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Tag: 2019 ELECTIONS

  • Accept defeat in good faith, Agbakoba tells Atiku

    Popular lawyer Olisa Agbakoba has urged presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in last Saturday’s election, Atiku Abubakar to accept his defeat in good faith.

    He told him not to contest the results in the court but cement his place as a statesman by working to galvanise the PDP and third forces for the political struggles ahead.

    In a paper titled ‘2019 Presidential Election: Ethnic Consideration vs Governance Consideration’ on Wednesday, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said: “I understand the PDP is aggrieved at the outcome of the election and alleged massive irregularities.

    “I urge former Vice President Atiku Abubakar not to approach the Election Petition Tribunal.

    “He might have (been) moved backwards by his loss but he should not lose sight of the legacy and greatness that lie in front of him.”

    Read Also: ACF to Atiku: concede defeat, congratulate Buhari

    Urging Atiku to work with others to build a stronger political structure that can win in the next dispensation, Agbakoba said: “There is also a lot of work to be done in both political and electoral reforms. I request former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step into the shoes.”

    He pointed out the presidential election was marred irregularities but argued it was better not to approach the election tribunal.

    He said: “I can see how tempting it is to take the option of the Election Petition Tribunal. But that, in my view, is not the right decision.

    “We look forward to a new Nigeria, strong and united; a new Nigeria that will not vote on the basis of ethnic and primordial sentiments.”

    He lamented ethnicity played major role in the voting pattern, pointing out the APC and the PDP benefited from “primordial voting.”

    “The excepted zone is the South-West, where voting occurred on the basis of issues.

    “The significance and consequence of the 2019 presidential election are huge unless we are able to reverse it.

    “2023 will follow the pattern of 2019 unless we do something about it,” Agbakoba said.

  • ACF to Atiku: concede defeat, congratulate Buhari

    …tasks President on inclusive gov’t

     

    Mouthpiece of Northern Nigeria, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari over his victory at the just concluded Presidential election, asking him to run an inclusive government.

    This is also as the forum asked the leading opposition candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to concede defeat and congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari.

    ACF told Atiku that, conceding defeat and congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari would be in the overall interest of Nigeria and place him among global democrats.

    In a congratulatory message signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, ACF said, there are credible evidences that the elections have been generally peaceful, free and fair.

    It equally called on President Buhari to ensure that the new administration keeps to its promise of strengthening Nigeria’s unity and inclusiveness in government, so that no section or group is left behind or left out.

    According to ACF, “The declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the President-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC)’s Chief Returning Officer, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, after collating all the election results of 2019 Presidential elections received from the 36 states and FCT, and having satisfied the requirements as provided by law has signaled a new Administration in our democratic process.

    “The journey to this point has not been easy to the contestants, the electorate and other stakeholders. However, with perseverance, resilience, determination and hard work by all in the electoral process, Nigeria has come to this successful end.

    “The 2019 Presidential election is another milestone in the nation’s election history in view of the keen contest between the two major contenders in the persons of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR of All Progressive Congress (APC) and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    “The successful conclusion of this election despite some of the ugly incidences witnessed in some parts of country in terms of ballot box snatching, killings, security challenges and other logistic problems, Nigerians have clearly demonstrated their resolve to move forward and consolidate the gains of multiparty democracy.

    “Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), therefore, congratulates all Nigerians for their resilience, commitment and courage in exercising their civic responsibility amid challenges that are natural concomitant of such tasks and responsibilities.

    “ACF equally congratulates President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the just concluded 2019 Presidential election. Of equal importance, the ACF salutes the courage of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for putting up a gallantry fight with an impressive performance in the presidential elections.

    “The forum calls on Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of PDP as a committed democrat, who cherishes peaceful democratic transition to accept the will of the people, concede defeat and congratulate President Buhari on his well-deserved victory at the just concluded elections, especially as there are credible evidence that the elections have been generally peaceful, free and fair.

    “Such concession on the part of the main challenger would be in the overall interest of Nigeria and place him among global democrats.

    “ACF equally urges other contestants to be magnanimous in accepting defeat and congratulate their opponents.

    “ACF also commends the courage and firmness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under its able Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, for not only the smooth and transparent conduct of the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections, but also for its refusal to be intimidated or cajoled by the initial logistic challenges which led to the postponement of the elections by one week and other unfortunate incidences.

    “ACF particularly salutes the resilient Nigerians for their personal sacrifices to not only exercised their franchise by voting candidates of their choice but also to ensure that their votes got counted. We equally salute other stakeholders, especially the National Peace Committee of General Abdussalami Abubakar, foreign and domestic election observers and many others for their wise counsel and commitment to peaceful election.

    “We also commend the efforts of the security agencies for the difficult tasks of providing security cover to INEC officials, the electorates, foreign and domestic election observers. It was no mean sacrifice and determination coupled with prayers which made the exercise to come onto its own peacefully and successfully too.

    “The appeal made by President Buhari to his supporters “not to gloat or humiliate the opposition as victory is enough reward for their efforts” is timely and appropriate.

    “ACF urges all Nigerians to demonstrate the same spirit and commitment in the March 9th Governorship and State Assembly Elections,” It said.

  • We’ll bring perpetrators of killings to book – Bello

    The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has vowed to bring those behind the killings and pockets of violence recorded in the last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly, in some parts of the state to justice.

    He said that such acts were inimical to the zero tolerance stance of his administration, and as such will be investigated and those behind it made to face justice.

    The governor Wednesday in a radio broadcast to the people of the state thanked them for their massive turnout and voting to return President Muhammadu Buhari into office.

    He described Buhari’s second term victory at the poll as a watershed moment.

    He said: “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 outcome of these elections is 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.

    Read Also: Buhari’s victory a watershed, says Bello

    “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 enmasse 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.“

  • Wild jubilation in Kaduna over Buhari’s victory

    There were wild jubilation in Zaria, Kaduna State on Wednesday over President Muhammadu Buhari’s triumph at Saturday’s Presidential Elections as celebrating youths became uncontrollable, posing threat to lives and property.

    The threat was to the extent that security agents were drafted to the streets to stem possible loses of lives and property.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration came with a difference as police intervened to save lives of innocent Nigerians.

    The incident, however, took another dimension when youths recklessly rode on motorcycles, displaying various dangerous actions in the name of happiness.

    In the course of the exercise, a bus lost control and crossed over a drainage system at Tudun Wada area while some motorcyclists rammed into a crowd.

    The situation inflicted injuries on people, hence the decision of the Nigeria Police to come in with a view to maintaining law and order and ensure protection of lives and property.

    In other parts of the town, the youth, mostly women and children, took over major streets carrying placards and posters of President Buhari chanting “Sai Baba-Sai Baba (Buhari is our choice) .

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Yakubu Sabo, said the essence of the intervention was to give protection to people.

    He advised both winners and losers to understand that there were laws governing every situation, adding that the police would not hesitate to arrest anybody that tampered with the laws of the land.

    Sabo advised those who lost the election not to take the laws into their hands, instead they should endeavour to seek redress through legal means.

    “As an agency saddled with the responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens, we will not allow things to go astray.

    “We will not prevent anybody from celebration but let it be according to the stipulated laws and remember, we have traffic rules and regulations in Nigeria.

    “Anybody that abuses such rules will not be spared by the security agencies; therefore, celebrate with caution without inflicting injury on anybody and without harming yourself,” he advised.

    NAN reports that the police in Zaria intensified surveillance and positioned their men on strategic areas of celebration to ensure a hitch-free celebration.

    Similar jubilation took place in some parts of Oyo state where some residents of Saki in Saki West Council area of Oyo State expressed happiness as the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) declared President Buhari of All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the Feb. 23 elections

    INEC had on Wednesday announced Buhari as the winner, beating his closest rival, Abubakar Atiku of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the keenly contested election.

    Residents of the Saki, who expressed happiness over the elections outcome were seen in joyous mood, dancing across major roads and singing appreciation songs while praising the electorate.

    Some party loyalists, who spoke in different interviews with NAN, said they were happy over the party’s victory at the polls.

    A-middle-aged teacher, Mr Sarafadeen Onijo, thanked people of Saki for voting for his party at all levels of the elections.

    “I am a follower of the Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, and in spite of all that transpired between him and the party, he instructed all of us in our thousands that we should vote APC at all levels.

    “I am so happy today that the honourable minister delivered his polling unit, ward and local government to PMB and other APC candidates, I’m happy,” he said.

    A community leader and a businessman, Mr Gafar Ismail, said he was also happy that the party won in the council area.

    “I just want to appeal to people to please vote our governorship and House of Assembly candidates across the state.

    “This is the last lap of our project Next Level; please let’s complete the good work we have started,” he appealed.

  • Observers rate Sokoto elections free, fair

    Domestic Election Observers that monitored Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections in Sokoto state have rated the elections as free and fair.

    Addressing a news conference on Wednesday in Sokoto, Leader of the observer groups, Mrs Grace Okonkwo, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on its efforts.

    Okonkwo from Youth Initiative for Better Nigeria, said in spite of the challenges on card reader inefficiency, security breaches and others, INEC’s performance was remarkably well.

    She however, stressed that the law allowed participating organs to express their grievances.

    She mentioned that disturbances occurred in Dange Shuni, Wurno, Tureta, Rabah, Wamakko, Goronyo and Sabonbirni local government areas.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state had rejected the election results won by the All Progressive Congress (APC) across the state.

    The state PDP Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma, told the newsmen that the party would challenge the election outcome in court.

  • Full text of Buhari’s acceptance speech

    STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON THE OUTCOME OF FEBRUARY 23, 2019 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

    My Dear Nigerians,

    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.

    2. 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.

    3. 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.

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

    5. 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.

    6. 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.

    7. 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.

    8. 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.

    9. 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.

    10. 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.

    11. 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.

    12. I thank you for your support and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Ezekwesili garners 7,223 votes despite withdrawing ambition

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared President Muhammadu Buhari winner of Saturday’s presidential election.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, while announcing the results early on Wednesday in Abuja said Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 15,191,847 votes to defeat his main challenger, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 11,262,978 votes.

    Also in the results announced, the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) polled a total of 7, 223 votes.

    The presidential candidate of the party and a former Minister of Education, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, had earlier announced her withdrawal from the presidential race, citing lack of support for her vision by the party leadership.

    The party leadership headed by Alhaji Abdul-Ganiyu Galadima immediately refuted Ezekwesili’s claims, saying that the former minister was rather pursuing a personal agenda and was never serious about her ambition.

    INEC had also said Ezewkwesili’s withdrawal had come too late and that it was not possible for the commission to substitute her name on the presidential list.

    In spite of that, Ezekwesili did not reverse her decision as she suspended all her campaign activities.

    A total of 73 candidates contested the 2019 presidential election which held on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019.

  • Akeredolu hails Buhari’s victory

    Ondo State governor, Olurotimi Akeredolu has joined millions of Nigerians to congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Akeredolu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary(CPS) Segun Ajiboye, said Buhari’s victory in the keenly contested presidential election signified the acceptability of his leadership by the majority of Nigerian citizens.

    The governor noted that the victory belongs to all Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic and religious beliefs.

    He was optimistic that the next level promised the Nigerian citizens by President Buhari will indeed take the country to unprecedented heights.

    Read Also: Orji Kalu congratulates Buhari on his re-election

    Akeredolu hailed stakeholders including local and international observers, security agencies, social commentators and members of the media organisation who in one way or the other played a role in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the election.

    He particularly commended the Independent National Electoral Commission( INEC) for conducting a free, fair and credible presidential election accepted by observers and international community.

  • Breaking: Atiku rejects Buhari’s victory, heads to court

    The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has rejected the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 23 presidential election.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had, Wednesday morning, declared President Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the election.

    But in a statement Wednesday entitled; Democracy Will Not Be Emasculated in Nigeria, Atiku said democracy was debased in the conduct of the elections.

    “Consequently, I hereby reject the result of the February 23, 2019 sham election and will be challenging it in court”, Atiku said.

    Stating his objection to the outcome of the election, as announced by INEC, Atiku said, “With regards to the presidential elections that took place on February 23, 2019, it is clear that there were manifest and premeditated malpractices in many states which negate the results announced.

    “One obvious red flag is the statistical impossibility of states ravaged by the war on terror generating much higher voter turnouts than peaceful states.

    “The suppressed votes in my strongholds are so apparent and amateurish, that I am ashamed as a Nigerian that such could be allowed to happen. How can total votes in Akwa-Ibom, for instance, be 50% less than what they were in 2015?

    “Another glaring anomaly is the disruption of voting in strongholds of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos, Akwa-Ibom, Rivers and diverse other states, with the authorities doing little or nothing and in some cases facilitating these unfortunate situations.

    “The militarization of the electoral process is a disservice to our democracy and a throwback to the jackboot era of military dictatorship. In some areas of the country, such as, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Imo states, troops deployed for the elections turned their guns on the very citizens they were meant to protect. This is condemnable and should not be associated with our electoral process in the future.

    “I am a democrat and there are democratic avenues available to present the truth to the nation and the watching world. Already, many international observers have given their verdicts, which corroborate our observations. I am sure more will come in the coming hours and days”.

    The PDP candidate said he would have called to congratulate President Buhari within seconds of being aware of his victory if he had lost in a free and fair election.

    He added that he had struggled over the years with his services to help unite Nigeria by being a bridge between the North and the South.

    Continuing, he said, “However, in my democratic struggles for the past three decades, I have never seen our democracy so debased as it was on Saturday, February 23, 2019.

    “2007 was a challenge, but President Yar’ Adua was remorseful. In 2019, it is sad to see those who trampled on democracy thumping their noses down on the Nigerian people.

    “I want to assure my supporters and the entire Nigerian people that together, we will not allow democracy to be emasculated.

    Read Also: ‘Bindow reduced Atiku’s margin in Adamawa’

    “I hope and pray Nigerians will someday summon the courage to defend democracy. That is the only way we can move away from being the world headquarters for extreme poverty”

    The PDP candidate thanked the Nigerian people who trooped out in their millions to perform their civic duty on Saturday.

    “The patriotism of Nigerians is heartwarming and affirms my oft-repeated statement that we are brothers and sisters born from the womb of one mother Nigeria”, he added.

  • Orji Kalu congratulates Buhari on his re-election

    Dr Orji Kalu, the senator-elect, Abia North Senatorial District, said President Muhammadu Buhari deserved his re-election as he has taken Nigeria to enviable heights since he assumed office on May 29, 2015.

    In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, Kalu commended the achievements of the Federal Government under Buhari, describing them as unbeatable and remarkable.

    While acknowledging the goodwill of the president, the former governor of Abia, called on politicians to emulate his worthy qualities.

    Orji further urged Nigerian leaders to join hands with Buhari in rebuilding Nigeria.
    According to him, the future of Nigeria is bright under the current administration.

    He said: “The well-deserved victory of President Muhammadu Buhari did not come to Nigerians as a surprise because of the laudable achievements of the Federal Government.

    Read Also: Buhari thanks Tinubu, Oshiomhole, other Nigerians for victory

    “President Buhari has in the past four years taken Nigeria to enviable heights.

    “Nigeria has taken her rightful place in the comity of nations since President Buhari assumed office.

    “The All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government has the welfare of the masses as a priority.

    “With the victory of President Buhari in the poll, it is obvious that Nigerians are happy with the President,’’ Kalu said.
    While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders for ensuring free and fair elections, Kalu urged Nigerians to sustain their support for Buhari and the APC.