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Tag: 2019 ELECTIONS

  • INEC meets to review presidential poll

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is locked in a meeting to review last Saturday presidential and National Assembly polls.

    The meeting which is coming hours after the elections is between the INEC management team and the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs)

    In his opening remarks, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said that the processes and procedures deployed will be reviewed in a bit to make amends where necessary.

    He also noted that the meeting will help to finalise arrangements for the forthcoming governorship elections in 29 states of the federation and the council election in FCT.

    Details shortly….

  • Atiku: We’ve real figures of presidential election

    The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 23 presidential election Atiku Abubakar has continued to protest the outcome of the contest.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Wednesday declared incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the poll.

    But at a world press conference in Abuja Wednesday, Atiku described the outcome of the election as the implementation of “grand theft” of the people’s will.

    According to him, the figures declared by INEC as results of the presidential election did not add up.

    He said: “We have the real figures, we have the facts that were spoken so loudly on Saturday, February 23, 2019.

    “Let me say that I am not speaking as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party. I am speaking as a Nigerian when I say that the electoral fraud perpetrated by the Buhari administration this past Saturday cannot produce a government of the people for the simple reason that it does not reflect the will of the Nigerian people.

    “It is for this reason that I, Atiku Abubakar, reject the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission declaring Muhammadu Buhari as duly returned by the majority of lawful votes.

    “I am conferring with not just my party but also with the Nigerian people, on next steps, which will be revealed to the public shortly”.

    He appealed to Nigerians who may feel angry, disillusioned and let down by the process to remain calm and steadfast, saying that Rome was not built in a day.

    “This is a long journey but I am confident of victory. All hope is not lost. Stay strong, by the grace of God we shall triumph,” Atiku declared.

    Going specific, the PDP candidate said in Akwa-Ibom State for instance, the results showed a statistical impossibility of a 62 percent drop in the number of voters from the 2015 elections even when voter registration and PVC collection rates were much higher than in 2015.

    He said the pattern was repeated in strongholds of the Peoples Democratic Party, including Delta, Rivers, Abia and Benue states.

    Lamenting further, Atiku said: “As this was occurring, we saw another statistical impossibility wherein voter turnout and numbers increased astronomically in Borno State by an almost miraculous 82% in the midst of increased insecurity.

    “This pattern was also repeated in other strongholds of the All Progressive Congress.

    “One begins to ask if insecurity is conducive to higher voter turnouts and security is antithetical to high voter turnout.

    “It is further curious that the Peoples Democratic Party’s margin of victory in states outside the Southeast and South-south were extremely slim across board. That again is a statistical impossibility.

    “My dear Nigerians, it is for this reason that I Atiku Abubakar reject the result declared by the INEC which declared Muhammadu Buhari as duly returned by the majority of the lawful votes.

    Read Also: Photos: Atiku addresses world press conference in Abuja

    “As I have always said, this year, is my three decades in Nigeria’s

    struggle for democracy. And this is the worst election in those 30 years.

    “I told Gen Abdsulsalami (Abubakar) two nights ago when he called me that not even the military conducted such a worst election.

    “This is a long journey but I am confident of victory. All hope is not lost, stay strong. By the grace of God, we shall triumph”.

    Atiku regretted that foreign investors and friends of Nigeria were already pulling out of the country, stressing the Stock Market lost N85 billion on Tuesday alone while election results were being announced.

    He appealed to them to be patient and keep to faith with the Nigerian people, saying their problem was not with the Nigerian people but with those that “stole” their mandate.

  • Three killed, policemen injured as youths clash in Lagos

    …Police arrest 37, avert another clash

    Three persons were on Wednesday feared killed and many others including policemen injured after violence broke out at Alaba Rago in Lagos.

    It was gathered that violence erupted at Okokomaiko before noon when youths in their hundreds stormed the express in celebration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration as winner of last Saturday’s presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    According to sources, the youths armed with cutlasses and bottles sang songs of victory from Alaba Rago and marched towards Okokomaiko blocking the entire expressway and challenging other road users.

    They were said to have resorted to violence at Okokomaiko, where they attacked traders and vandalised their shops as ‘punishment’.

    A woman who identified herself as Blessing said: “They came from Alaba Rago and were celebrating President Buhari’s victory. They were also shouting Sai Baba and marching towards Okokomaiko.

    “But as soon as they got to Okokomaiko, they started destroying traders’ wares and this made the traders to run for fear of their lives.

    “The hoodlums marched to the Okokomaiko Police Division and the officers there triedbto stop them but they were violent. They attacked the officers and injured some of the policemen.

    “We heard gunshots and later news started flying that they killed one of the policemen. This issue has been on since morning. Parents ran to schools to take their children.

    “Vehicles were not moving on this busy road because they also burnt tyres. It was terrible. It was the army that later came and restored peace.

    A meat seller Sule condemned the violence, lamenting that it made it impossible for him to ply his trade.
    “I am from the north and those who caused this issue are also from the north. I have not sold anything since morning. What will I do with all this meat now?” Sule lamented.

    A motorcyclist said policemen made some arrest when they got to the scene, but alleged that those arrested were innocent bystanders and not the perpetrators of the violence.

    At the time of this report, policemen from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and soldiers were still at the scene. An RRS helicopter was also hovering the area.

    Meanwhile the police averted a clash between hoodlums in Lagos Island Wednesday morning after a faction made to obstruct traders from opening their shops.
    It was gathered that some hoodlums had stormed Oluwole, Nnamdi Azikwe, Tinubu, Bamgbose and Alli Streets around 9am, accusing traders of not voting their preferred candidates during the last election.
    They were however confronted by another faction who found their actions to be provocative and in bad taste.

    It was gathered that both faction engaged in a heated brawl and were close to attacking each other when policemen from Area A Command intervened.

    Contacted, police spokesman Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent (CSP) said 37 suspects were arrested at the Alaba Rago incident, adding that investigation had commenced.

    Oti confirmed the hoodlums attacked police vehicles and injured personnel who made to take them off the highways.

    He said: “Some youths blocked the highway and information was sent to the police. Policemen on traffic control duty were deployed and they tried to get them to leave the road but they attacked the policemen. Some policemen sustained injuries. Reinforcement was dispatched to the scene and 37 persons were arrested. Investigation is ongoing.

    “There was no crisis at Lagos Island. What happened was that hoodlums were about to confront themselves and policemen were quickly deployed to avoid any incident.“

  • APC wins two Reps, one Senate seats in Bayelsa

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed candidates of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) won two seats in the House of Representative and one in the Senate in Bayelsa.

    The results showed the candidate of the APC for Brass-Nembe Federal Constituency, Israel Sunny-Goli scored 41,150 votes to win his closest of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Marie Ebikake, who polled 19, 279 votes.

    In Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, APC candidate Preye Oseke, scored 56,804 votes to defeat the candidate of the PDP and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Kombowei Benson with 34,104 votes.

    APC also won the East Senatorial District with its candidate, Degi Eremienyo B. Wagara, scoring 43,303 to win his counterpart in the PDP, who polled 32,363 votes.

    But the PDP candidate, Agbedi Fredrick polled 48,076 to win his APC rival at the Ekeremor-Sagbama Federal Constituency, Daunemigha Famous, who scored 19,159.

    Read Also: APC reps candidate rejects result in Cross River

    In Yenagoa-Kolokuma, PDP candidate, Stephen Azaiki, scored 51,639 to win Blackson Osomkime, who polled 16,943.

    Also in Ogbia Federal Constituency PDP’s Fred Obua scored 12,048 to defeat the APC’s Samuel Ogbuku, who acne third with 7995. The ADC candidate, Rex Jude came second with 7995 votes.

    In the Bayelsa East Senatorial District, PDP’s Ewrudjakpor Lawrence scored 49 912 votes to win Mathew Karimo of APC, who got 20219 votes.

    In the Bayelsa Central, PDP’s Douye Diri got 83,978 to win the APC candidate, Festus Dawemiebi, who polled 70,998 votes.

  • NLC to Atiku: accept defeat in good faith

    The Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC ) has asked all those who lost in the just- concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections, especially Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar to accept defeat in good faith.

    President of Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, in a statement in Abuja told the losers to bear in mind that no candidate’s victory or loss is worth the blood of any Nigerian or their property.

    He told President Muhammadu Buhari his re-election should enable him re-assess his vision, strategy and implementation as well complete pending projects while initiating new ones where feasible.

    The statement reads: “The Nigeria Labour Congress wishes to congratulate Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, being the second person to get re-elected since the return to civilian rule twenty years ago.

    “We also wish to congratulate other candidates for their participation and urge them to accept the outcome of the election, and adherence to the peace accord they had signed before the election.

    “The electioneering campaign although bitterly fought and the election itself keenly contested, we urge the President-elect and any aggrieved party to put first the interest of the nation. We reiterate that no candidate’s victory or loss is worth the life or property of anyone.

    “Mr. President won in 2015 on his campaign promise to fight corruption, restore security and grow the economy. From his re-election, this may have boded well with the greater majority of the people who voted for him.

    “Nonetheless, his re-election avails him a great opportunity to reflect on and re-assess his vision, strategy and implementation as well as enables him to complete pending projects and initiate new ones where feasible.”

    The Labour body added: “The Nigeria Labour Congress on its part will work with the social partners, government and organised private sector to ensure Nigerians, especially, workers to get dividends of democracy as and when due.

    Read Also: Congratulate Buhari, Tony Momoh tells Atiku

    “Worker-pensioner-issues, especially salaries, pensions and welfare will continue to dominate our engagement with government.

    “We commend INEC for organising the elections in spite of the initial glitches. It should speedily correct the lapses identified so far in order for it to conduct more credible elections in the future.

    “Our most profound commendation goes to the millions of Nigerians who defied all odds to perform their civic duty. Similarly, our deep condolences go to the families of those who lost their lives.

    “We demand that the culprits be brought to book in accordance with our laws.”

  • Wild jubilation in Edo over Buhari’s victory

    Residents of Edo State including traders, artisans and youths on Wednesday joined in a wild jubilation to celebrate the victory of President Mohammadu Buhari in last Saturday’s general elections.

    They danced through major streets of Benin City to also shore up support for the All Progressives Congress(APC) ahead of March 9 House of Assembly election.

    Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, Secretary to the Edo State Government, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, Edo Youth Leader of the APC, Valentine Asuen joined in the victory dance.

    At the Oba Market, traders came out their shops to cheer the APC victory train.

    Speaking to newsmen, Shaibu said the road show dance was to appreciate Edo people for the improvement at the polls.

    Shaibu assured the March 9 House of Assembly elections would be a smooth sailing for the APC

    Secretary to the Edo APC, Lawrence Okah, said the victory of Buhari has shamed many pastors in the country.

    Okah said Nigerians proved the Pastors wrong that Buhari is not a murderer.

    He stated that Buhari’s integrity was the party’s watchword in the campaign.

    He said Nigerians know the difference between a thief and a sincere person.

  • Domestic observers applaud presidential election

    About 18 accredited local observers, who participated in Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections, have adjudged the process as close to perfect.

    The exercise, they said, meets international best practices.

    Addressing news men in Abuja, spokesman for the groups of observers, Tunde Bafunsho of the Organisation of Justice for Equity Sustenance (OJES), said the conduct of the elections was 80 percent credible.

    While asking those who won to be magnanimous in victory, he said losers must also accept defeat with dignity so that Nigeria and Nigerians will become beneficiaries.

    The observers said: “We wish to commend the electoral management body, INEC for their immeasurable contributions to the success recorded during the just concluded presidential and National Assembly Election.

    “Conducting elections anywhere is never an easy task, requiring the collective input of all stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders as well as the entire Citizenry.

    “It is our considered view that the postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections originally slated for the l6 of February and 21 of March 2019 respectively, evidently helped in putting certain measures in place that culminated to the success recorded eventually on the 23 of February rescheduled presidential exercise.”

    They said the processes leading to the election were far better than what the country had in the past.

    According to them: “We wish to place on record that both sensitive and non-sensitive materials for last Saturday’s elections arrived their various destinations on schedule and adequate for the conduct of both elections with an overwhelming and unprecedented turnout including the massive participation of women.

    “Majority of the voters, media, party agents, observers, security agents and poll officials witnessed the sorting of ballots, counting and recording of result sheets signed by all concerned stakeholders and collation of result at the various collection centers, especially local government and State collection centers.

    “There was separation of Presidential/ National Assembly collation centres where presiding officers conducted their activities professionally and transparently.”

    They stressed that all stakeholders that participated in the 2019 Presidential and NASS Elections performed their roles towards the sustenance of a credible, peaceful, transparent electoral process and democracy in Nigeria.

    “INEC having performed satisfactorily in the conduct and monitoring of the exercise, they should strive to sustain such noble attainment during the upcoming governorship and State Assembly elections scheduled for Saturday, 9th March, 2019 and all other future elections.”

  • Congratulate Buhari, Tony Momoh tells Atiku

    Former Minister of Information Prince Tony Momoh on Wednesday advised the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Feb. 23 election, Atiku Abubakar to concede defeat and congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Momoh gave the advice in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos while reacting to the declaration of Buhari as winner of the polls by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu while announcing the results of the polls on Wednesday in Abuja, said the APC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari polled 15,191,847 votes to the defeat his PDP counterpart, Atiku, who polled 11,255,978 votes.

    Atiku had in a statement described the results as questionable, saying he would challenge it in court.

    Momoh said Atiku would earn respect, nationally and international, if he accepts the outcome of the results as the wish of the people.

    The former minister also advised Atiku not to go to court but call to congratulate Buhari like former President Goodluck Jonathan did in 2015.

    He said the singular act made Jonathan an instant hero, adding that Atiku could earn the same status if he allows national interest to rise above his personal ambition.

    “A beautiful thing happened shortly after the results were announced in the 2015 general elections; Jonathan called the winner (Buhari) and congratulated him.

    “That singular act not only made Jonathan a respected national figure, but also an international figure.

    “Therefore, as a national leader, I will call on our friend, Atiku to call Buhari and congratulate him.

    “That will make him not just a national figure like Jonathan, but also an international figure.

    “Though court is an option, I advise him not to go to court because time will tell if he will get any reckoning after doing so.

    “He should not allow anybody to deceive him, instead, he should immediately call Buhari to congratulate him,“ Momoh said.

    Read Also: Buhari’s address after receiving his Certificate of Return

    Momoh said he believed the outcome of the election reflected the wishes of the people, adding that it was the aggregate of the results from polling units across the country.

    He said that INEC had done what was expected of it as an impartial electoral umpire.

    Momoh said that he advised Atiku not because he did not believe in the court to seek redress as he went to court with Buhari in 2003, 2007 and 2011 to challenge election results.

    The former Minister said he only gave the advice because Atiku would earn respect by conceding defeat, rather than challenging what he called the will of the people.

  • Buhari’s address after receiving Certificate of Return

    Chairman and INEC Commissioners

    Members of the Domestic and International Observer Groups

    Members of the Local and Foreign Media

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    I am grateful to God for sparing our lives to witness another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic development – namely conclusion of the Presidential election in an overwhelmingly peaceful manner.

    2. I wish, Mr Chairman, to congratulate all the Presidential candidates and their teams on a hard-fought campaign. We may have had different views during the campaign, but the one thing most of us have in common is love of our country and our desire to improve conditions for Nigerians.

    3. From the comments of several observers both local and foreign, it is obvious that the elections were both free and fair.

    4. Now that the elections are over, and a winner declared, we must all see it as a victory for Nigeria, our dear country. That was why I encouraged my teeming supporters, in a speech I read earlier today, not to gloat. Our God-given victory is enough cause for joy, without deriding those who were in the opposition. All Nigerians, going forward, must stand in brotherhood, for a bright and fulfilling future.

    5. I therefore want to assure that we will continue to engage all parties that have the best interest of Nigerians at heart. Our Government will remain inclusive and our doors will remain open. That is the way to build the country of our dream; safe, secure, prosperous, and free of impunity and primitive accumulation by those entrusted with public offices.

    6. The hard work to deliver a better Nigeria continues, building on the foundations of peace, rule of law and opportunities for all. We will roll up our sleeves afresh, and give it our all. We have no other motive than to serve Nigeria with our hearts and might, and build a nation which we and generations to come can be proud of.

    7. I am very grateful to the over 15 million citizens who voted for me, those who contributed in many ways in the running of our successful campaign, and those at home and abroad who expressed confidence in me and the APC Government. I thank you all.

    8. I can assure that you will see a country moving to the Next Level, as we consolidate on our fundamental areas of securing the country, reviving the economy, and fighting corruption. Many other focal areas, as stated in our campaign manual, will be added, to the good things we plan for our country.

    9. Let me pay tribute here to those who lost their lives either through accidents or mindless violence during the course of these elections. My heart and thoughts are with the families of the victims. May God comfort and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

    10. Election is not war, and should never be seen as a do or die affair. I pray that we all accept this democratic approach to elections, however contentious.

    Thank you all and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Fayemi: Buhari’s victory, reward for sincere leadership

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his election for a second term in office.

    Fayemi said the re-election of the President is an attestation to the fact that Nigerians appreciate his efforts at making life more comfortable for the people of the country in the last four years.

    He described Buhari as a focused, compassionate and sincere leader with genuine concern for the overall good of the citizenry.

    He said voters have demonstrated that given a choice, they would readily choose a sincere leader who cares for their wellbeing above other considerations.

    According to him, the victory is a confirmation of the people’s trust in President Buhari and the APC-led government, adding that the President would not take the trust for granted.

    Read Also: Buhari condemns attacks in Sokoto, Kaduna

    Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, said: “On behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Ekiti State, the Land of Honour, I heartily congratulate our President for this historic re-election as President for a second term.

    “No doubt, it has been a very tough battle, but the people of Nigeria have spoken in clear terms. They have chosen to reward Mr President’s sincerity of purpose with another term of office.

    “Regardless of what anybody might say, the Nigerian electorate has demonstrated a high level of sophistication. They have shown that they have the capacity to sieve through electoral promises and determine a leader that will serve their interest better.

    “The Nigerian people know President Buhari as a honest leader and have, through their votes, demonstrated their trust in his ability to take them to the next level of development and prosperity.

    “It is a new day and a new season and I congratulate Mr President for the victory and the entire Nigerian people for their courage and steadfastness and for their determination to deepen democracy in the country.”