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  • PDP plotting to declare Atiku winner of election, says APC

    •Party seeks Buba Galadima’s arrest
    •’Plot to alter S’East, S’South results uncovered’

    THE All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council yesterday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and other relevant security agencies to activate the provisions of the law on non-official declaration of results.

    It alleged that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its agents have completed plans to declare Atiku Abubakar as the winner of Saturday’s presidential election without waiting for INEC.

    The Council, in a statement by its spokesman, Festus Keyamo, said the opposition plans to create confusion that would trigger pockets of protests by hired thugs across the country in other to attract the sympathy of the international community.

    Keyamo said, as part of the plot, a video recording has already been made by one of the PDP campaign spokespersons, Buba Galadima, announcing Atiku as the winner of the election.

    Calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Galadima, the APC campaign council urged Atiku to say something on the alleged video by Galadima.

    Also yesterday, the Central Working Committee of APC Women and Youth Presidential Campaign Team raised the alarm over alleged plans by the opposition to instigate violence in the Southeast and Southsouth so as to use that as cover to alter the election result figures from the two geo-political zones.

    Keyamo’s statement reads: “Devastated by authentic results filtering out of polling units nationwide, our usual sources within the camp of the PDP have informed us that an emergency meeting of the main opposition party has been summoned for today somewhere in Abuja.

    “Top on the agenda of the PDP is to activate the last strand of their Dubai strategies that have since collapsed like a pack of cards: they plan to release fake results of the presidential selection later today or early Monday morning that they claim to have compiled themselves.

    “Our information is that they aim to create crises and confusion that will lead to Atiku claiming victory in a day or two from today ahead of the official announcement of the results by INEC. Then, what would follow will be some carefully choreographed protests by pockets of hoodlums in some parts of the country. The ultimate aim is to curry the sympathy of our foreign friends and push us to the Venezuela situation.

    “Our call is, therefore, to INEC, Nigeria Broadcasting Commission and all law-enforcement agencies to continually warn the PDP and all their surrogates like the amorphous Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and their likes that anyone, who flouts the law on announcement of official results will be made to face the law. Opposition does not confer immunity on anyone to flout the law.

    “In preparation for this reckless move, some PDP social media agents are already flying some kites online as to the number of states allegedly ‘won’ by PDP. In fact, Galadima, an official spokesperson for Atiku, has made a short video announcing PDP as the ‘winner’ of the presidential election.

    “As an official spokesperson, he is clearly acting on behalf of Atiku and on his instruction. We, therefore call for the immediate arrest, interrogation and prosecution of Galadima in this regard. The world is watching and waiting on Atiku to say something on the video by Galadima.

    “Consequently, we urge all well-meaning Nigerians, the international community and even reasonable members of the opposition not to be bought by these cheap antics of the PDP. Let’s restrain our wards from being used by these unscrupulous elements. Nigeria will continue to exist after this election.”

    Addressing a news conference in Abuja yesterday, chairman of the campaign committee, Gen. Buba Marwa, called on security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be vigilant and prevent such moves.

    He said: “We will like to draw attention to the fact that there are plans afoot for massive manipulation of results by the opposition in the Southeast and Southsouth through the unleashing of violence from tonight onwards with a view to altering election results by using total registered voters instead of accredited voters to change the final result figures.

    “We, therefore, urge security agencies and INEC to monitor this information very closely and act swiftly to forestall this nefarious intention. As we await the final outcome that will surely confirm the re-election of President Buhari, let us all keep our eyes on the ball, follow the collation process closely and remain steadfast until the whole exercise is concluded in our favour.”

    Expressing optimism that the final results will favour President Buhari and the APC, Marwa hailed the campaign team to the President, his wife and other party leaders for their support and encouragement throughout the duration of the campaign.

    He added: “While we await the verdict of history, may I on behalf of the Central Working Committee of our campaign team thank our members, coordinators and full structures, canvassers, door-to-door mobilisers and millions of patriots for their uncommon commitment and efforts towards the success of the President Muhammadu Buhari re-election project. I want to put it on record that your selfless labour has made all the difference in the outcome of the election, which no doubt will be in our favour by the grace of God.

     

  • APC alleges plot to stop INEC from announcing presidential election results

    THE All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council yesterday accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of plotting to scuttle the ongoing democratic process.

    Its Director in charge of Strategic Communication, Festus Keyamo, SAN, alleged that the opposition party plans to approach the court to obtain a court injunction stop the announcement of the Presidential election result.

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu opened the National Collation Centre yesterday and said that the collation and announcement of the presidential election results would start by 11 today.

    In a statement, Keyamu said that move could plunge the country into constitutional crisis.

    It reads: “Our usual patriotic sources from within the disgruntled PDP circle and Atiku’s Campaign team have reliably informed us that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has perfected plans to finally scuttle our democracy and throw the country into constitutional crises by surreptitiously obtaining an ex parte (one-sided) court order stopping the announcement of the presidential election results which he fears have gone against him.

    “We understand that a meeting was held today with a group of senior lawyers who were instructed to prepare and file the processes in court on Monday, February 25, 2019. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was clear in his brief to the lawyers that he must be declared the President-elect of Nigeria by hook or crook, whether he wins or loses, or else he would drag the country down with him.

    “Nigerians would recall that the June 12, 1993 debacle that brought Nigeria to its knees and caused our country international isolation was precipitated by a court injunction stopping the announcement of Presidential Election results.

    “The court order was obtained by a certain Association for Better Nigeria headed then by one Chief Authur Nzeribe. This is exactly what Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who claims to be a democrat, wants to foist on this nation again because of his inordinate ambition.

    “We are also informed that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar confided in those around him that his desperation is borne out of the fact that he has made profound commitments to his local and international sponsors regarding the sale of our national assets like NNPC and others to them that he cannot just afford to let them down at this time, having assured them that there was no way he would not win the presidential election. However, results trickling in from around the country have dampened his optimism.

    “This has prompted his instructions to his campaign organization, especially his spokespersons to continue to issue statements, making false claims of ‘victory’ when there is no single scientific basis for such claims.

    “For instance, as brazen as they are to claim victory, they have not pointed at one single presidential election result in any single unit in the whole country where they scored a particular figure with a result sheet duly signed by their agent that was subsequently changed at a Collation Centre. All we hear are sound bites of Atiku’s spokespersons, huffing and puffing about winning the election just to whip up public sentiments to prepare the ground to reject the results when they are eventually released by INEC.

    “For us our position is very simple and straight forward: we wish to allow the legal process of declaring presidential election results to take place peacefully and in an orderly fashion. President Buhari is not desperate, but is very confident of victory.

    “We also note their attempt to discredit the entire elections by certain isolated incidents of violence in some parts of the country.

    “For instance, Lagos State that has more than 13,000 voting points recorded a very unfortunate, despicable and condemnable act of violence in one voting point that was clearly not perpetuated by any known or accredited member of our party. Yet the PDP has cried out to the world about ‘burning of ballot papers in most parts the country’.

    “We therefore wish to advice anyone who wishes to aid and encourage Alhaji Atiku Abubakar along this infamous part to remember the June 12 debacle. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar may also wish to learn a lesson or two from President Muhammadu Buhari who resorted to the court of law in 2003 when Atiku, along with President Olusegun Obasanjo, ‘defeated’ him in the presidential race in that year in controversial circumstances. President Buhari, as a true statesman and democrat, never resorted to underhand tactics to declare himself President.

    “We hope a word is enough for the wise.”

  • Those against Buhari’s victory are challenging God’s authority — Bishop Ediwe

    President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory at the presidential election is divine, hence those opposed to it are challenging “God’s authority” according to foremost Christian preacher Arch Bishop (Dr) Julius Ediwe.

    Dr Julius spoke at the second day of the ongoing Inter-Faith Clerics for the celebration of President Buhari’s victory held at the Unity Fountain, Abuja.
    Despite massive propaganda by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate Atiku Abubakar, Mr Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) was re-elected in fascinating fashion.
    Bishop Ediwe isn’t surprised by the president’s overwhelming triumph, especially after it was revealed when some Christian and Islamic clerics met in a 40-day prayer and fast prior to the polls.
    The cleric, Provost of the South-South College of Bishops, was particularly critical of some naysayers in disguise as prophets who forecasted defeat for the incumbent.
    He, however, urged these critics not to oppose God’s choice and instead pray for the president.
    “ I won’t say I am surprised at the composition of the audience here. I would instead say I am moved to tears so much that I asked myself, could this be happening in Nigeria? Could a gathering a people from different faiths praying for a common goal happen here in Nigeria?
    “ God is indeed faithful to his word and his people. When it was declared here some months ago that the Lord revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari would emerge victorious at the polls, many doubted us and called us all sort of names. But we preserved.
    “ I, therefore, ask today been the 2nd day of the Thanksgiving and Salat Al-Shakur service that are we not sharing in the kingdom of light? In the same vein, in Surah Al-Baqara, 153, it is stated that “O ye who believe! seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.”
    “ What does this tell us? It merely tells us on the oneness of God, and that was why we have been able to assemble here together and united in one voice, spirit, body and soul.
    “ Brothers and Sisters, let me make it clear here about statements coming from some supposed men of God describing the elections as rigged and not in the interest of the people. I am taken aback with such a statement, and in my capacity as the Provost of the South-South College of Bishops, I abhor such statement because God is not a man that he should lie.
    “ When it was revealed during the 40 days’ prayers and fasting that President Muhammadu Buhari would win the elections, where were they? Or are they insinuating that they have a monopoly of the Kingdom heritage?
    “ My brothers and sisters, I stand before you as a servant of God to say that God is indeed on the throne and for those that think otherwise should have a rethink. I say this with all authority that President Muhammadu Buhari was indeed Gods choice for Nigeria because I prayed and heard him clearly when he stated that Buhari is the chosen one to take Nigeria to greatness.
    “ I want to assume here today that one of the reasons for the display of anger because President Muhammadu Buhari won the elections might be as a result of the victory rally that was aired on the television stations across the country.
    “ They are also angry for lack of knowledge of the Buhari phenomenon. They also need to understand that just like God singled out Job as a man of integrity, he also singled out President Muhammadu Buhari as a man of integrity. And God always identifies with the pure in spirit.
    “ Is it not funny on how some men of God prophesied that President Muhammadu Buhari was going to lose the elections? December 2018, an Anglican church prophet, Udoka Okechukwu, prophesied that Atiku Abubakar of the PDP would defeat President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 election.
    “ On February 12, 2019, few days to the presidential election, the general overseer of Evangelical Bible Outreach Ministries Int’l (EBOMI), Prophet El-Buba, said President Buhari would lose the election.
    “ The presiding Bishop of Divine Seed of God Chapel Ministries, Ibadan, Prophet Wale Olagunju, in October 2019, claimed that Buhari would lose to Atiku Abubakar.
    “ My brothers and sisters, we can find the answers to the false prophesies in the book of Romans 8:31, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
    “ Let me once again thank you all for your constant prayers towards the success of President Muhammadu Buhari at the elections. And I am not sure anyone of us here regardless of our ethnicity or religion would ever doubt the oneness of God.”

     

  • APC, PDP in tight race in Edo

    The All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party are neck to neck in the Presidential and national assembly Elections in Edo State.

    No official results have been announced as collation of results was still going on at each Ward.

    Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress thrashed  the PDP at his polling unit at Iyamho and Governor Godwin Obaseki won at his polling unit at Emokpae primary school.

    Elections were generally peaceful across Edo State except in some polling units at Egor where ballot boxes were set ablaze.

    Those that spoke hailed the conduct of the elections.

    In some areas, there were initial malfunction of the card readers but they were later rectified.

    In Edo South where Senator Matthew Urhoghide and Patrick Obahiagbon are in the race, unofficial results showed there were no clear winner yet.

    For the House of Representatives seat on Ovia Constituency, Dennis Idahosa of the All Progressives Congress maintained a lead in his stronghold while Barr. Omosede Igbinedion held on to Okada, her hometown.

    Hon Ehiozuwa Agbonnayima took the lead in Ikpoba-Okha while his opponent, Jude Ise-Idehen, is said to win in some wards in Egor.

    Edo State Commissioner of Police, in charge of elections, Dan-Malam Mohammed, who visited several polling units in company of the lnter-Agencies Consultative Committee on Elections warned policemen not to allow anybody enter INEC office.

    Read Also: Ogboru votes, says Buhari’ll be president till 2023

    His words: “Make sure you work with the names on your list. You know lNEC office is very vital during collation of results, make sure it is properly secure.”

    A visit to the Edo College, in Ward 8, in Oredo Local Government in units 27 to 30,  the security agencies made up of Army, DSS, Custom, NCSDC, lmmigration and others to verify the situation on ground, the PDP and APC agents complain about shortage of sensitive materials like ballot papers and other logistic plights to the police.

    ln Udo, Ovia South West, ballot boxes were snatched and a suspect was arrested with arms and ammunition.

    Police spokesman, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor confirmed the arrest.

  • Osifo defects from PDP, promises 15m votes for APC

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Stanley Osifo, who defected to the ruling party a day to the eve of the postponed presidential election, has promised to deliver 15 million votes to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Speaking to the press in Lagos, he stressed that his supporters nationwide are in support of his decision. He said: “I have consulted widely with my supporters nationwide and we saw the need to support the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari. This is to officially announce my defection to the All Progressives Congress.”

    He explained that his movement was not necessitated by issues in PDP, but for the consistency in the fight against corruption by the ruling party, maintaining that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has demonstrated its commitment to the infrastructural development of the country, adding that the railway project that suffered decades of setback has received life.

  • Fayemi votes, says APC won’t buy vote to win

    The Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and his wife, Erelu Bisi, have cast their ballot at Ogilolo ward 11, Unit 009, Oye Local Government Area of the state.

    Fayemi in the company of his wife arrived the polling booth around 11am and after they received voting rules and regulations from the election officials, they were accredited, and immediately cast their votes.

    Speaking with journalists shortly after casting the ballot, he expressed absolute confidence that, his party, All Progressives Congress, APC, will coast to victory without engaging in any anti democratic means.

    The governor stated that there was nowhere in Ekiti where cases of vote buying were reported, describing his party as a law abiding one.

    “Just check round, there was no place where votes were being bought. APC is a law abiding one and that we shall maintain. Whoever says we are doing that here must be believing in hearsay.”

    He applauded the security arrangements, pointing out that democracy had come to stay with no traces of such as people are allowed to make their choice of leaders without any fear or threat.

    The governor praised the voters for their massive turnout despite postponement by INEC, saying this has shown that electoral process is maturing in Nigeria.

    “With the feelers I am getting, the postponement doesn’t affect us negatively here in Ekiti. People trooped out massively to exercise their franchise, I am happy about that.

    “INEC staff arrived at the polling units early, this also added more credibility to these elections.”

    Senator Ayo Arise, after voting in his country home at Oye Ekiti, said the threat issued by President Muhammadu Buhari helped in putting election robbers at check.

  • APC floors PDP in Ambode’s polling unit

    The result of yesterday’s poll in Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s polling unit shows that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari, had a clear majority of the votes cast.

    The result shows, after the counting of votes that APC polled 131 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 116 votes in the presidential election.

    The governor, who spoke to journalists after casting his vote earlier in the day, commended the peaceful process. The governor had earlier expressed delight that Lagosians have been very cooperative.

  • I have confidence in INEC – Hamzat

    The Lagos State All Progressives Congress, APC, deputy governorship candidate Dr Obafemi Hamzat, yesterday expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Fielding questions moments after casting his ballot at his Ward A4, Unit 2 polling unit, Hamzat said despite the initial hitches, INEC has promised to deliver a free, fair and transparent election.

    At several polling units in Epe, election materials were not delivered until 9am.

    At the Ajaganabe unit, angry voters, most of who had arrived as early as 7.30 am, expressed bitterness at INEC’s shoddy arrangement despite the shift.

    But Hamzat, in suing for people’s understanding, said, being machines, there could be some hitches.

    “What is important is that anyone who came here before 2pm will vote. That is why we are on ground to resolve any challenge that our people may be having concerning this election. We appeal to all people to be patient as they will all be able to exercise their right,” Hamzat said.

    He described the first stage, which is accreditation and voting, as very peaceful, adding that he looked forward to the remaining two stages, which are collating and counting of the votes to be peaceful and orderly.

    On the chances of his party, Hamzat said the APC’s chance at the presidential and other election is very bright.

  • APC, PDP in tight race in Edo

    The All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party are neck to neck in the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Edo State.

    No official results have been announced as collation of results was still going on at each Ward.

    Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress thrashed the PDP at his polling unit at Iyamho and Governor Godwin Obaseki won at his polling unit at Emokpae primary school.

    Elections were generally peaceful across Edo State except in some polling units at Egor where ballot boxes were set ablaze.

    Those that spoke hailed the conduct of the elections.

    In some areas, there were initial malfunction of the card readers but they were later rectified.

    In Edo South where Senator Matthew Urhoghide and Patrick Obahiagbon are in the race, unofficial results showed there were clear winner yet.

    For the House of Representatives seat on Ovia Constituency, Dennis Idahosa of the All Progressives Congress maintained a lead in his stronghold while Barr. Omosede Igbinedion held on to Okada, her hometown.

    Hon Ehiozuwa Agbonnayima took the lead in Ikpoba-Okha while his opponent, Jude Ise-Idehen is said to win in some wards in Egor.

    Edo State Commissioner of Police, in charge of elections, Dan-Malam Mohammed who visited several polling in company of the lnter-Agencies Consultatives Committee on Elections warned policemen not to allow anybody enter INEC office.

    His words, “Make sure you work with the names on your list. you know lNEC office is very vital during collation of results, make sure is properly secure.”

    A visit to the Edo college, in Ward 8, in Oredo local government in units 27 to 30, the security agencies made up of Army, DSS, Custom, NCSDC, lmmigration and others to verify the situation on ground, the PDP and APC agents complains about shortage of sensitive materials like ballot papers and othe logistics plights to the police.

    ln Udo, Ovia South West, ballot boxes were snatched and a suspect was arrested with arms and ammunition.

    Police spokesman, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor confirmed the arrest.

  • Democrats must accept results of credible polls, says Tinubu

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Saturday said that he was confident of victory for President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said the masses were ready to show gratitude for his people-oriented programmes and policies.

    Tinubu told reporters after voting at his O47 Unit, Kaffy Junction, Sunday Adigun Street, Alausa, Ikeja, that the president had promoted the welfare of the masses in the last four years.

    He said: “My hope and my determination for my party is that we are winning because we have the support of the masses.

    “We are popular among ordinary people. We are not talking about the elite, the rich. We are talking about farmers, traders, artisans, common man, parents whose parents are feeding now once per day.”

    The former governor had stormed the voting unit around 11.15 am, accompanied by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, and Southwest APC Woman Leader Chief Kemi Nelson.

    After accreditation and voting, he went to his private house, few metres from the polling booth, to greet relatives and other visitors.

    On entering the house, he was seized by nostalgia, as he told the people that he really missed her illustrious mother, the late Chief Abibat Mogaji, Iyaloja-General of Lagos and Nigeria.

    During periodic elections, the party leader usually storm the house to bring his aged mother out to vote. When the old woman was on wheel chair, Tinubu always wheeled her to the polling booth.

    In a voice laced with emotion, Tinubu said: “Ordinarily, I would have just gone back after casting my vote. My late mother’s card is with me. I miss her. But, I have to come to greet my daughter (Iyaloja of Lagos, Chief Folasade Ojo), and my grandson.”

    After spending few minutes inside the house, he returned to his Bourdilion, Ikoyi residence.

    Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the voting process, saying that Nigerians were determined to make it work.

    He said: ” So far, so good. It is the demonstration of resilience by Nigerians. Election is one of the best and most difficult ways to choose our leaders and representatives. It is the beauty of democracy. It may not be easiest process to manage and maintain.But, with our resilience and determination, we are getting better.”

    Reflecting on last week’s postponement, Tinubu said although it could be frustrating and challenging, it was not deliberately planned by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He recalled that the commission explained the circumstances that warranted their decision to postpone the polls, adding that it was open and ready to take responsibility.

    The former governor said he was satisfied with the performance of INEC so far.

    Noting that the conduct of election is still very challenging, he said it takes time, perseverance, tolerance and consistency to achieve perfection

    In his view, Nigeria will overcome the pains and move to the horizon of progress.

    Tinubu said as a democrat, he is prepared to accept the outcome of a free and fair exercise.

    He stressed: “I will accept the people’s verdict. Any democrat that cannot accept the result of free and fair election is not worthy of being a democrat.

    “We must be able to respect the result of free and fair election.”

    The former governor said if the opposition rejects the outcome of a free, fair and credible process, then, they cannot be described as Democrats.

    Read Also: Senator Remi Tinubu overwhelmed by high turnout

    Tinubu chided the main opposition party for consistently alleging that the APC was planning to rig the elections.

    Berading the opposition leaders for their regression to defense mechanism to rationalise their imminent defeat, he said rigging has been their pastime.

    He denied the allegation that he was wooing people with money, saying that he has never been involved in vote buying.

    Tinubu said although he was fond of assisting people with money in furtherance of philanthropic gestures, he has never taken money from government in the last five years.

    He stressed: “I am not an agency of government. I don’t take contract from the government of Buhari in the last five years. I am on my own.“