The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, fixed Saturday November 18, 2023, to conduct elections in wards in Ogori/Magogo where it earlier suspended elections over irregularities.
INEC, in a statement by its National Commissioner & Member Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, however said the conduct of the proposed fresh elections would however be “subject to the Returning Officer’s determination of the application of the Margin of Lead Principle.”
The statement titled: “Update on suspension of election in some locations in Kogi State”
reads: “Further to our statement yesterday, we have received an update from our Kogi State office regarding the suspension of election in some locations in the State where result sheets were completed before the commencement of voting.
“The most critical incident occurred in nine out of 10 Wards in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area (LGA).
“We received reports of similar and other incidents in Adavi (5 Polling Units in Okunchi/Ozuri/Onieka Ward), Ajaokuta (5 Polling Units in Adogo Ward), Okehi (1 Polling Unit in Eika/Ohizenyi Ward) and Okene (5 Polling Units in Obehira Uvete Ward).
“Results from the affected Polling Units have been accounted for in Form EC40G for the four LGAs.
“However, in the case of Ogori/Magongo LGA, only the result of Oshobane Ward II with eight Polling Units and 2,264 registered voters has been collated.
“Election in the other nine Wards (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu) involving 59 Polling Units and 15,136 registered voters remain suspended.
“In line with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Clause 59 of INEC Regulations and Guidelines on the Conduct of Elections 2022, fresh election will be held on Saturday 18th November 2023 in the affected Polling Units.
“The decision to hold fresh elections is subject to the Returning Officer’s determination of the application of the Margin of Lead Principle.
“However, this decision is without prejudice to our avowed commitment to follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who may have been complicit in undermining the process and apply appropriate sanctions where necessary.
“The Commission wishes to reiterate its assurances to voters in Kogi State that their votes will continue to count and their wishes respected.”
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) Ahmed Ododo has won 12 of the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Kogi State governorship election.
The local government areas are Ijumu, Okenne, Yagba West, Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogorimagongo, Mopamoro, Okehi, Bassa Kabba/Bunnu, Kogi Koto Karfe and Lokoja.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Murtala Ajaka, however, won in eight local governments of Dekina, Ankpa, Olamaboro, Omala, Ofu, Idah, Igalamela and Ibaji
Leke Abejide of the African Democratic Congress won his Yagba East Local government while the candidate of the People Democratic Party, Senator Dino Melaye did not secure victory any local government.
Below are the results..
Ogorimagongo LGA
Registered voters: 17,688
Accredited Voters: 665
APC: 362
SDP: 195
PDP: 86
ADC: 11
Total valid votes: 658
Rejected votes: 7
Total votes cast: 665
Idah LGA
Registered voters:64,339
Accredited Voters:23,044
APC: 2033
SDP: 20059
PDP: 271
ADC: 91
Total valid votes: 22,742
Rejected votes: 280
Total votes cast: 23,022
Yagba West LGA
Registered voters: 54,234
Accredited voters: 17,152
APC: 7969
SDP: 1002
PDP: 3010
ADC: 4556
LP: 03
NRM:09
Total valid votes: 16738
Rejected votes: 363
Total votes cast: 17101
Okehi LGA
Registered voters: 94456
Accredited voters: 57,243
APC: 53062
SDP: 153
PDP: 2722
ADC: 689
LP: 69
Total valid votes: 57002
Rejected votes: 174
Total votes cast:57176
Kabba/Bunu LGA
Registered voters: 87,162
Accredited voters: 24,242
APC: 12,376
SDP: 942
PDP: 8566
ADC:1537
LP: 07
NRM:16
Total valid votes: 28823
Rejected votes: 419
Total votes cast:24242
Yagba East LGA
Registered voters: 53,436
Accredited voters: 18,001
APC: 7096
SDP: 312
PDP: 2615
ADC: 7,453
LP: 01
NRM:05
Total valid votes: 17,649
Rejected votes: 344
Total votes cast:17993
Ijumu LGA
Registered voters: 66,482
Accredited voters: 20,405
APC: 10,524
SDP:356
PDP: 6,909
ADC: 1,898
LP: 05
NRM:19
Total valid votes :19,991
Rejected votes:384
Total votes cast:20,375
MOPAMORO LGA
Total registered voters:26,827
Accredited voters: 9,193
ADC: 2,027
APC: 5,077
PDP:1,562
SDP: 253
Total valid votes: 9,049
Rejected votes: 136
Total votes cast: 9,185
ADAVI LGA
Registered voters: 114,663
Accredited voters: 103,651
APC: 101,156
ADC: 268
PDP – 1,005
SDP – 268
Total valid votes:103,105
Rejected votes:67
Total votes cast: 103,172
OFU LGA
Registered voters: 101,964
Accredited voters: 36,087
APC:5,245
ADC: 297
PDP:293
SDP: 28,768
Total valid votes: 35,180
Rejected votes: 587
Total votes cast – 35,767
Kogi/koto-Karfe LGA
Registered voters: 63,342
Accredited Voters: 27,184
APC: 14,769
SDP: 8,441
PDP: 2974
ADC:133
Total valid votes: 26,541
Rejected votes: 308
Total votes cast: 26,849
Bassa LGA
Registered voters: 69,376
Accredited voters: 22,276
APC: 9,515
SDP: 7,543
PDP: 3,605
ADC: 448
LP:05
NRM:25
Total valid votes: 21,554
Rejected votes: 718
Total votes cast: 22,272
Omala LGA
Registered voters: 74,537
Accredited Voters: 22,538
APC: 2902
SDP: 18,160
PDP: 832
ADC: 218
LP:05
Total valid votes: 22,317
Rejected votes: 196
Total votes cast: 22,513
Olamaboro LGA
Registered voters: 105,864
Accredited Voters: 30,287
APC: 5,572
SDP: 22,173
PDP: 1,376
ADC: 126
LP:15
NRM:7
Total valid votes: 29,731
Rejected votes: 495
Total votes cast: 30226
Ankpa LGA
Registered voters: 180,015
Accredited Voters: 57,650
APC: 8707
SDP: 43,258
PDP: 3654
ADC:186
LP:12
NRM:36
Total valid votes: 56,395
Rejected votes: 873
Total votes cast: 57,268
Okene LG
Registered voters: 151,243
Accredited voters:141,898
APC: 138,416
ADC – 261
PDP – 1,463
SDP – 271
Total valid votes- 141,474
Total votes cast: 141,538
DEKINA LG
Registered voter: 187,881,
Accredited votes: 60588
APC:9,174
ADC:421
PDP -499
SDP -47480
Igalamela LGA
Registered voters: 77,577
Accredited Voters: 27,365
APC: 2975
SDP: 23,815
PDP: 140
ADC: 61
Total valid votes: 26,665
Rejected votes: 696
Total votes cast: 27,361
Lokoja LGA
Registered voters: 157,248
Accredited Voters: 36,526
APC: 19105
SDP: 10380
PDP: 4028
ADC:758
Total valid votes: 34,932
Rejected votes: 1208
Total votes cast: 36140
Ibaji LGA
Registered voters: 90556
Accredited Voters: 25099
APC: 6,991
SDP: 16,984
PDP: 269
ADC:133
Total valid votes: 24,589
Rejected votes: 464
Total votes cast: 25053
Ibaji LGA
RESULT
Total registered voters – 90,556 Total accredited voters – 25,099
Votes scored by parties
ADC – 133 APC – 6991 PDP – 269 SDP – 16,984
Total votes cast – 24589 Total rejected votes – 464 Total valid votes – 25,053
Total valid votes: 34,932 Rejected votes: 1208 Total votes cast: 36140
There was cancellation of votes in four polling units due to over-voting.
INEC extends resumption of Kogi Gov’s collation to 7pm
Rasaq Ibrahim, Lokoja
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) in Kogi State Longpet has shifted the resumption of the collation for the governorship poll.
He explained that the collation exercise was expected to resume by 4pm but would now resume by 7pm.
He said that the shift in resumption of the collation was due to the non-arrival of results of three council areas at the collation centre.
According to him, the local government are Ibaji, Lokoja and Igalamela council areas .
The results announced so far by INEC include Okenne, Adavi, Mopamoro, Ofu, Yagba East, Yagba West, Kabba/Bunu, Okehi, Idah, Omala and bassa.
Others are Alamaboro, Ankpa, Dekina, Ajaokuta, Ijumu, Ogorimagogo, and Kogi Koto Karfe.
Following the announcement of results of 18 local governments areas, the results of Ibaji, Lokoja and Igalamela Local Government Areas are being awaited.
Kogi poll: INEC to begin collation of results by 10am
The Head of Department for Voter Education, Haliru Haruna Sule, disclosed this to our Correspendent in Lokoja in a telephone chat.
Sule said the collation would start at 10.00am this morning, Sunday, November 12.
Kogi poll: Yahaya bello delivers polling unit for APC’s Ododo
Rasaq Ibrahim, Lokoja
The Governor of Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello on Saturday, delivered his polling unit for the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo
At the Agassa, polling unit 11, Okene LGA, Ododo polled 840 votes to defeat Senator Dino Melaye of the People Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic candidate, Murtala Ajaka who scored zero votes each.
The Nation reports that Governor Bello voted at 9:28am in his hometown, Okene in Okene Local Government Area of the state.
He arrived at the poling unit11, Agaza at exactly 09.15 am, accompanied by his three wives Aminat Bello, Rashidat Bello and Hafisat Bello.
Kogi Decides: Melaye seeks cancellation of election in five LGAs
By Rasaq Ibrahim, Lokoja
The governorship candidate of People’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Dino Melaye has demanded the cancellation of the ongoing election process in five Local Government Areas of the State.
The Local government, according to the PDP candidate are Okene, Okehi, Adavi, Ajaokuta and Ogori/Mangogo.
Melaye, in a post on his X account @-Dinomelaye, described the exercise in the five council areas as a coordinated scam by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He alleged that the election results of the five local government areas of the State were compromised from the polling unit.
He said: “INEC must cancel the election in the 5 local governments of Kogi-Central. The election in Okene, Okehi, Ajaoukuta, Adavi, and Ogori/Mangogo is a scam coordinated from the highest level of INEC.”
The Nation reports that Melaye did not show up at his unit 001, Iluafon quarters, Aiyetoro 1, Ijumu Local Government Area.
Election result from Polling Unit 005, Near Town Hall, Ugwolawo/Town Hall, Post Office Area, RA 05, Ugwolawo, Ofu LGA, Kogi state.
Total Registered voters: 1,176 Total Accredited voters: 274 Valid votes: 269 Rejected votes – 3
APC: 29 SDP: 239 PDP: 01
Unused ballot papers – 914
PDP’s Melaye wins polling unit despite poll boycott
By Rasaq Ibrahim, Kogi
The governorship candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Dino Melaye, has been declared the winner of his polling unit.
Melaye garnered 210 votes to defeat the All Congress candidate (APC), Ahmed Ododo, who pulled 22 votes while Leke Abejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came a distant third with 7 votes.
The National Rescue Movement, People’s Redemption Party, African Democratic Party, 001 and Social Democratic Party got 001, 002, 001 and 001 respectively.
The polling unit recorded a low voter turnout as 252 voters were accredited out of 819 registered voters.
The Nation reports that the PDP standard bearer alongside his followers boycotted the exercise.
PDP Gov candidate Melaye boycotts Kogi poll
By Rasaq Ibrahim, Lokoja
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the Kogi state governorship poll, Senator Dino Melaye has boycotted the ongoing exercise across the 21 local government areas.
Our correspondent who monitored the exercise observed that Melaye was not seen in his unit 004, ward 002, Iluafon quarters, Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area to cast his vote.
The Nation reliably learnt that the PDP candidate, who was in his country home, with some of his people stayed away from the exercise.
One of the PDP chieftains in the town who craved anonymity, because he was not authorised to speak, said Melaye did vote because he believed the election was already predetermined.
He said: “Oga, deliberately stayed away from the exercise so as not to give the election credibility. We are quite aware where the pendulum will swing because the outcome is already predetermined.”
Voting commenced around 8:30 am in his polling unit and ended by exactly 2pm.
Thugs kill APC supporter in Anyigba
Our Reporter
Suspected thugs have gunned down a 35-year-old All Progressives Congress(APC) supporter Umar Hassan at his Agala Ogane Polling Unit, Anyigba.
Fear gripped voters at the polling unit as thugs went on rampage, threatening to kill anyone who voted against the “Igala Agenda”.
An eyewitness told newsmen the thugs invaded the polling unit with sophisticated weapons, threatening to kill anyone who “doesn’t vote for the SDP”.
“It was like what we watch in horror movies as they invaded our Polling Unit with very dangerous weapons. Unfortunately, Hassan fell victim and he was gunned down.
“They kept chanting war songs that they would kill anyone who voted against the Igala Agenda. They targeted Hassan being an APC member.
“What surprised me most was that the Military guys that had been targeting APC supporters for arrest and harassment were not on the ground to save Hassan’s life. It was so unfortunate”.
There was calm across many Polling Units in Anyigba until the gunmen stormed many units to fight anyone suspected to be an APC member.
Reports show that the poll has been peaceful so far in the Central and Western Senatorial Districts.
When contacted, the Spokesperson of the APC Governorship Campaign Council, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo condemned the attack and urged security agencies to fish out the killers immediately.
Low turnout mars voting in Dino Melaye’s hometown
By Rasaq Ibrahim, Lokoja
The governorship election in Kogi state on Saturday, November 11, witnessed a low turnout of voters in Ayetoro Gbede, the hometown of Dino Melaye, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.
Polling units in Open Space before ECWA church, Okebukun, Ayetoro, and Open space opposite Marktot Oil and Gas, Aniekpe quarters visited by our correspondent, were electoral officials seen waiting for voters to turn out to cast their ballots.
At polling, Melaye polling unit 004, Iluafon quarters, Ayetoro, INEC officials were seen waiting for the voters as of 1:20 pm when our correspondent visited the unit.
The Presiding Officer at the unit told our reporter that 819 voters were expected at the unit but the turnout as of the time of the visit was 240.
The situation was similar at Open Space Aduratedo quarters, with 521 voters expected but only 213 voters had cast their votes as of the time of filing this report.
SDP candidate Ajaka raises alarm over missing result sheets
By Rasaq Ibrahim, Lokoja
The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Muritala Ajaka has raised the alarm that results sheets for the ongoing governorship election for three local governments are missing.
Ajaka, who spoke shortly after casting his vote at Idah local government area of the state, listed to the affected council to include Okehi, Adavi, and Okene all in the Kogi.
The SDP candidate claimed that the staff of INEC in the three local government areas of the state have been compromised by those he described as some undemocratic element.
He said the party has already reported the situation to the INEC headquarters with the hope that the issue raised would be looked into.
He, however, commended the electoral umpire for the smooth conduct of the exercise, describing the arrangements as perfect.
Ajaka equally applauded President Bola Tinubu for fulfilling his pledge to provide security for voters during the election.
His words, “I feel happy. I thank God for this day. From what we are seeing it is clear I’m the one having the majority but the report I’m getting from Okene and Adavi has been forwarded to Abuja.
“They have not seen the original results sheet in Okehi, Okene, and Adavi. And I am sure the INEC chairman is updated on this situation. And there’s no way we are going to an election where the original results sheet is not there. That is not in the guidelines.
“Everything about the INEC arrangement is 100%perfect but their men in Okehi, Okene, and Adavi have compromised. They should question the returning officers in these local governments I mentioned.”
Drama as soldiers stop policeman escorting politician
By Rasaq Ibrahim, Lokoja
There was drama on Saturday at military when soldiers at Agbadu Bunu village in Kaba/Bunu LGAs of Kogi stopped some policemen who were allegedly escorting a politician during the election.
The three Toyota Jeeps convoy were stopped alongside with other vehicles by the soldiers for flouting the restriction placed on vehicular movement.
It was observed that when the convoy was stopped, the policemen alighted to meet the soldiers while their ‘principal’ was at the back of the Jeep.
All efforts to appeal to the soldiers by the policemen were rebuffed as one of the soldiers was shouting, “you are not on election duty. Go back!”
The soldier queried, ” Are they (policemen) supposed to be moving around during election? They should tell their principal to come down and explain to our oga . Today is not for ‘big man’ to be moving around. Let all politicians stay in their house to go and vote.”
It took them over 30 minutes before the soldiers allowed the policemen to pass. At the scene , there were other scores of heavy trucks packed by the soldiers
PDP candidate Melaye yet to vote
By Rasaq Ibrahim, Lokoja
Almost three hours after the commencement of voting, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Senator Dino Melaye is yet to cast his vote.
Melaye is expected to vote at his unit 04, Iluafon quarters of Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
As of 11:20 am, the PDP candidate is yet to arrive his polling unit to vote.
One of his aides who arrived at the unit, however, said the PDP governorship flag bearer is expected to arrive any moment from now.
INEC investigating allegation of tampered result sheets in Kogi
By Samuel Oamen
The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has stated it would investigate the allegation of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen Dino Melaye that result sheets are being tampered with.
Melaye alleged that result sheets have been prefilled and tampered with in all polling units located in Ogori/Magongo local government area of the state.
He also said that there were massive protests in the units as voters refused to be accredited, insisting that the plain result sheets should be made available for the electorate in the area.
The former Kogi Senator made these known in a short video posted on social media on Saturday morning as the off-season governorship election is ongoing in the state.
But INEC in a statement on its Twitter handle said “Our attention has been drawn to a report that filled result sheets were discovered in some polling units in Kogi State.
“The Commission views this situation seriously. Our senior officials deployed to the State are currently investigating the incident(s).
“The Commission will communicate its decision earnestly.”
APC trying to compromise Kogi Gov poll, Melaye alleges
By Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, Senator Dino Melaye, has alleged that there are plans by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to compromise the outcome of the poll.
The PDP candidate, who raised the alarm on his twitter account (@-Dinomelaye), alleged the exercise is being compromised in Ogori/Mangogo local government area of Kogi state.
Melaye also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission staff in the area of compromise by refusing to show untampered results to his agents.
He tweeted: “Vote not going on in Ogori/ Mangogo because INEC staff refuse to show our agents clean result sheets. If they refuse to show you untampered result sheets, resist and protest.
“APC is trying to compromise the poll in Ogori/Mangogo Local Government of Kogi State. Kogites resist evil”.
Massive turnout of voters at Upogoro/Udeku polling unit 1 and 2 where the governorship candidate of the APC, Usman Ododo, voted.
By Sanni Onogu
Gov Bello and his wives during their accreditation and voting at polling Unit 11, Agassa, Okene
By Sanni Onogu
Kogi SDP gubernatorial candidate, Alh Murtala Yakubu Ajaka casts his vote at Okontowa unit, Polling unit 005, Idah.
By Abayomi Fayese
AA, NNPP, 14 other parties’ agents absent at polling units
By Rasaq Ibrahim, Lokoja
Agents of the Labour Party were absent at many polling units in Ijumu, Kabba, Yagba West and Mupa Muro local government area of Kogi State.
At many polling units visited by our correspondent, agents of the PDP, APC, SDP, ADC were seen with their tags.
When inquiries were made about the absence of the 16 political party agents, an APC chieftain identified as Oloyin said “The parties lack structures in the local governments”.
No fewer than 18 political parties would take part in the election. They include the ruling All Progressives Congress, People Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party, Accord Party, African Democratic Congress, Action Alliance, Zenith Labour Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
Others are Young Progressives Party, African Democratic Party, New Nigeria People’s Party, Action People’s Party, Boot Party, African Action Congress and Allied People’s Movement.
Analysts believe the poll will largely be a four-horse race between the candidates of the All Progressive Congress, People Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party; and African Democratic Congress; Ahmed Ododo, Dino Melaye, Murtala Ajaka and Leke Abejide.
The analyst’s argument was premised on the ground that the parties have structure across the 21 LGAs coupled with the fact that they are the most popular among the contestants.
PHOTOS: Voters awaiting accreditation at Ojuwu- Ocha, Polling unit 004 Ofu local government, Kogi East.
Photo Abayomi Fayese7:54 AM
Impressive turnout in Kabba
By Rasaq Ibrahim, Lokoja
A good number of voters turned out in Kabba/Bunu LGA for the Kogi State governorship election.
The exercise has been peaceful so far as voting materials arrived at the units on time.
Voters are eager to exercise their franchise.
Many, including the elderly, are patiently waiting in queues to cast their votes.
There is a large turnout of voters in many of the units.
Voting begins at Melaye’s Polling Unit
By Rasaq Ibrahim, Lokoja
Voting has commenced at the polling unit of the People’s Democratic Party, Senator Dino Melaye for Saturday’s Kogi State governorship election.
Accreditation and voting began simultaneously around 8:45 am.
Voters especially aged residents were already queued up for accreditation and voting.
Security personnel including operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), DSS are monitoring the election to maintain law and order.
Tight security in Okene as Soldiers, Police, NSCDC mount barricades
By Sanni Onogu, Abuja
There is tight security in Okene as security operatives including soldiers, police, NSCDC and others have mounted several barricades on roads in Okene.
At these security checkpoints, motorists are frisked before being allowed to proceed for those on the election duties.
The Nation observed that those not on election duty are either told to go back or are parked beside the road a few meters from the barricades.
PHOTOS:Soldiers intercept, arrest three strange security vehicles in Okene
Voters in Unit 004, Ward 002, Iluafon Quarters, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA. This is where the Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Senator Dino Melaye, will vote.
Soldiers intercept, arrest three strange security vehicles in Okene
By Sanni Onogu, Abuja
Soldiers on election duty in Okene, Kogi State have intercepted and arrested three ‘strange’ black colored security vehicles.
The arrest was effected by soldiers that mounted a barricade at Itakpe Junction shortly before Okene main town.
Details Shortly…
Kogi Gov poll: Police restrict vehicular movement
By Rasaq Ibrahim, Lokoja
Kogi State Police Command has ordered restriction of vehicular movement from 11:59 pm on Friday, November 10, to 6 pm on Saturday, November 11.
Spokesman of the command, SP William Aya, made this known in a statement on Friday in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital that the movement restriction was due to the governorship election holding on Saturday, November 11.
The police advised motorists who may wish to use Kogi state as their route during the restricted hours to take alternative routes.
Aya said: “The Police appeal to the general public to adhere to this order to avoid any inconveniences they might encounter while en route to Kogi state.”
Kogi Gov poll: Security beefed up at INEC office
Security has been beefed up at the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lokoja, Kogi State as the commission prepares for the Saturday governorship election in the state.
Several personnel of security agencies including Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security, and others from different commands in the North Central and North West were seen at the INEC office located at Post Office Area, Lokoja.
Two armoured personnel carriers and seven patrol vehicles were stationed at the entrance gate and major road leading to the INEC office
Visitors to the state INEC headquarters were thoroughly frisked by the anti-riot policemen at the INEC entrance gate.
The road leading to the INEC office was manned by the men of the Counter Terrorism Unit and some of the security personnel were also seen with sniffer dogs in and around the premises of the office.
Efforts to reach the spokesman of the Kogi State Police Command to find out the issues leading to the water-tight security proved abortive as of the time of filing this report
He neither picked nor returned his calls and did not respond to a text message sent to him.
But, a senior security source who spoke with our reporter under anonymity because he was not authorized to speak, said the arrangement was apparently to provide protection for electoral officers and materials.
Yiaga Africa predicts low voter turnout in Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa governorship elections
By Frank Ikpefan, Abuja
An election observer group, Yiaga Africa, has predicted low voter turnout for the Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi Governorship elections despite a high collection rate of permanent voter cards.
The organisation based the prediction on the “pre-election violence, a deep sense of citizens’ distrust, apparent fear of intimidation, voter fatigue and loss of faith in elections as a means to achieving democratic leadership.”
To avoid the situation, Yiaga Africa advocated for eleventh-hour confidence-building voter education to improve voter turnout.
A member of the Board of Yiaga Africa, Ezenwa Nwagwu stated this during a pre-election press conference on Friday in Abuja.
The organisation would be deploying 659 duly trained and accredited stationary and roving observers to observe the conduct of the governorship election in the three states.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the number of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) collected in Bayelsa was 1,017,613, in Imo, 2,318,919 and 1,833,160 in Kogi state.
“Despite these high collection rates, Yiaga Africa projects low voter turnout in the respective states owing to the spate of pre-election violence, a deep sense of citizens’ distrust, apparent fear of intimidation, voter fatigue and loss of faith in elections as a means to achieving democratic leadership. Yiaga Africa advocates for eleventh-hour confidence-building voter education to improve voter turnout.”
He said at the end of the polls, Yiaga Africa observers would be deployed to all LGAs and State’s results collation centres to observe and report the results collation process.
Nwagwu said: “This will involve deploying 600 stationary observers to a representative randomly selected sample of 300 polling units for each of these 2 states. In addition to the PRVT methodology, Yiaga Africa will deploy 9 observers in Bayelsa State to observe the process and LGA results collation.
“This deployment will enable Yiaga Africa to provide the most timely and accurate information on the governorship elections in the states. Using the Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT), Yiaga Africa will also provide an independent projection of voter turnout in Imo and Kogi States and will be able to project the vote shares that each party should receive within a narrow-estimated range. If the official results fall within Yiaga Africa’s estimated ranges, then the public, political parties, and candidates should have confidence in the ballots cast at the polling units.
“Only INEC has the legal mandate to announce the election results. As soon as INEC announces the official results, Yiaga Africa will follow up with a result verification press conference to share its statement on the accuracy of the election results. Utilising information communications technology and statistical principles, PRVT is the gold standard for citizen election observation and has been utilised throughout Africa and the world. Yiaga Africa has also deployed this methodology in the 2019 & 2023 Presidential elections and in 14 State Governorship Elections.”
Yiaga Africa also called on INEC to ensure the operational shortcomings in previous elections are properly addressed ahead of the elections, especially the early deployment of election materials to all polling units.
He said: “Collation and Returning Officers deployed in the election should be individuals of proven integrity and impeccable character. INEC should ensure effective oversight to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and guidelines on results collation.
“INEC should ensure proper and timely communication with stakeholders on the election day process, challenges experienced and immediate plans to address those challenges to inspire citizens’ confidence in the process.”
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Usman Ahmed Ododo is presently in early lead in results of 18 local government areas declared so far.
While Ododo has scored a total of 417,161, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Yakubu Murtala Ajaka, trails him with a total of 209,103 votes.
The difference between Ododo’s votes and Ajaka’s score so far is 208,050 votes.
Results in three local government areas, including Igalamela-Odolu, Ibaji, and Ajaokuta were yet to be declared before the Kogi State Governorship Election Returning Officer, Professor Johnson Urama took a break.
Urama said collation of the remaining results will resume by 4.00 pm
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to protect the popular will of the electorate in Kogi state.
The party in a statement on Sunday, November 12, said with its candidate, Usman Ododo coasting to victory in Saturday’s governorship election in the state, the electoral body should protect the integrity of the legitimate votes of the Kogi electorate.
APC national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, in the statement, counselled INEC not to succumb to any pressure by agents and supporters of trailing opposition parties aimed at unduly influencing or disrupting the ongoing collation of results in the state.
The statement read: “With the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Usman Ododo, coasting to spectacular victory in Saturday’s Kogi Guber election, we call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to protect the integrity of the legitimate votes of the Kogi electorate.
“Announced and uploaded results, so far, show our candidate maintaining a landslide lead in Kogi West and Central, with a competitive showing in Kogi East.
“We are keenly aware of intense pressure, including violent threats on INEC staff, by agents and supporters of trailing opposition parties aimed at unduly influencing or disrupting ongoing collation of results in the state.
“We urge INEC to stand fast in the discharge of its constitutional duty to deliver free, fair, and credible election in the state, and ensure that the freely exercised will of the Kogi electorate prevails.”
The collation Centre of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally opened for the announcement of the Saturday, November 11, governorship election in Kogi state.
The centre which was opened at 11 am contrary to the 10 am time earlier announced by the INEC REC, Longpet is under heavy security deployment.
Longest arrives at the centre alongside the REC for Rivers, Zamfara, Delta, Jigawa and Taraba states as well as the National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun.
The centre also has in attendance the Kogi state commissioner of police, state commandant, NSCDC, director of DSS, election observers, journalists, and party agents, among others.
The collation and return of results from the 21 local government areas of the state is yet to start as at the time of filing this report.
There is currently heavy security deployment at the state collation centre for Saturday’s governorship election held across the 21 local governments of Kogi state.
This is the sequel to preparation for the commencement of the collation and return of results from across the state.
Our correspondent who is currently at the state collation centre located at INEC headquarters, Lokoja, Kogi state capital observed heavy presence deployment of security operatives.
All the entry and exit points in and around the collation centre were barricaded with Armoured Personnel vehicles with armed riot policemen, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps supported by sniffer dogs took position around the INEC office.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kogi State, Dr. Gabriel Longpet had said collation of the results will commence at 10 a.m.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Kogi State, Murtala Ajaka, yesterday emerged as a strong contender for the position according to the results of the off-cycle election in the state uploaded by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on its Election Viewing Portal (IREV).
Contrary to most pre-election projections, Ajaka, not Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), gave the APC and its candidate Ahmed Usman Ododo a run for their money in the contest.
But the APC looks relatively comfortable with the election results in Imo where Governor Hope Uzodimma appears to have brushed aside all competitors.
Uploaded returns in Bayelsa State also showed that the PDP is not about to relinquish its grip on the state, with its candidate and the incumbent Douye Diri ahead of others in the race.
By 9.40 pm yesterday, the commission had uploaded results from 86.30 per cent of the polling units in Imo; 82.80 per cent in Bayelsa; and 81.60 per cent in Kogi.
The Kogi results sparked allegations of malpractices by the PDP which called for the cancellation of results in five local government areas of the state.
There were also allegations that pre-filled result sheets were recovered from some people in the state.
INEC said it was probing the claim.
It later suspended election in nine wards in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area, citing “incidences of electoral malpractices, particularly the incident of result sheets completed before voting.”
Although the police said the election in the state was peaceful, reports said at least two persons were killed in election-related violence.
Security agents also arrested a local government chairman in Kogi State and some men.
Found on them were a huge sum of money and ammunition.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed yesterday that its operatives, who were deployed to monitor the polls, arrested 14 suspected vote buyers across the three states.
The officials also seized a total sum of N11,040,000 (eleven million, forty thousand naira) cash suspected to have been earmarked for vote buying.
Despite the deployment of EFCC personnel, there were still reports of vote buying in some areas.
Midway into the voting at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Egbu, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, about 10 gun-wielding hoodlums struck and hijacked N1.5 million cash allegedly being shared to voters at the four polling units there by party officials.
INEC, in a statement last night, described the alleged malpractices in Kogi as entirely unacceptable.
It said: “The Commission has received reports from our officials in Kogi State on incidences of electoral malpractices, particularly the incident of result sheets completed before voting.
“Reports indicate that the incidents occurred in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene Local Government Areas. The most serious incidents occurred in Ogori/Magongo, affecting nine of 10 Registration Areas. This is entirely unacceptable.
“Any result not emanating from the Commission’s process in the Polling Units will not be accepted. The Commission is determined not to reward bad behaviour.
“Consequently, the election in the nine Wards in Ogori/Magongo LGA (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu) is at this moment suspended. The incidences in the other Local Government Areas are being thoroughly investigated, and the outcome, including the way forward, will be announced in the next 24 hours.
“Meanwhile, as the processes continue, we follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who may have been complicit in undermining the process.
“We have a record of all officials deployed at various levels as supervisors, monitors, technical staff or polling unit officials and all election materials issued to them. Appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary.
“The Commission assures voters in Kogi State that their votes are protected, and their wishes will be respected.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner & Member Information and Voter Education Committee.
APC’s Ododo, SDP’s Ajaka neck and neck in Kogi
According to the INEC uploaded results, Ododo won massively in his Kogi Central home base and made serious incursions into the stronghold of PDP’s Dino Melaye in Kogi West.
Ajaka won handsomely in his home base of Kogi East.
On the evidence of the results so far declared, Melaye, who was touted as a major challenger to Ododo, is out of the race.
The APC candidate was the voters’ favourite in Adavi,Okehi,Okene,Ajaokuta,Ijumu,Yagba West,Yagba East,Kabba Bunu,Mopa Muro,Kogi and Lokoja LGAs.
Political observers said last night that he could be confirmed as governor elect if he won additional 25% of total votes cast in Ofu,Bassa and Olamaboro LGAs to bring his total haul to two thirds of the 21 LGAs in the state.
Ododo’s huge votes in Kogi Central include the 840 votes he recorded in Governor Yahaya Bello’s PU011 Unit at Agassa, Okene LGA as against the zero votes for his two major opponents.
Some other results in the area are as follows:
ROADSIDE OPPOSITE OGORI EXPRESS BUS STOP
22/17/01/024
Ward: BARIKI
LGA: OKENE
APC-600
PDP-10
SDP-2
ZLP-5
GOVT. DAY SEC. SCH. IRIVUCHEBA II
22/17/01/039
Ward: BARIKI
Lga: OKENE
APC-227
PDP-2
SDP-1
OPEN SPACE BY PEACE COTTAGE, AHOGEDE
22/17/01/042
Ward: BARIKI
LGA: OKENE
APC-376
PDP-9
SDP-0
ROADSIDE BY TAYE SALAMI TURNER MECHANIC LAGOS RD. II
22/17/01/026
Ward: BARIKI
LGA: OKENE
APC-740
PDP-1
SDP-1
OPEN SPACE AT AJANA AREA II
22/17/01/008
Ward: BARIKI
LGA: OKENE
APC-450
PDP-5
SDP-1
OPPOSITE SHEFI OHIKERE BEER PALOUR
22/17/01/013
Ward: BARIKI
LGA: OKENE
APC-210
PDP-5
SDP-0
OPEN SPACE AT AJANA AREA I
22/17/01/007
Ward: BARIKI
LGA: OKENE
APC-724
PDP-5
SDP-0
ADJACENT PUBLICTOILET I
22/17/01/005
Ward: BARIKI
LGA: OKENE
APC-270
PDP-3
SDP-2
BESIDE AHOVI’S COMPOUND
22/17/03/027
Ward: ONYUKOKO
LGA: OKENE
APC-480
PDP-5
SDP-5
L.G.E.A PRIMARY SCHOOL – AGASSA II
22/17/07/009
Ward: OKENE-EBA/ AGASSA/ AHACHE
LGA: OKENE
APC-628
PDP-112
SDP-1
L.G.E.A / ST JOHN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL AGASSA I
22/17/07/001
Ward: OKENE-EBA / AGASSA/ AHACHE
Lga: OKENE
APC-825
PDP-1
SDP-1
ROADSIDE BY KONGA INORERE – AHACHE II
22/17/07/004
Ward: OKENE-EBA / AGASSA/ AHACHE
LGA: OKENE
APC-650
PDP-0
SDP-0
OPEN SPACE ATEBA AREA, AGASSA
22/17/07/037
Ward: OKENE-EBA / AGASSA/ AHACHE
LGA: OKENE
APC-321
PDP-1
SDP-0
ROAD SIDE AT UKOWA I AREA
22/17/07/033
Ward: OKENE-EBA / AGASSA/ AHACHE
LGA: OKENE
APC-340
PDP-0
SDP-0
BUS STOP OPPOSITE BANK OF THE NORTH
22/17/05/016
Ward: ORIETESU
LGA: OKENE
APC-566
PDP-3
SDP-2
OPEN SPACE AT SALIHU AGERE II
22/17/04/026
Ward: IDOJI
LGA: OKENE
APC-430
PDP-2
SDP-0
ROAD SIDE BY MAKARANTA – IHIMA ROAD II
22/17/10/008
Ward: ABUGA/OZUJA
LGA: OKENE
APC-580
PDP-0
SDP-
Ajaka got 239 votes in PU005, Ugwolawo/Town Hall in Ofu LGA as against 29 for APC and 01 for PDP;608 in PU09 Igala-Mela/Odolu LGA as against 5 for APC and zero for PDP;@73 in P003 Okotonwa off Atta of Igala’s Palace as against 8 for APC and one for PDP.
Melaye won his own polling unit at Aiyetoro 1, Ijumu LGA with 210 votes while APC got 22 and SDP one.
He however called for the cancellation of the election results from Okene, Okehi, Adavi, Ajaokuta, and Ogori/Mangogo LGAs.
Melaye, in a post on his X handle @-Dinomelaye described the exercise in the LGAs as a coordinated scam by the INEC.
“INEC must cancel the election in the 5 local governments of Kogi Central. The election in Okene, Okehi, Ajaoukuta, Adavi, and Ogori/Mangogo is a scam coordinated from the highest level of INEC,” he said.
No report of security breach, poll peaceful – DIG Ops
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of security in the Kogi governorship election, Mr Habu Sani, described the election as generally peaceful.
The DIG told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the phone that from all indications, the electorate and political actors in the poll behaved well.
He said: “As it is now, there’s no report of breach of security from any part of Kogi.
“We thank God that what we have been praying for is indeed manifesting to show a sharp deviation from past experiences in Kogi.
“We urge residents to maintain this peace even after the election so that Kogi can continue to experience the desired growth and development as a state.”
The DIG commended security operatives for displaying high level of professionalism in maintaining peace during the election.
Operatives of EFCC arrested 14 suspected vote buyers during yesterday’s elections and seized a total of N11,040, 000 cash.
N9,310,00 was seized in Bayelsa and N1,730, 000 in Imo State.
Two vehicles allegedly used by the suspects were similarly recovered.
Uzodimma, Anyanwu differ over Imo guber election amidst low voter turnout
APC’s Hope Uzodimma, who appears to be returning for a second term in office as Imo State governor and the PDP candidate, Samuel Anyanwu, yesterday expressed diverse views on the conduct of the poll in the state.
Both candidates spoke shortly after casting their votes amidst low voter turnout.
Results from many parts of the state showed Uzodimma coasting to a comfortable victory.
The governor, who voted at 11:35a.m. at Polling Unit 032, Ekwenja Ukwu-Ozu ward, Omuma Community, Oru East Local Government Area, said the reports he received showed that the election was peaceful in most parts of the state.
“The election, contrary to what they said on the social media, is going on free, fair and very peaceful.
“You can see how freely I have gone out to cast my votes and also how INEC was able to process my accreditation under few minutes.
“It is evident for all of us in the country to know that the patriotic people of the state are desirous of having Imo state blossom,” he said.
However, the governor urged those in the opposition allegedly sponsoring mischief and other forms of criminality to repent.
”Some of us are in politics to serve the people and are in politics for the interest of the people.
“We say things as they are really on ground.
“Some are out to confuse the populace. They just go to the social media and fabricate stories and publish.
“But when you visit the polling units, you will now see that there is peace there,” he said.
Uzodimma commended INEC and security agencies for ensuring proper deployment of material and personnel for the election.
“The entire space is manned and occupied and people are responding positively.
“I have not heard any knockout, so I think Imo State is safe and it is good to go.
“I have just voted and some people are still voting.
“At the end of the day, whatever God approved will be announced by INEC,” he said.
On his part, the candidate of the PDP, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, expressed worries over reports of alleged ballot box snatching in parts of the state.
”Though they started very late, which was the problem we had here where others started by 8:00am, I just cast my vote at about 10:25am.
”This is my home town and my people are excited to cast their votes because one of their own is coming out for election,” he said.
He alleged that materials and votes were carted away in about seven wards in Orlu.
He said similar incidents were reported at Orsu and parts of Oru West, wondering why opposition parties would not allow free and fair election in the state.
“We should not encourage hooliganism. That is not the type of society we want, and a responsible government should not encourage such.
“Imo people are desirous of change but some people are trying to truncate it. It will never work,” he stated.
He also alleged that some persons came to his polling unit 012 Central School, Amaimo and started shooting.
He however said they were apprehended, adding that the voting in his ward was impressive. He expressed optimism that he would defeat Governor Uzodimma.
Reports from some parts of the state including Owerri Municipal, Owerri West, Mbaitoli, Owerri North, Isiala Mbano, Ideato North suggested vote buying by some of the parties.
Hoodlums who appeared to have received information about the development stormed polling units at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Egbu, Owerri North Local Government Area, and attacked party agents who were allegedly sharing money to buy votes.
The gunmen, numbering over 10, also snatched over N1.5 million being shared to voters at the four polling units within the cathedral premises.
The gunmen shot into the air to scare the people before swooping on the men sharing the money.
While the shooting was ongoing, some security personnel attached to the place took to their heels while INEC officials at the scene, taking the gunmen for ballot snatchers, raised their hands in surrender.
Voters, party agents and observers, including journalists also fled the voting centres.
The hoodlums went straight to the four points where the cash was being shared and took everything away.
One of the party agents, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that each of the polling units in the place was given N1 million, amounting to N4 million for the election.
“But we had already shared considerable amount of money before the boys struck. I only shared about N500,000 before the hoodlums struck,” he said.
However, INEC’s Head of Voter Education, Mrs Emmanuella Opara, said the commission had yet to receive any official reports of vote buying, ballot box snatching or other irregularities as alleged.
“People go on social media to say anything but we need documented evidence or reports.
“We have not got any of these reports,” Opara said.
She further said that the commission deployed EFCC personnel to arrest any person caught indulging in vote buying.
Voter turnout was generally low, but results uploaded by INEC last night were heavily in favour of Uzodimma.
The Nation gathered that the low turnout of voters across the state was mainly due to the purported sit-at-home order issued by the leader of Biafra in exile, Simon Ekpa.
Vigilant security operatives successfully averted one of the attempts by political thugs to abduct INEC officials and seize crucial election materials.
The incident took place at a Registration Area Centre in Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area in Imo State.
The PDP governorship candidate, Anyanwu, hails from Amaimo.
The thugs, armed and ready to pounce, sought to forcibly take INEC officials into their waiting vehicle, but swift and decisive action by security personnel stationed at the center thwarted the brazen attempt.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the armed security operatives fired warning shots into the air upon receiving an alarm from vigilant voters who detected the presence of the thugs.
The abrupt response compelled the assailants to retreat hastily into their getaway vehicle and flee.
The governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP), Athan Achonu, speaking at his Umunumo Ward in Ehime Mbano local Government Area, declared that he has great hope for the nation’s democracy.
He said: I believe that Mr. President wants to give us free and fair election in Imo State. So, I feel great and have great hope for democracy in Nigeria.”
He attributed the low turnout of voters to the fear over the unusual movement of security personnel in the area.
Achonu’s party, LP, accused the members of the ruling APC in the state of hijacking the electoral materials meant for four Wards in the Ideato North Local Government Area of the state.
The state chairman of the party, Barr. Calistus Ihejiagwa, accused security agents of aiding APC members to hijack and divert the materials.
PDP, military molesting voters in Bayelsa, says Sylva
Most of the uploaded results from Bayelsa State also went in favour of Governor Douye Diri of the PDP. But his major opponent, APC’s Timipre Sylva, accused PDP and the military of molesting voters during the election.
Sylva spoke after casting his vote at Polling Unit 4, Dukuraku Central Open Space, Okpoama, Ward 4, Brass Local Government Area.
Sylva said the contest appeared to be between APC and the security agents, particularly the military, which he said had taken sides.
He said: “I am very confident that things will go for APC. But we have some issues in units 3, 5 and 9 because the registers are not uploaded. We have escalated it to INEC and they accepted that it was a careless mistake on their part. I know why units in my ward were not uploaded.
“So far in my unit, things are going well. But around the state we are following there is a lot of violence. PDP is doing quite a bit there trying to molest our voters with security.
“In fact in some cases it is believed that we are running this election not against PDP but against security. But we are contending with the situation and in the end we will come out victorious.
“This morning I woke up with the story of one of my APC members being shot in Yenagoa. In the afternoon we heard the situation the military personnel have taken over some areas. In fact in Biseni community, the military are there to snatch ballot boxes.”
Diri inducing voters with money, says LP candidate
Mr.Udengs Eradiri, governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP), accused Governor Diri of inducing voters with money.
Eradiri spoke after casting his vote in Ward 10, Unit 5, Ekpetiama, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Saturday.
The former President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Worldwide, said it was unfortunate that the government was buying votes with state resources that should be used in improving the lives of the people of Bayelsa State.
He said: “Some of us have decided that we will embrace the non-violent approach. But behind the scene, state resources are everywhere, money is being exchanged for votes, ten, fifteen, twenty thousand and so on.
“Money that would have been used in building good schools, standard hospitals and improving the lots of the people, they are buying peoples votes”.
He also accused the ruling party of entrenching poverty in the state despite the huge resources coming into the state.
He said: “The government in power, the ruling party in the state, has entrenched poverty in a state that produces oil. Today Bayelsa is the second poorest state in the country
“And they are inducing voters with money. That is not the way to go. The people deserve better and we must change what is going on in the interest of the state.
“I will never buy votes, even if I have the money. I will never use money to induce voters because it is not my nature. We must do things differently to change our state and our society. “
There were reports of vote-buying across the state by the two main political parties allegedly paying between N8,000 and N22,000 per voter.
Many of the polling units looked like business centres with voters struggling to get money from the highest bidder before casting their votes.
Some local government areas like Sagbama, Kolokuma-Opokuma and Yenagoa witnessed large turnout of voters, who were reportedly attracted to their polling units by cash.
PDP, Diri can’t buy votes in Bayelsa, says gov’s aide
The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Special Duties, Sinkumo Ekisah, denied claims that his principal and the PDP induced voters with money during the election.
He said: “I don’t think you saw any money in play. I am Sinkumo Ekisah and I’m known all over Bayelsa State and beyond.
“I don’t need to give anybody money to vote for my party today in politics or election because I’m known for my benevolence, free handedness and open heartedness in my dealings with people.
“So, if I don’t have to give anybody money to vote, why will the Governor, my principal, a man of peace, give somebody to vote?
“The Governor’s performance in every part of the state; his projects are all over. He has touched many lives.
“So what the LP candidate, Udengs Eradiri, is saying is totally false. In fact I don’t know if he is contesting election.
“As a friend, I had advised him long ago to support his brother, the Governor; collapse your structure if you have any. So I call on the good people of Bayelsa to disregard such accusation. It is not true.”
The governor’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Collins Cocodia, commended INEC for the conduct of the election, saying materials arrived at the polling units early.
He said: “There are no issues with the B-VAS and the security personnel did well. I commend INEC. There has been peace in many areas so far and I must say that Bayelsa people have shown their love for and belief in PDP. There is no doubt that the PDP will not just win this election, we will win by a landslide”
A former National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Yekini Nabena, further described the exercise as calm and peaceful but asked members of his party to remain vigilant throughout the collation process.
He said: “In my community, the election went peacefully. For now, there is no problem. The people will decide at the end of the day because we as the APC went for the people who have the votes.
“The PDP was busy with litigation. They spent billions of Naira through the back door to stop our candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva from contesting this election but they failed because the judiciary did the right thing.
“That is why you can see that the PDP is jittery and I am very confident.that APC will win this election despite the PDP being the government in power”.
Diri wins own polling unit by landslide
Governor Diri won his polling unit with voters giving him all but one of the 219 votes cast in his Sampou/Kalama Ward, PU 004, Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA.
The African Democratic Party (ADP) got the other sole vote.
Diri also won in Polling Unit 004, Talakawari Town Hall 1, Kaiama/Olobiri Ward. He polled 105 votes to defeat APC’s Timipre Sylva, who got 51 votes, while Labour Party’s candidate scored one vote.
Eradiri lost his polling unit at Ward 10, Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA) of the state to Diri.
The LP candidate got eight votes to the governor’s 130.
Silva polled 45 votes.
INEC adjourns collation of results
The Returning Officer of the Bayelsa Governorship election Faruk Adamu Kuta last night announced the adjournment of the collation of the result to today.
Mr Habu Sani, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of security in the Kogi Governorship Election, says the election so far, is peaceful as no security breach has been reported.
The DIG made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Saturday via a telephone interview.
He said that from all indications, the electorate and political actors in the poll were behaving well.
“As it’s now, there’s no report of breach of security from any part of Kogi.
“We thank God that what we have been praying for is indeed manifesting to show a sharp deviation from past experiences in Kogi.
“We urge residents to maintain this peace even after the election so that Kogi can continue to experience the desired growth and development as a state, ” he said.
According to him, his officers and men alongside other security agencies are doing their bests to ensure that the election remains peaceful till the end.
The DIG commended security operatives for displaying high level of professionalism in maintaining peace during the election.
The governorship election in Kogi state on Saturday, November 11, witnessed a low turnout of voters in Ayetoro Gbede, the hometown of Dino Melaye, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.
Polling units in Open Space before ECWA church, Okebukun, Ayetoro, and Open space opposite Marktot Oil and Gas, Aniekpe quarters visited by our correspondent, were electoral officials seen waiting for voters to turn out to cast their ballots.
At polling, Melaye polling unit 004, Iluafon quarters, Ayetoro, INEC officials were seen waiting for the voters as of 1:20 pm when our correspondent visited the unit.
The Presiding Officer at the unit told our reporter that 819 voters were expected at the unit but the turnout as of the time of the visit was 240.
The situation was similar at Open Space Aduratedo quarters, with 521 voters expected but only 213 voters had cast their votes as of the time of filing this report.
