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Tag: Governorship election

  • Sokoto APC rejects Tambuwal’s victory

    The Sokoto State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday rejected the declaration of Gov. Aminu Tambuwal as winner of the just-concluded governorship election in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has earlier declared Tambuwal winner of the election after Saturday’s supplementary with a narrow margin of 342 votes,

    The Chief Collation/Returning Officer, Prof. Fatima Mukhtar, said that Tambuwal of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured the highest votes of 512, 002, defeating his close rival Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu of APC, who polled 511, 660 votes.

    Addressing a press conference in Sokoto, the APC’s spokeman, Alhaji Bello Danchadi, rejected the declaration on the ground that the process was flawed with irregularities, which he said were duly reported to electoral body.

    Danchadi said the margin of 342 votes was far less than the registered voters in polling units where elections were not held, a development which he said contravened the electoral law.

    He said the party had also registered its complaints to INE, which included alleged outright rigging perpetrated by the PDP.

    He alleged that some eligible voters at some polling centres were denied voting, and in some places repeated votings were recorded.

    “We draw the attention of INEC to a number of polling units that were cancealed as result of violent attacks by thugs, while others were abitrarily cancealed to please certain political party interests.

    ” In view of these we deem it necessary to express our disagreement with the action taken by INEC to declare a winner without giving us a fair hearing in our position in the electoral processes, ” he said. (NAN)

  • Bauchi election: PDP’s Bala Mohammed increases lead over APC

    The Bauchi state gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Bala Mohammed, is at a comfortable lead over his close rival, the incumbent Governor, Mohammed Abubakar of the All Progressives Party, (APC), at the supplementary governorship election held on the 23rd of March in Bauchi state.

    Sen. Bala Mohammed PDP, garnered a total of  6376 against his main opponent, incumbent Governor Mohammed Abubakar who polled 5117 at the rerun, with a vote margin of 1259 between both parties.

    During the March 9 inconclusive election, Mohammed was credited with 469,512 votes and Abubakar 465,453, with a vote margin of 4059 but the election was declared inconclusive after a  Federal High Court in Abuja halted the collation and announcement of result for Tafawa Balewa Local Government.

    Governor Abubakar got a court injunction restraining INEC from continuing with the collation and announcement of election results in the State.

    The total no of registered voters at the rerun was  21759. Accredited voters are 12, 109, Valid votes ,11, 568 while total votes cast are 11, 979 . Rejected votes, 403.

    The rerun election was held in 36 Polling covering 29 registration areas (wards) in the 15 affected local government areas with 22,759 registered voters.

    Read also: Breaking: Tambuwal wins Sokoto governorship election

    Result in the 15 LGAs is as follows:

    1:-
    Itas LGA APC(421)
    PDP((619)
    2:-
    Bogoro LGA APC(101)
    PDP(478)
    3:-
    Dass LGA
    APC(184)
    PDP(358)
    4:-
    Shira LGA
    APC(152)
    PDP(86)
    5:-
    Giade LGA
    APC(639)6:-
    PDP(532)
    6:-
    Ganjuwa LGA
    APC(432)
    PDP(353)
    7:-
    Ningi LGA
    APC(758)
    PDP(791)
    8:-
    GAMAWA LGA
    APC(154)
    PDP(96)
    9:-
    Darazo LGA
    APC(824)
    PDP(749)
    10:-
    Misau LGA
    APC(111)
    PDP(312)
    11:-
    Kirfi LGA
    APC(206)
    PDP(472)
    12:-
    Alkaleri LGA
    APC(264)
    PDP(444)
    13:-
    Toro LGA
    APC(536)
    PDP(828)
    14:-
    Katagum Azare LGA
    APC(261)
    PDP(203)
    15:-
    Jama’are LGA
    APC(74)
    PDP(54)

    The total number APC(5117) PDP(6376)

  • Bauchi: INEC challenges court order stopping collation of results

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has challenged the order of a Federal High Court in Abuja, ordering it to stop the collation of the governorship election results in Bauchi State.

    Mr Festus Okoye, INEC’s National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education said the commission has filed a ‘motion on notice`, challenging the jurisdiction of the court in granting the order.

    ” The motion has not been taken. Until that motion is taken, the court order barring us from collating the result of Tafawa Balewa area subsists,” he said.

    Although Okoye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, that the commission has stopped the collation of the governorship result, he said the collation process would continue in the state assembly elections in the affected areas.

    On Tuesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja barred INEC from resuming the collation and announcement of governorship election result in Bauchi.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order following an ex parte application filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Bauchi state Governor, Mohammed Abubakar.

    “The commission has already taken a decision. The order is from a properly constituted court of law, so we complied.

    “We have fully complied with the court order in relation to collation of the governorship election for Tafawa Balewa local government area,” he said

    He said the commission would conduct supplementary elections in areas not affected by the order of the Federal High Court.

    INEC initially declared the governorship election in Bauchi, along with the elections in Benue, Plateau, Sokoto, Kano and inconclusive.

    It also announced that supplementary elections would take place on 23 March. But in a sudden twist, INEC said it would no longer hold supplementary elections in the contentious Tafawa Balewa Local Government, where it said the result of the poll on March 9 was torn by an armed gang. INEC also said it has appointed a new returning officer for the council and that collation would resume on Tuesday.

    INEC said a fact-finding committee headed by Okoye recommended that the results of polling units in the council should be upheld and then cancelled the planned election in the council.

    INEC’s volte-face angered the All Progressives Congress candidate and the incumbent governor, Muhammed Abubakar and his party.

    There were accusations about denial of fair hearing by the Okoye committee and that the committee was compromised because Okoye has some relationship with some PDP leaders, such as Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

  • Innocent people are being killed because we won election, Taraba govt cries out

    The Taraba State government yesterday cried out that innocent people were being killed since the day Governor Darius Ishaku was declared winner of the governorship election in the state.

    The Commissioner for Information, Simon Dogari,  who briefed reporters on the incidents trailing the outcome of the election, said the attacks were being masterminded by the opposition parties who lost at the polls.

    He said the attacks were intended to give the impression that the governorship election in the state was not credible.

    Dogari said: “There have been several cases of attacks on innocent and defenceless people in Jalingo by miscreants hired and armed by those who lost the elections.

    “Their intention is to create tension and anarchy in the state such that the impression would be created that the elections were not credible.

    “The state government is happy that this motive has not been achieved. We give the credit to God and to all the good people of Taraba State who have ignored the call to arms and have in various ways helped to defuse tension rather than yield to the temptation to react violently.

    “The elections were generally free, fair and peaceful. There were no major incidents, as voting took place in all the centres.

    Read also: APC, PDP take INEC to task

    “It is also instructive that one of the major contestants in the gubernatorial election, Senator Aisha Alhassan, also rated the election as free, fair and credible, even though she lost.

    “Yet, the main opposition group has embarked on a mission of organising armed youths to confront people who came out in their numbers to celebrate the PDP victory.

    “The most unfortunate and dangerous dimension to this campaign was the religious colour their group tried to assign to the crisis.

    “It is disheartening that a man who is aspiring to a high position of leadership of this state would resort to religious bigotry to achieve his ambition.

    “Again, we thank God and the larger section of the populace for refusing to cooperate with him to cause more tension and damage to lives and properties.”

    He said that Governor Darius Ishaku “deeply appreciates the contributions of all the good people of the state in achieving peace and wishes to thank everybody, including Christian and Muslim leaders, who have been part of the peace building process.”

    The state government said it would ensure that all law abiding people are protected in order to go about their lawful activities without molestation.

    “Governor Ishaku also wishes to remind all of you that peace is the bedrock on which every positive human endeavour can thrive, hence his peace mantra: Give me peace and I will give you development.

    “We urge you to refuse to be used as political thugs, to shun violence and all forms of drug abuse and to support the government to build that future you deserve.”

  • AA seeks prosecution of Imo Returning Officer

    The Action Alliance (AA) in Imo State has called for the arrest and prosecution of the Returning Officer of the governorship election, Prof. Francis Otunta.

    Otunta declared candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emeka Ihedioha, winner of the governorship election.

    Director-General of AA’s campaign organisation, Chidi Ibe, who addressed a news conference yesterday, said: “Despite the fact that the PDP’s candidate, Emeka Ihedioha, did not meet the constitutional requirements, the Returning Officer declared him the governor-elect.

    Read also: The fury of the demos and the task ahead

    “The governor-elect did not make the constitutional required two-third in at least 18 out of the 27 local government areas. Ihedioha’s declaration as winner of the election was a mockery of our democracy.

    “I call on the anti-graft agencies to investigate this returning officer who came to Imo State to undermine the law. The PDP candidate only made two-third in 12 councils while our candidate, Uche Nwosu, made two-third in 21 councils. The law is clear on this. There ought to be a rerun between the two leading candidates.”

  • PDP, Ijaw youths differ on Rivers governorship poll

    The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC) yesterday took opposing stand on the governorship election in the oil-rich state.

    For the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should declare Governor Nyesom Wike as the winner of the governorship poll.

    As far as the IYC was concerned, the important thing was the safety of the African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate, Biokpomabo Awara, who has claimed victory. The umbrella body of the Ijaw youths condemned alleged threat to Awara’s life.

    The IYC, in a statement by its spokesman, Daniel Dasimaka, described the situation as very unfortunate and sad.

    Dasimaka said: “Mr. Awara is an Ijaw son and Ijaw all over the world will not sit back and watch any further threat to one of their own who, like every Rivers’ son and daughter, has the right to aspire to the office of the Governor of Rivers State.

    “The AAC gubernatorial candidate, Biokpomabo Awara raised the alarm through his campaign organisation that (people) that have arrogated to themselves the power of life and death to remain in government are plotting to assassinate him.

    “It is therefore imperative to note that the rights of every eligible citizen under our Constitution to vie for political positions of their choice, like Mr Awara has presented himself, should be respected and not seen as threat to a fair contest.

    “Against the backdrop of the foregoing, the IYC is therefore calling on the security agencies to investigate those behind this cowardly act and bring them to justice as we stand against political killings in Rivers state”.

    But, Rivers PDP chairman Felix Obuah urged the INEC to declare Wike the winner of the March 9 governorship election.

    Obuah spoke at a news conference in Port Harcourt, the state capital yesterday.

    Obuah said: “With the available result from the field, I want to assure you that His Excellency (Wike) has won overwhelmingly and INEC should not  waste time in declaring Governor Nyesom Wike the winner and governor-elect of Rivers State.

    “We are not worried about what some people are saying; the truth is that, with the results from the field, the incumbent governor should be declared governor-elect.”

    His claim came four days after Awara urged the electoral umpire to declare him winner, claiming also that information from his agents from the field during the election showed that he was coasting to victory, having clearly won in 15 of the 23 local government areas in the state.

    But Obuah said: “Anyone can go on air and say he has won, but we are speaking based on evidence, the results INEC had already declared at the grassroots.

    He said:  “The outcome of the Governorship and State Assembly Elections of March 9, 2019 proved the love the good people of Rivers State have for our beloved party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    ”You showed unparalleled love for our party by voting all the way for Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and all our candidates for the National and State Houses of Assembly elections.

    ”The results from all polling units and constituencies where the elections were concluded have confirmed and reaffirmed to us that Rivers State is PDP; that PDP is our way of life in Rivers State. You have once again, reposed your total confidence in our party.

    ”As the chairman of the PDP, I wish to express and convey the gratitude of our party to the people of Rivers State for this wonderful show of love and support for our Governorship Candidate, Governor Nyesom Wike and the State Assembly candidates.”

  • Ganduje promises PDP shocker during rerun

    Kano State Governor Dr Abdullahi Ganduje has vowed to give the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) a shocker during the rerun of governorship election.

    He also declared his victory is guaranteed.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the Kano governorship election inconclusive following allegation of irregularities in Nasarawa local government area.

    A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Youth and Culture and Chairman, Publicity 2019 Election, Malam Muhammad Garba said: “Ganduje is unperturbed by the wishful thinking and slapdash deportment of the PDP candidate considering what happened in the inconclusive election widely characterized by alleged vote buying and voter intimidation by the party”.

    He said the All Progressives Congress and its candidate remain upbeat and sure of victory as Kano remained an APC state.

    The governor assured he remained committed to the conduct of free and fair election, stating all loopholes that led to rigging, vote buying and intimidation of voters have been blocked.

    ‘’APC as a party has also re-strategised and very confident of victory because the local government areas where the rerun will take place remain the APC stronghold and the electorate in these areas have made up their mind to vote massively for the Governor they trust.

    ‘’The modest achievements recorded so far by the Ganduje Administration have touched the lives of the people in all sectors of development and also remain determined to continue if returned,’’ the statement added.

  • Yoruba groups endorses Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Adelabu for governorship election

    THE Yoruba Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YOYAN) in collaboration with the Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu political platform have endorsed All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidates in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states for Saturday’s election.

    Speaking with reporters yesterday, YOYAN President Prince Adeniyi Olutimehin said the group resolved to throw their weight behind the candidacy of the Lagos APC candidate Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his Ogun and Oyo States colleagues, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Dr. Bayo Adelabu after extensive consultations with major stakeholders.

    Olutimehin said the victory of the APC governorship candidates would ensure regional integration that would help the actualisation of envisioned development of Yoruba nation.

    “It is essential to ensure a well-structured integration that is formidable to achieve strong voice at the centre for steady progress of the Yoruba race, we have critically examined the options before us as a people and we are determined to be part of agenda that is geared towards ensuring a rewarding future for our region,” Olutimehin said.

    He stressed that the pursuit to have state governments that are on the same page across Southwest should definitely enhance harmonious and optimal infrastructural and socio-economic growth to make life more abundant for Yoruba people.

    Reiterating that the periods which Yoruba race had its best in terms of good governance and progress was when the government in Southwest shared same political ideology, Olutimehin said it was imperative that the Yoruba nation return to that era to rekindle the hope of the people, especially the youths in politics.

    He stressed that after examining the manifestoes of the APC candidates in the three states, it was discovered that all of them have strong will for greatness of the states they are aspiring to govern.

    “This should automatically translate to the emancipation of our people via economic prosperity, security, infrastructural rebirth, institutional reforms, health care, affordable and quality education. Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun and Adelabu are experience professionals that are capable of instituting a digitalise administration in their respective states, if elected. On this basis, we did not only endorsed them, but we have also deployed all mechanism and resources available to us in ensuring their victory at poll,” he said.

    Also, the bodies hailed APC stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osibajo for distinguishing the attributes of quintessential leaders to defend the course of democracy in the Southwest and Nigeria.

    “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is an enigma and icon of all times. His patriotic virtues and philanthropic gesture, which had improved the lot of Yoruba people, cannot be overemphasised.

    Among members that were present in the gathering are Comrade Adedoyin Alli-Williams, Vice President BATBOS platform; Prince Adeyemi Adenuga, DG BATBOS platform; Mr. Dave Olayemi, National Secretary YOYAN; Comrade Kehinde Aregbe, Chairman, Ogun YOYAN; Mrs. Ebun Lawal, Vice Chairman, Oyo YOYAN; Mrs. Bunmi Ogunwa, Vice Chairman, Lagos YOYAN.

     

     

     

  • 15 PDP councillors defect to APC in Kwara

    No fewer than 15 serving Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) councillors in Kwara on Monday, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of Governorship and State Assembly Elections.

    The defectors, who were drawn from five out 16 local government areas of the state, said they defected to APC in the interest of the masses.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they were elected on the platform of PDP in November 2017.

    Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon Suleiman Taoheed representing Ajanaku Ward in Moro Local Government Area, explained that the current PDP administration in Kwara had failed.

    “We are tired of lies and poor performance of the incumbent administration in the state and as a result, we cannot be left behind in building better and brighter Kwara.

    “Everybody is complaining about the political hegemony in Kwara because the system has not brought positive changes to the people of the state,” Taoheed said.

    He promised on behalf of the defectors to mobilise electorate in their respective wards and vote en masse for all APC candidates on Saturday.

    They also pledged their support for AbdulRahman Abdulrasaq, the APC governorship candidate, stating that he had good plans for the state considering his antecedents.

    They revealed that more serving councillors would join APC before Saturday.

    Receiving the defectors, Dr. Alimi Abdulrasaq, an APC stalwart and brother to the governorship flag bearer said that they would not regret their decision.

    Abdulrasaq noted that his brother, when elected would ensure that local governments have full autonomy, and draw government closer to the people at the grassroots.

    He urged them to mobilise electorate to vote Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq and all APC state assembly candidates in the elections.

    The defected councillors are: Adam Tsado, (Edu), Ogundele Segun, (Isin), James Kayode, (Ilorin East), Aremu Jamiu, (Moro), Olorunrinu Suleiman, (Ilorin South)

    Others are: Omolara Sanni, (Isin), Adebayo Olatayo, (Isin) Saheed Abdulwasiu, (Isin) Saheed Musbau, (Isin) Adeyemi Oladele, (Isin) Suleiman Taoheed, (Isin), Ishola Seunayo, (Isin) among others. (NAN)

  • ACPN denies endorsing Okowa

    The Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) said on Sunday that it has not endorsed the candidacy of the incumbent governor of Delta state, Ifeanyi Okowa for this weekend’s governorship election.

    National Secretary of the party, Chief Paul Isamade said in a statement in Abuja that the ACPN was committed to winning the governorship election in Delta state and pulling the people of the state out of the backwardness the current PDP government is subjected the people to.

    Chief Isamade who is also the party’s governorship candidate in the state said the people of the state should disregard such insinuation and urged its members across the state to work hard for the success of the party’s governorship candidate in the state.

    The party’s national leadership also threatened to sanction any member of ACPN who defy the directive or seen in anti-party activity in whatever form.

    The statement also urged the public to disregard any publication that includes the name of the party in respect of purported endorsement.

    “Allied Congress Party of Nigeria “ACPN” wish to inform the general public that the party in delta state has not and will not endorse any other candidate in the March 9th governorship election in delta state because the party is contesting the said electrion.

    “The general public should disregard any publication that includes the name of the party in respect of the above subject.  The party also warns all it’s members in the state to work for the success of the party and her candidate only.”