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Tag: BUHARI

  • Ganduje congratulates Buhari on re-election

    Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has joined well-meaning Nigerians in congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for overwhelmingly winning the presidential election.

    Ganduje attributed Buhari’s victory to the successes recorded in his administration which he described as one of the most successful in Nigeria’s democratic governance.

    The congratulatory message signed by the Governor indicated that “the re-election of President Buhari is the will of the people who are supporting his administration’s change agenda that has brought about transformation in all facets development in the country.”

    He said the victory of the APC should also be seen as victory for Nigerian democracy and collective progress of the nation.

    The Governor assured that “Kano, which produced the highest number of votes in the presidential election in the country will continue to support the lofty ideals for which the Buhari administration stand for.”

    Ganduje also said he looked forward to successful conduct of the forthcoming Governorship and state Assembly elections on March 9 and therefore called on the people of Kano to exercise their franchise by voting for the APC so that the state government can consolidate on achievements it has recorded so far.

  • UK, US-backed observer YIAGA validates Buhari’s victory

    UK, US-backed observer YIAGA validates Buhari’s victory

    A civil society organisation, the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA) on Wednesday validated the declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari as winner of Saturday’s presidential election.

    It said the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were consistent with the findings of its observers as part of its Watching the Vote (WTV) project.

    YIAGA Africa has as its technical partners the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the US-based National Democratic Institute.

    It deployed the parallel vote tabulation (PVT), described a gold standard citizen observation methodology that employs statistics and information communication technologies.

    Its estimates were based on observations from 3,030 observers deployed in pairs to a random statistical sample of 1,515 polling units.

    YIAGA Africa said INEC’s official results fell within its estimated ranges.

    It, therefore, urged the public, political parties and candidates to have confidence in the ballots cast at the polling units.

    The group said in its post-election statement: “Based on reports from 1,491 or 98.4 per cent of sampled polling units, YIAGA Africa’s findings show that for the presidential election, the All Progressive Congress (APC) should receive between 50.0 per cent and 55.8 per cent of the vote; and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should receive between 41.2 per cent and 47.0 per cent of the vote.

    “These figures are consistent with the official results as announced by INEC. For both APC and PDP the official results fall within the PVT estimated ranges.”

    YIAGA Africa’s WTV chair Dr. Hussaini Abdu added: “YIAGA Africa urges Nigerian voters, political parties, candidates and international stakeholders to have confidence in the just-concluded electoral process and the officially announced results.”

    The civil society group called on INEC to provide clarity around two issues which it said were of pressing concern to the Nigerians although they did not affect the overall outcome of the elections.

    “First, the overall, percentage of cancelled ballots announced by INEC was 3.3 per cent of all registered voters.

    “This figure was four times higher than the rate from 2015 when registered voters in cancelled polling units were less than 1 per cent of all registered votes.

    “Second, YIAGA Africa noted discrepancies between the number of registered voters announced prior to the election and the numbers announced during collation and called on INEC to provide an in-depth explanation, including of whether these differences indicated that collation did not conclude in all parts of the country.

    “However, YIAGA Africa noted that the PVT data, which projected its estimated vote shares on the basis of the numbers announced at the polling units before any cancelation of results could take place, showed that neither of these issues impacted the outcome of the election,” it said.

    The group, in the statement issued by its Communication Officer Moshood Isah, urged all political parties, candidates and Nigerians to show political maturity and maintain peace in the post-election period.

    It pleaded with losing candidates and parties to adhere to legal provisions for filing electoral claims and disputes.

    “YIAGA Africa noted that the challenges experienced during the elections call for a detailed and systematic post-election review to include an inquiry into the cancellation of ballots, an audit of the voter register and a review of the elections operation management systems,” the group said.

    YIAGA Africa is a nonpartisan and independent civil society organisation without affiliation to any political party, candidate or state agency.

    “YIAGA Africa carries out research, capacity development and policy advocacy. YIAGA AFRICA has been involved in election observation since 2007 and it is one of the leading organisations working on elections in Nigeria,” the group said.

  • 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.

  • 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.”

  • 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.

  • Buhari’s victory will liberate Bayelsa, Niger Delta – APC leaders

    Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State have commended the impressive performance of President Muhammadu Buhari in Bayelsa State and Niger Delta region at the just-concluded presidential election.

    The leaders said the votes garnered by Buhari in the region, considered to be the stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would liberate Bayelsa and Niger Delta.

    Some of the leaders, who spoke in separate statements, are members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Tare Amatare, Nestor Binabo and Ebitimi Amgbare.

    Amatare referred to Buhari as a movement, saying nobody from the northern region would match his popularity to defeat him in any election.

    He added only the late Tafawa Balewa and Ahmadu Bello could have challenged the President.

    He said Buhari’s integrity and impeccable character stood him out and attracted votes to him from unexpected quarters including the Niger Delta.

    “Buhari is a political deity. People just love him and follow him. Despite occupying many positions, he still has no company, no oil wells, no marginal field.

    “Nigeria should appreciate him. We must not be thinking of going back to the dark days. We should be tired of stealing, looting,” he said.

    He lambasted the Igbos saying they were ungrateful to Buhari and the APC government adding that despite abusing the President in 2015, they got four substantive ministers and other projects from him.

    Binabo, in his statement, said the masses especially farmers and others in the villages rewarded Buhari with their votes following the positive impact of his policies on them.

    The former acting governor said despite the prejudice against APC leaders by the ruling party in Bayelsa, they worked very hard to sell Buhari’s policies to the people at the grassroots.

    “President Buhari’s widespread victory in the country including Bayelsa is an indication that his policies and welfare programmes are achieving their desired results. They are touching the lives of the common people.

    “This victory has also shown that contrary to claims by the ruling party in Bayelsa that there is no APC in the state, we are stronger now and we will soon take over the mantle of leadership in Bayelsa.

    “Finally, Bayelsa and the Niger Delta have been liberated. It is time the progressives took over Bayelsa and the region to ensure impact of governance on the people.

    “We have to join mainstream politics and align with the government at the centre,” he said.

    On his part, Amgbare a 2015 APC governorship aspirant, said the campaign council did not labour in vain saying the President deserved a second term.

    He said the President had been reinvigorated to step up the fight against corruption, end insurgency and restructure the economy.

    “The President said the people of the North-East were in a better position to appreciate his war against insurgency.

    “And we are happy that the people of the northeast responded positively with their votes.

    “I met many of our people who are benefitting from the President’s N-Power programme even without knowing anybody. These people gladly gave the President their votes,” he said.

  • 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.

  • 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.