi.

    Others were the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ahmed Rufa’I, presidential aides and political appointees as well as the chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole.

    The National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and family members of both the President and the Vice-President also witnessed the event.

  • Buhari’s victory a watershed, says Bello

    Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has lauded the people of the state, for voting to return President Muhammadu Buhari into office.

    The governor on Wednesday during a state wide radio broadcast described Buhari’s second term victory at the last Saturday presidential and National Assembly as a watershed moment.

    He expressed sadness over the loss of lives and pockets of violence recorded during the exercise, saying those behind it will be brought to justice.

    According to him, “The reelection of Mr. President along with his able running mate, His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, marks the watershed moment of the 2019 general elections, and in particular, the presidential and National Assembly Elections.

    “I thank the great people of Kogi State for their massive turnout and peaceful conduct. This amply demonstrates your commitment to the democratic process characterised by free and fair elections.

    “We have done our best to complement your aspirations by placing the credibility and integrity of the electoral system above any desires to win every contested seat, and by all available means.

    “Despite initial teething pains and some malignancy in the campaigns, we did our best to provide the secure and conducive atmosphere needed by our people to exercise their franchise freely. In the end, the good people of Kogi State spoke loud and clear that despite any shortcomings, government at state and federal levels have acted substantially in line with their mandate.

    “The voice of the people is the voice of God. Our people have resoundingly insisted that while change must now make way for progress, the All Progressives Congress still remains their preferred driver for the journey ahead.

    “As a government, we have been forced to function with only one federal legislator in the entire state, so the outcomes of these elections are a great victory and a precious gift to us by you. By your votes, you have improved our abilities to function well as a government by giving us a majority of the elected federal legislators. It will now be easier for what belongs to us to be harnessed in Abuja and brought home for the benefit of our communities.

    “I am saddened by the pockets of violence which marred the elections in some constituencies and led to loss of lives and properties. I am particularly pained by the death of Mr. Daniel Usman who came out to exercise his civic duty to vote only to have his life cut short by a stray bullet at Anyigba. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and to all those who may have suffered unjustly in any other manner.

    “Most significantly, I also give them my word that we will ensure they get justice by getting to the roots of the problems and bringing all perpetrators to book. We will ensure that legal action is taken against individuals and institutions which prevented or disrupted the conduct of elections in some polling units across the state.

    “Our stated objective of zero tolerance for crimes and insecurity remain intact, thus we cannot condone such recklessness or neglect to punish them.

    “As we prepare for the state Assembly Elections on March 9, we again urge our people to troop out en-masse and cast their votes. It will help the conduct of government business greatly if our people can also help us again by voting people at all state constituencies who will not delay or totally derail the business of government with unnecessary party politics. Nevertheless, we reiterate that our primary commitment is for everyone to come out and vote their choice without any form of duress.“

  • Buhari thanks Tinubu, Oshiomhole, other Nigerians for victory

    President Muhammadu Buhari around 5.19a.m on Wednesday delivered his acceptance speech at the Campaign Headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Buhari was declared winner of the 2019 Presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the early hours of Wednesday.

    Buhari scored 15,191,847 votes while the People’s Democratic Party candidate, Atiku Abubakar scored 11,262,978.

    At the Campaign Headquarters, Buhari thanked Nigerians generally for electing him for the next four years.

    He specifically commended the National Leader of the APC and Co-chairman of the Presidential Campaign Council, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole.

    Apart from commending the members of the Presidential Campaign Council, he also thanked all those who contributed to his success one way or the other.

    Buhari also commended the International community for their interest in the development of Nigeria.

    The President commended the security agents for their patriotic roles during the election.

    He said “First and foremost, I give thanks to Almighty God Who has spared our lives to witness another victory for Nigerian democracy and victory for our party APC.
    “I thank the millions of Nigerians who voted to re-elect me as your president for the next four years. I am deeply humbled and profoundly grateful to you for judging me worthy of continuing to serve you and for your peaceful conduct.

    “In particular, I would like to thank Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his masterful leadership as Co-chair of the Campaign Council. I would like to also thank the Party Chairman Adams Oshiomhole, the Director General of the Campaign Council Rotimi Amaechi, all members of the Presidential Campaign Council and other various Support Groups.

    “My grateful thanks to all those who contributed to the logistical expenses of the campaign in such a vast country like Nigeria.

    “I also thank the millions of volunteers, self-appointed overseers, canvassers, agents, escorts and sentries who sacrificed so much of their time and resources to ensure the success of these elections. I do not have the words adequate to thank them.

    “Although Saturday’s elections were relatively peaceful, troublemakers in a handful of states attempted to disrupt an otherwise orderly process. Security agencies will bring to justice all those arrested in the process.

    “I am very sad at the grievous loss of lives during these elections. Security agencies will step up their efforts to protect voters in the forthcoming State elections.

    “I would like to commend our security agencies, as severely overstretched as they are, for handling the difficult task of securing the country during the election period.

    “I will like to make a special appeal to my supporters not to gloat or humiliate the opposition. Victory is enough reward for your efforts.

    “We give thanks also to our Domestic and International observers for contributing to the success of our elections and for their interest in our country and our developing democracy.

    Read also: Buhari’s victory shows Nigerians determined to move forward, says BMO

    “The new Administration will intensify its efforts in Security, Restructuring the Economy and Fighting Corruption. We have laid down the foundation and we are committed to seeing matters to the end. We will strive to strengthen our unity and inclusiveness so that no section or group will feel left behind or left out.

    “I thank you for your support and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”

    With the him at the campaign council were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu  among other party supporters.
    INEC will officially hand over certificate of returns to President Buhari by 2pm on Wednesday.

  • APC’s Odebiyi wins Ogun West

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer for the Ogun West Senatorial district, Prof. Taofeek Shittu, has declared the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Tolu Odebiyi, winner of the Saturday Senatorial election in the district.

    Shittu, who announced Odebiyi winner on Tuesday at the collation centre in Oronna hall, Ilaro, added the APC candidate polled the highest votes of 58,452.

    Odebiyi’s closest rival was Engr. Olusegun Gbeleyi of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), who scored 48,611 votes while Hon. Leye Odunjo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came third with 43,454 votes.

    INEC had on Sunday declared Governor Ibikunle Amosun who contested on the platform of the APC winner of the Ogun Central Senatorial polls while the senatorial election in Ogun East has been declared inconclusive.

    Odebiyi, who is the former Chief of Staff to Governor Ibikunle Amosun, has dedicated his victory to “all those who have endured indignities but remained principled on behalf of the people of Ogun – West.”

    Odebiyi expressed gratitude to the people of the area for the opportunity extended to him to serve.

    He said: “It is with a humble heart and gratitude to God Almighty that I accept the result of my election to represent the good people of Ogun West Senatorial District in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “First, I wish to express my undying gratitude to the people of Ogun West for their practical demonstration of love as we campaigned for this election and for their indubitable and preferential choice for me being validated here today. I am very grateful.

    “May I also thank all the officials who conducted this election on behalf of the INEC and commend you all for your dedication and patriotism in the face of unprecedented inducements and temptations challenging a free and fair outcome.

    “This victory is dedicated to all those who have endured indignities but remained principled on behalf of the people of Ogun West.

    “Please be assured that I will continue to stand with you shoulder to shoulder in raising higher the flag of progress and prosperity for the people of Ogun West.“

  • State of The Nation: There will be massive voters turnout – Eriye

    Political analyst and Sunday Editor of The Nation Newspapers, Festus Eriye, joined by Senior Correspondent Dare Odufowokan to discuss, the rescheduled 2019 election, President Muhammadu Buhari, ballot box snatching, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, PDP and APC.