The Nation Newspaper

Tag: National Assembly elections

  • Osinbajo to Nigerians: don’t be discouraged

    From Bisi Olaniyi, Precious Igbonwelundu, Adekunle Jimoh, Gbenga Omokhunu, and Rosemary Nwisi.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by the earlier postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    The vice president made the plea in Ilorin during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

    The vice president was in Ilorin to conclude the door-to-door campaign to mobilise votes for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Osinbajo said the only way Nigerians could assist to sustain the nation’s democracy and promote good governance was to come out en mass on Saturday and vote for continuity.

    He commended the monarch for his fairness toward political parties and their candidates in the state.

    The vice president  said he did not envy the monarch who “has his sons vying for different positions across different parties in Kwara.’’

    The vice president prayed for the victory of the president and all All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the general elections.

    The emir, in his remarks, welcomed the vice president and wished him and his entourage well in the elections.

    The vice president was accompanied by Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who is the leader of  APC in Kwara.

    Also on the entourage were the governorship candidate of the APC in  Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the party’s chairman in the state, Bashir Bolarinwa,  and other party stalwarts.

    The vice president and his entourage were welcomed by an unprecedented crowd who thronged the streets leading to the palace and were chanting “ O to ge’ (Enough is Enough).

    From Adabata to Pakata and on to  Isale-Aluko as well as Oja Gboro and Ipata,   the people in their thousands, particularly women and youths,  lined up on the streets with brooms chanting that they were tired of the old order and in need of  a change in Kwara.

     

    APC, PDP clash over attack in Ilorin

     

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday accused suspected thugs loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of attacking its supporters after the convoy of the Vice President Yemi Osibajo passed through an area in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. But the PDP last night denied the allegation.

    Two supporters of APC sustained injuries.

    A police source revealed that the incident happened around Isale-Koko, Ilorin suburb, after the vice president’s convoy had left the area.

    Police spokesperson Ajayi Okasanmi could not confirm the incident.

    The APC governorship candidate in the state, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, condemned “the brazen attack today in Ilorin on the convoy of the Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo by armed PDP thugs.”

    In a statement, Abdulrazaq’s media aide Rafiu Ajakaye said: “The vice president was at Isale Aluko suburb of Ilorin on a door-to-door campaign when some dare-devil gunmen opened fire at his convoy which included thousands of APC members and supporters.

    “In what is a reminiscence of the Offa robbery, this attack is the height of recklessness on the part of these street urchins who have long been empowered and armed by the discredited dynasty to terrorise our community and anyone who has contrary views to their amala politics.

    “Coming just a day after two of our supporters were killed in Ojoku in the convoy of our senatorial candidate Arc. Lola Ashiru, this is becoming too much and the madness must stop.

    “Going into an election with these thugs clearly on the loose is an existential threat not just to all of us challenging the misrule in our state but to the entire people of the state and their properties.

    “We call for immediate arrest and prosecution of these thugs. We also demand investigations to reveal those who gave the orders for these deadly attacks. We call for all measures to be taken to ensure safety of lives and properties and sanctity of the ballot box in Kwara and beyond.

    “No one’s political interest should be at the expense of human lives and their properties.  We insist that a political contest is a contest of ideas and no one must be allowed to cow or kill others in the process.”

    The PDP, in a statement by its spokesperson, Tunde Ashaolu, said the incident was an intra-party issue involving members of the APC.

    The statement reads: “It was also gathered that the money released to be shared among party supporters triggered the violence.

    “Our party has no time for violence as we have been busy preparing for the presidential and national assembly elections coming up on Saturday as well as the governorship and State Assembly elections.”

     

    Rivers polls: Wike, kinsmen, Cole, APC leaders in fight to the finish

     

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, his Ikwerre kinsmen in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),  All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Tonye Cole and other APC leaders in the state are in a fight to the finish over the general elections.

    Wike, yesterday in a broadcast, urged APC members to allow  peace in Rivers to continue and to prepare for 2023 polls.

    PDP kinsmen of Rivers governor in the four Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre and Emohua, also alleged that unending atmosphere of hostility was being foisted by the unholy relationship between the Rivers APC and the security agencies, which was described as a major source of worry, threatening peace and communal tranquility.

    Cole and some leaders of APC in the state, at a news conference in Port Harcourt, however, declared that candidates of the party would not only participate in the 2019 elections, but would win.

    Wike, in the broadcast, called on the leaders of the APC to accept the reality that their party would not be on the ballot for the 2019 general elections in Rivers.

    The governor said: “Truth be told, the Supreme Court has spoken. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed. It is the will of God and there is nothing anybody can do to return the APC to the ballot for the 2019 general elections in Rivers State.”

    The leaders of Ikwerre ethnic nationality, at a world news conference yesterday at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, through a former Rivers governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, stated that they would not sit idly and watch Minister for Transportation Rotimi Amaechi cause their people unnecessary harm.

    Ikwerre PDP leaders said: “The Minister for Transportation has the penchant for fomenting trouble, which had caused the loss of lives in the past. Keen watchers of political events in our state have also noticed the bitterness exhibited by the minister (Amaechi) towards the governor (Wike).”

    At a news conference yesterday, Cole said: “I want to start by telling our supporters in APC and around the state that not only will we participate in the elections, we will win them. It is better to be prepared than for the opportunity to come and we are not prepared. The opportunity is coming. Be prepared.”

    A chieftain, Chidi Lloyd, while also speaking, stated that what could have resulted in a colossal loss of human lives and property in Rivers State was avoided by the postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections in the country on February 16, through violence and thuggery displayed by PDP members across Rivers, while again mobilising to unleash mayhem in the state on February 23.

    The party’s spokesman Chris Finebone condemned “the shameful use of card-carrying members of the PDP” by the INEC office in Rivers  as ad hoc staff, insisting that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Rivers, Obo Effanga, and his staff were collaborating with the PDP to rig the elections, declaring that they would not get away with it.

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    Rivers APC crisis:  Appeal Court strikes out Abe’s suit

     

    The Appeal Court Panel sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital yesterday struck  out a case filed before it by the Senator representing Rivers South East in the National Assembly, Magnus Abe, for lack of merit.

    Abe and 42 others filed the suit shortly after the Federal High Court upheld the judgment of a State High Court which nullified the state congresses and primary elections conducted by the Ojukaiye Flag Amachree-led faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and disqualified all its candidates.

    At a news conference in Port Harcourt, shortly after the ruling, Abe said: “We had approached the Court of Appeal to help with the logjam arising from the current situation in the APC in the state.

    “We believe that that is not the sum of the judgement of the Supreme Court so in  consultation with our legal practitioners, we’ve asked them to approach the Supreme Court for a final response on that matter.”

     

    Group berates Atiku

     

    A prominent group, Media for Morals, has expressed support for the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, for vowing to ensure the armed forces remain apolitical and professional in the discharge of its duties.

    In a statement by its National Coordinator, Dr. Mairo Mudi, the group also berated the Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),  Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for “encouraging lawlessness in the armed forces by asking soldiers to disobey orders made by its superiors”.

    “All the hullabaloo about President Buhari’s warning for the military and the police to deal ruthlessly with ballot box snatchers is only indicative of the fact that some politicians, obviously of the opposition stock, were reliant on that method to get to power through rigging.”

     

    Lagos CP warns ballot box snatchers, others

     

    Lagos State Commissioner Zubairu Muazu yesterday warned ballot box snatchers and other electoral offenders to have a rethink or face the wrath of the law.

    Muazu spoke at his maiden interaction with reporters.

    According to him, the command would stop at nothing to ensure that offenders are prosecuted and convicted, reminding residents that the earlier deployment of 30,000 security personnel for the exercise would be maintained.

    Muazu said:“A very robust operation order to cover deployment of security personnel for the elections is on ground; so we will ensure there is a safe and secured environment for electorate in Lagos to go and cast their votes without fear and intimidation.”

     

    Police arrest INEC official, two others with card reader

    A senior official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and two others were Wednesday night arrested by policemen attached to the commission’s head office in Lagos for alleged illegal possession of card reader.

    It was learnt that the officials were taken to SARS office at Ikeja where they allegedly spent the night and were later escorted by policemen back to the commission following directives from the Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu.

    Muazu confirmed policemen escorted Bello to take the card reader back after it was discovered that he did not steal it.

    The police chief said: “We confirmed that the official was posted to Surulere. The card reader in question had problems and he was supposed to turn it over. But there wasn’t enough security and he decided to hold on to it.

    “The said card reader has not been configured. We verified from INEC and as such, we detailed policemen to escort him back so that he will safely return the card reader. I am not aware of any attempted bribery incident.”

    INEC spokesman Olufemi Akinbiyi said he was not aware of the incident.

    He said: “I do not have that information. I am part of the team at the CBN ensuring that electoral materials are moved out without hitches.”

     

    Clerics cautioned against meddling into politics

     

    Clerics in Bauchi State have been cautioned against dragging religious matters into politics.

    Muslims youths and students leaders, in a statement by Prince Mohammed Sani Hassan, Comrade Alhasseenor  Adam and Babangida Bindis, said they were not happy with the way religious matters were being dragged into politics in the state.

    They said: “We are not happy as future leaders the way and manner religious leaders are dragging religion issue into politics in the state.”

    “In the history of politics since 1999 to date, Bauchi State has not produced a leader like Rt Honourable Yakubu Dogara, Speaker and National Assembly member representing Bogoro, Dass and Tafawa Balewa Federal constituency. He built more than 1000 mosques in all the nooks and crannies of Bauchi State, he sponsored  many Muslims to Hajj, he assisted both Christians and Muslims in Bauchi State, he catered for both religion in Bauchi State, he should not be condemned,”the group said.

    ‘Buhari’s directive on riggers has exposed PDP’s antics’

     

    The Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) yesterday praised President Muhammadu Buhari for exposing the rigging plot of the opposition through his directive to the military and other security agencies that they should deal ruthlessly with ballot box snatchers and other election riggers during Saturday’s elections.

    Buhari’s support group noted that reactions from the camp of the opposition to Buhari’s order were a clear indication that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate are planning to rig the 2019 polls.

    In a statement issued in Abuja by its Director of Communication and Strategic Planning, Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, the BCO stated that what the president did with his directive was to uncover a hornet’s nest in the camp of the opposition and stirring it up for Nigerians to know their plan to rig the polls.

    Ibrahim said: “We in the BCO give kudos to President Muhammadu Buhari for this marching order. Only the evil minded should be afraid of the order. The opposition are criticising President Buhari for his comment on ballot box snatchers because they want Nigerians to see nothing of those who denied them electricity and other infrastructure in the past 16 years.

    “The president said exactly what we have always wanted him to say: thuggery and ballot box snatching have no place in a credible democracy. The president is absolutely right, otherwise we will encourage the opposition and their thugs to dictate democracy for us. “

  • NUPENG pledges seamless fuel distribution

    Ahead tomorrow’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, the National Executive leadership of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has assured that there will be free flow of petroleum products across the country.

    In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, urged his members across board to remain law-abiding and exercise their civic responsibilities during the conduct of the electoral process.

    “In specific term, the leadership wishes to notify the teeming members who traverse the nooks and crannies of Nigeria in refining and distribution of petroleum products for domestic, commercial and industrial purposes to remain unfettered in discharging their legitimate duties so that the electoral process will be smooth and hitch-free.

    Read also: Ogun APC chief: no ballot papers found in my house

    “NUPENG will not deter in contributing its quota in sustaining and promoting the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria as an indivisible entity; determined to avoid any conduct or behaviour that will endanger the political stability and national security of Nigeria,” the statement read.

  • Mistakes INEC must avoid on Saturday

    The postponement of the general elections generated arguments across the country. Now, presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 23. Governorship and House of Assembly polls will take place on March 9. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU highlights the mistakes the electoral agency must avoid during the exercise.

    Will the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) get it right on Saturday? Its chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, has been bashed for heightening public expectation before suddenly postponing the anticipated presidential and National Assembly elections last weekend. Will the mistakes and operational challenges that warranted the postponement give way before March 23?

    Transparent election is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including party leaders, flag bearers, electoral officers, security agencies and voters. But, INEC has a duty to organise the general elections without compromising ethics and sacrificing the rules of the game. To do the job, the agency was nit starved of funds. Unlike 2015, security chiefs did not cite any emergency challenge that could necessitate a shift. Many had travelled home for the exercise. Observers had started turning in pre-election reports. All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate President Muhammadu Buhari  had gone to his native Daura and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenger, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to Adamawa State for the exercise. The nation was anxious.

    Yakubu, the pilot of the electoral ship of state, said it was sailing to a safe harbour. Suddenly, the wind started blowing. Electoral pirates were also on the prowl. In Anambra, Enugu and Abia states, thugs invaded INEC offices, burning card readers. There were fears that the captain of the ship and the crew may not survive the turbulence. An over-confident chairman was unperturbed. But, six hours to the polls, reality dawned on him that INEC’s capability to conduct a hitch-free exercise had diminished.  The country was enveloped in confusion and anxiety.

    Explaining his predicament to a bewildered nation, Yakubu attributed the poor performance to logistic problems: 4,695 smart card readers burnt in one state, aircraft conveying sensitive materials could not land in Enugu, capital of Enugu State due to bad weather; fire outbreaks had burned materials in Anambra, Abia and Plateau states; vehicle loading materials from Taraba State had broken down, and result sheets meant for Edo were shopped to Rivers State. Put succinctly, INEC was overwhelmed by the constraints. Damage control became impossible.

    Elections are critical to democratic growth and political stability. But, since pre-independence, polls have been a sort of nightmare. The hiccups have been attributed to technical and human errors.

    Previous electoral battles were fought in an atmosphere of strife, rancour and bitterness. At almost 60, factors that shape electioneering in Nigeria include ethnicity and religion. During elections, there is always tension. Many politicians and other stakeholders often perceive election as war. In 1959, 1964, 1965, 1965, 1983, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015, the electoral commissions have been under attack for alleged flawed polls. Protests have always trailed the periodic contests, with the struggle shifting from the ballot box to the court rooms. Almost three decades after independence, Nigeria has failed to build a sane electoral process.

    Fears are rife that the postponement may dampen public morale, and this may lead to apathy on Saturday. Many have even expressed reservations about the prospect of an improvement within a week. Yakubu, who is on the weighing scale, has reiterated his commitment to a credible process. But, the gap between expectation and reality has ruptured public confidence. Although INEC had four years to prepare for the general elections, many past lapses were repeated.

    The first litmus test was the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) distribution. According to some presidential candidates, the critical exercise was bungled. The scenario created a hollow in the INEC’ scorecard. Owing to the mobilisation and enlightenment campaigns by civil society groups and political parties, many people trooped out for the exercise across the federation.  But, the voter cards have remained elusive for many eligible voters. But, it should also be noted that on many areas, people shunned the cards and INEC was making appeals to them for collection. An anxious nation however, heaved a sigh of relief when the INEC chairman said over 84 million PVCs had been distributed.

    To observers, INEC has not learnt from its past mistakes. In 2011, the commission, led by Prof. Attahiru Jega, had thrown the country into chaos before the exercise was stopped abruptly. Midway into the poll, INEC was inundated with complaints across the six geo-political zones that the exercise had failed. At noon, voting had not started in many locations. Voters started protesting the shoddy arrangements in some states. The voter’s registers in some locations were fake. Many officials did not even report for electoral duty. Where electoral officers were available, they were afraid to kick off the accreditation because security agents were absent. The ill-trained ad hoc staff-the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members-were confused. Following the cancellation and postponement of the poll, the beleaguered nation was back to square one.

    INEC had opportunities to correct some of these mistakes during the scattered governorship elections in Ondo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun. Instructively, the “odd” elections were scattered, owing to the mistake of INEC under Prof. Maurice Iwu. The first challenge was the Anambra election, which was almost bungled in 2010. During the poll, the commission was under fire.

    However, in 2016, INEC conducted a successful election in Ondo. Also, in Ekiti, there was no cause for alarm. Although the Osun poll was in conclusive, the supplementary poll that followed completed the process.

    INEC under Yakubu has recorded significant improvements. Innovations have been introduced to ensure the sanctity of the ballot box. The commission has also asserted its independence by shunning partiality, unlike when it was an extension of the government in the days of Obasanjo. So far, Yakubu is still perceived as a man of honour and integrity.

    A postponed election, according to analysts, is better than the risk of an inconclusive election. To conduct credible and transparent polls on Saturday, INEC must be weary of its past mistakes and avoid the pitfalls. This is necessary to avoid a fresh crisis of integrity. Indeed, prevention is better than cure.

    INEC must restore public confidence. On Saturday, there should not be lapses. Result sheets must be available. The commission will fail the test of credibility, if its officials report late for the assignment at polling units. Not only should the officials report promptly, they should also show up with the required polling materials. Voters will be disillusioned, if they get to the units and there is no electoral officer on ground to attend to them.

    The most critical material is the voter register. If the names of many voters are omitted from the register, there will be tension on poll day. The implication is that many may be disenfranchised. The early display of the voter register was helpful. Through the verification, complaints by candidates, parties and voters were tackled and errors corrected by the commission before the poll.

    Also, the accreditation hurdle is a recurring decimal. Voters usually raise objections to the late accreditation and voting. Accreditation problem is proportional to the demographic distribution of voters. In densely populated polling units, the exercise may not be completed before 2 pm as stipulated by the law. If the electoral officers report late at their duty posts, the challenge may be compounded.

    The late arrival of polling officers and electoral materials is worrisome. In 2011, many voters returned home without casting their ballot because their names were not found in the voter register. INEC tried to tackle this problem in 2015.

    Unscrupulous electoral officers may also give INEC a bad name. In Anambra, Jega was enraged by the unruly behaviour of some polling officers. He had no alternative than to hand them over to the police for interrogation. Also, after the 2015 polls, Yakubu surrendered erring officials for prosecution. Some of them were convicted.

    There is the need for the electoral body to study and understand the geography of the electoral constituencies. In Taraba, there are voting areas that cannot be reached on time because of the topology. Transportation is challenging. The coastal communities of Ilaje in Ondo State, Ojo and Eti-Osa in Lagos, and Niger Delta creeks require specific preparations. Helicopters and speed boats may be needed to convey polling officers and materials to designated units. In Edo State, a drunkard was once hired as a boat driver and there was a fatal accident.

    Since elections will hold in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, and Persons With Disabilities will participate, the special nature of election in these areas should be considered. If elections will hold in flashpoints like the Northeast where the Boko Haram insurgents are on  rampage, there will be need for special security arrangement

    Elections have become a burden in Nigeria, owing to the combative nature of gladiators who see elections as do-or-die contests. Thuggery and violence are on the increase. How to police the votes is very important. Sometimes, elections are discredited, although the fault cannot be attributed to INEC. The activities of desperate politicians and the misuse of the police may make the contest a sort of war. Already, the atmosphere was tensed. Jega had a policing strategy. The INEC boss said that security agents must be in their uniform to avoid the use of thugs who pose as policemen in mufti to intimidate opponents. This policy was sustained in 2015. The method will be good for the rescheduled polls.

    The greatest challenge is the prevention of rigging by INEC during elections. Thugs and cultists, who are armed with sophisticated weapons beyond the reach of the police, may unleash terror to create panic, molest and scare away voters. They may want to invade polling booths and snatch ballot boxes. Enough policemen should be deployed by the new Inspector-General of Police Adamu Mohammad.

    INEC and security agents should not only be on guard, but on the red alert to avoid the floodgate of litigations that trailed the past electoral foul play.

    INEC must guard against the penchant for doctoring election results by politicians, unpatriotic security agents and electoral officials. A credible election is a panacea for violence. In earlier dispensations, rigging provoked popular revolt.

    Poitical parties may want to take INEC up on its directive that there should be no furher campaign for presidential election between now and Thursday.

    Yakubu has assured Nigerians that all will be well during the rescheduled exercise. He has apologised to the country. He maintained that “the essence of the slight postponement was to enable all the states to have full complement of all the required logistics and back up.”

    Will INEC live up to expectation on Saturday?

  • Election postponement: Security personnel suffer more — Experts

    Law enforcement agents were at the receiving end of the sudden postponement of the February 16 Presidential and National Assembly elections, according to security experts.

    The experts told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews in Lagos that security personnel deployed to various places outside their base ahead of the shifted polls were affected negatively.

    According to the experts, personnel deployed on election duty may have exhusted their allowances, wondering how they will cope during the additional days on the field.

    A retired Deputy Inspector-General of People (DIG), Marvel Akpoyibo, described the postponement as sabotage, stressing that the time and money lost would have been avoided if INEC had postponed the elections three days earlier.

    He said the security personnel were at the receiving end of the postponement, noting that many were deployed outside their bases, thereby spending more money and time before elections days.

    “I am not a politician but as a Nigerian, it is unacceptable to me. If it is in another clime, the INEC Chairman would be arrested. It is a sabotage.

    “The security personnel deployed are at the receiving end, would they be given another allowance. Look at the NYSC members posted to various places, wasting money and time. It is most unfortunate,” he said.

    Another security expert, Roy Okhidievbie, said although INEC might have taken unpopular decision of postponement, saying that might be the only option to the commission before elections.

    Ohkidievbie noted, however, that the postponement might have disorganised security agencies’ strategies which would force them to re-strategise against the new election date.

    He said that the postponement had also affected the politicians financially and strategically, stressing that the foiled exercise had exposed some of their evil intentions.

    The expert said that it was better to postpone than to do it shabbily, stressing that the postponement had, once again, exposed our inability to be proactive and professional in handling responsibilities.

    He noted that both major political parties and their followers have perfected legal and illegal strategies to win the elections on Saturday.

    “One of the strongest weapons against crime is surprise. I am sure the illegal plans would have lost the effectiveness of a successful execution.

    “I want to advise security agencies to review to plan B if they have one because the plans deployed on Saturday are already exposed.

    “This will definitely reduce the number of voters due to the cost and risk of repositioning themselves to be able to vote again. Many will loose interest in the system.
    “The government can afford to even borrow money for the logistics to meet the new dates, but who bears the cost on the part of the citizens and pay back their money spent to prepare to vote?
    “Who compensates the masses of electorate for their losses in business closures. The contestants that had slim budgets and pushed to be recognized by expending all they could muster, what is their plight now,” he queried. (NAN)

  • Poll shift painful, but we must maintain our commitment, says Tinubu

    ALL Progressives Congress National Leader and Co-Chair of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is urging continued commitment from all voters regardless of the  pain caused by the  postponement of the  Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    “Do not allow this delay to deter you from the expression of your democratic rights. What you had set your mind to do on February 16, keep your mind and heart on for February 23,” he said yesterday in reaction to the delay.

    Tinubu in a statement in Lagos said though he appreciated the enormity of the logistical challenge that elections in a vast country like Nigeria poses to INEC, “we are still pained that the Commission could not meet this challenge within the time allotted.

    He said he was no less “perplexed that INEC literally waited so late in the day to make known the obstacles preventing it from keeping faith to the election schedule.”

    He added: “INEC could have and should have given the nation more ample and earlier warning. This could have perhaps lessened the pervasive disappointment that we all now feel. It also would have helped people better order their steps.

    “We have reports of eager voters rising early to leave their homes to cast their ballots only to be told upon arriving at their appointed polling stations that the election had been postponed.

    “This should not have happened for it could well discourage people from coming out when the election takes place. Thus, we heartily commend those people for coming out in exercise of their fundamental rights and duties as citizen voters, who vote by vote, seek to build and perfect our democracy.

    “For each voter is in part an architect and each one of your votes is a brick by which, when lain together, shall construct a strong democracy in such a way that it shall forever stand and endure.  Thus, we appeal to all who actually came out to vote and to those who intended to vote today, to maintain your commitment. Do not allow this delay to deter you from the expression of your democratic rights. What you had set your mind to do on February 16, keep your mind and heart on for February 23.

    “INEC has stated the reason for the delay and has expressed regret over the inconveniences it has caused. We must take INEC’s statement at face value and hold to the belief that INEC understands even more than ever the sober and grave responsibility it has to our nation and our democracy. INEC can only properly discharge that responsibility by conducting free and fair elections.

    “While we cannot go back to repair what did or did not happen to cause this postponement, we all must encourage INEC to do all that is necessary so voting can smoothly proceed on February 23. Whatever our political affiliation, we must encourage INEC to overcome the difficulties in order to rise to this most important occasion. INEC must commit itself more than ever before to perform to its utmost so that these elections will be remembered as a free and fair exercise consonant with the best of international standards.

    “In the end, elections must be held in such a manner that every vote carries the same weight and no vote is  minimized because elections took place much earlier or later in one place than in another. Thus, it is better to experience a slight delay to conduct the elections properly rather than to conduct the elections piecemeal and uneven fashion.

    “No one will absolve INEC if such a fate befalls this all-important election. The electoral body must use the one-week extension to mend its logistics gaps and lapses. This delay has clearly provoked significant anger and disappointment among the people. The voters were ready and INEC should have been equally as prepared and ready as the voters. Yet, we ask that the people contain their anger and remain calm. Let no one be tempted to breach the peace because of this delay.

    “In the greater scheme of things, a one-week delay is not overly burdensome when compared to the importance of conduct of free and just elections in the establishment of representative democracy and good governance in our land. Please, persevere just a bit longer to ensure that the elections on February 23 truly reflect the will of the people. Whatever obstacles may come, be they large or small, let us show the world the Nigerian people will not be deterred from realizing the democracy for which we have fought and sacrificed so long and so hard to achieve”.

  • Lagos lawyers fault election postponement

    Some lawyers in Lagos have expressed mixed reactions to Saturday’s postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections, saying it would work against the nation’s democracy.

    In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, the lawyers said the recent burning of some INEC offices and materials in some parts of the country could have contributed to the postponement.

    Mr Ogedi Ogu, a Lagos-based legal practitioner said: “It would rather work against our democratic progression.

    “Whatever reason INEC has cited for the postponement would not likely strengthen participation in the rescheduled date.

    “Many voters traveled to their respective homes for the election. Such voters would be discouraged from further participating”.

    According to Ogu, INEC had about four years to prepare for these elections and this should not be happening if they prepared well.

    For Mr Chibuikem Opara, another legal practitioner, the recent burning and disruptions of INEC offices pointed to the fact that some people were bent on manipulating the system.

    “In that situation, INEC may have done the best thing under the circumstances by postponing elections to ensure they conduct a credible election.

    “Though, I think it is a disgrace that after so many months of planning INEC appears not to be ready.

    “However, INEC must make sure they are no longer taken unawares”.

    Another Lagos-based lawyer, Mr Chris Ayiyi, advised Nigerians not to make any statement to discredit INEC on the issue of postponement because of the recent happenings at the INEC offices.

    He, however, said that the timing was wrong because some peope had already travelled for the elections.

    “To a large extend what the nation need now is a free, fair and credible election. There is always room to accommodate shortcomings, this is the beauty of democracy,” Ayiyi said.

    Another legal practitioner and Coordinator, Girl Child Foundation, an NGO, Mrs Helen Ibeji, said what Nigerians should yearn for is a credible election.

    “The postponement is not an issue so far there is a good reason behind it. What is most important is for INEC to conduct a free and fair election.

    “We witnessed similar postponment in 2015, it is not the first time election is being postponed in Nigeria,” Ibeji said. (NAN)

  • INEC was never prepared for 2019 polls – Balarabe Musa

    Former Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, on Saturday expressed disappointment over the postponement of the general elections, but declared that Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC was never prepared for the exercise in the first place.
    INEC had announced the postponement, few hours to the kickoff of the Feb. 16 Presidential and National Assembly polls.
    Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, while announcing the postponement in Abuja, attributed the step to “overwhelming logistics and operational challenges”.
     The commission fixed Feb. 23 and March 9 as new dates for the  Presidential and National Assembly elections and, the Governorship and State Assembly polls respectively.
    But Musa, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),  in Kaduna on Saturday, said he was disappointed, but not surprised, at the development.
    “I am not surprised because INEC was never ready for the exercise, given the level of its preparations.
    “INEC had serious funding challenges; what was appropriated to the commission by the National Assembly was not adequate and everyone knew it.

    Read also: INEC chairman speaks on postponement of polls

     “We are not even sure if the approved amount was released to the electoral body by the Federal Government.
    “The logistics and operational challenges are glaring. There are also serious security challenges that may affect the agency in the course of the elections.
    “The security services are facing the same funding crises and most of them are living in fear.
    “You can also see the serious challenges being faced by the  Judiciary, who are supposed to play a major role in the election process,” Musa said.
    “So, I must say that I am disappointed, but, again, as I said, I am not surprised.
    “I hope that  all the stakeholders will take the  necessary measures to help INEC address the issues before Feb, 23, the new date for the Presidential polls, because the President can only handover power to an elected person.”
    Musa called on Nigerians to remain calm, while waiting for the new dates for the polls. (NAN)

  • Breaking: INEC postpones today’s election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections slated for Saturday 16th February to 23rd February 2019.

    The commission furthermore postponed the governorship election slated for 2nd March 2019, to 9th March, 2019

    INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, blaming the postponement on logistics announced that a stakeholder meeting will hold at 2pm in Abuja, on Saturday.

    Details shortly…

  • Different strokes for different states

    As Nigerians troop out for the presidential and National Assembly elections today, the mood across the country is mixed. Caution is the word as many gauge the mood of the nation on a daily basis in order to know how to respond to any situation.

    Findings made by The Nation across the country indicate that the political mood within the states and local government areas tend to shape individuals’ moods and expectations from the elections. This informs the rather different moods of the people in different states as the nation prepares to elect its leader in the next four years.

    All calm in Lagos

    Since the advent of the Fourth Republic, Lagos State has been a fortress for progressive politics, save the emergence of the late Chief Michael Otedola of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) as the governor of the state in the short-lived Third Republic after profiting from internal squabble in the camp of the progressives.

    Since then, the state has returned to the progressives’ fold and has been the bulwark for progressive politics. Most Lagosians interviewed saw no need for any special arrangements as vehicular movement would only be restricted for one day.

    “Nothing dey happen (nothing is happening) It is just elections and nothing else. The mood is the same in most parts of the state,” said a Lagosian, Mr. Sikiru Anjorin.

    No thoughts for IPOB’s sit-at-home order in Anambra

    As the people of Anambra State prepare to cast their votes today, there is no sign of panic whatsoever. In fact, some of the state’s residents who spoke with The Nation believe that the so-called pre-election hype is a normal phenomenon.

    The purported sit-at-home order issued by the indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), may not work as the residents did not appear to be giving it any consideration.

    Asked whether they were stockpiling food items or making withdrawals from banks on account of the tension created by IPOB’s directive, respondents told The Nation there was no need for such. A petty trader at the Eke Awka Market, Ebere Uzochukwu, an indigene of Abia State, said he registered to vote in his state but would not be travelling home to vote for people he said would not remember him at the end of the day. For Amaka Ezimora, who hails from Enugu State but lives in Onitsha, whoever God had destined to win would win, even as she implored the government to reduce the sufferings in the land.

    It was, however, observed that many eligible voters in the state were yet to obtain their PVCs in Anambra State, while some who did said they were not ready to cast their votes for anybody, asking, “The one we voted before, have we benefitted anything?”

     

    IPOB’s threat real in Abia, other South East states

    Unlike Anambra, the calls by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on the people of Abia State to boycott today’s elections may have yielded some fruits in Abia State, with disclosure by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that about a quarter of the two million registered voters in the state were yet to collect their permanent voter cards (PVCs).

    Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joseph Ilo, said that more than 500,000 of the 2 million registered voters in the state had not collected their PVCs a few days to the elections.

    Ilo, represented by Achibie Chigozie, the Head of Department of Voter Education and Publicity disclosed this in Umuahia, the Abia State capital at a conference organised by Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to sensitise the Abia electorate ahead of the 2019 general elections with the theme, ‘Towards evolving a sustainable and responsible leadership culture in Abia State.’

    According to the pro-Biafra group, today was marked out as a day for Biafran referendum in Biafra land.

    The Pro-Biafra group warned that anybody who disobeyed the order and came out would have him or herself to blame as such a person would be regarded and treated as someone who disobeyed the directives to vote against the realization of the independent state of Biafra.

     

    Deltans stockpile essentials in preparation for polls

    Residents of Delta State are making provisions in case of election or post-election crisis. The Delta State government, not willing to leave anything to chance, has declared that schools will break from February 13-18 and February 26-March 4 respectively to allow for hitch-free polls.

    But many who fear that the elections could be crisis ridden have started making contingency plans among which is stockpiling foodstuffs.

    But some others are optimistic that the elections will be violence free, hence they are not under pressure to make contingency plans.

    An Asaba resident, Mr. Tony Efe, a father of five, wants Deltans to support INEC to deliver elections that will be peaceful and credible. He said he was not under pressure to stockpile essential commodities in anticipa tion of election crisis.

    He said: “I believe that those in authority should be supported in their mandate to deliver a free and fair election. Everyone is watching them. The electoral umpire cannot afford to fail Nigerians.”

    Another resident, Mr. Jake Aimuan, said the widespread apprehension was premised on the fear that there might undesirable reaction as a result of the presidential election.

    He said he had stocked his home with non-perishable food items.

    His words: “There is fear of possible undesirable reaction from the presidential polls which might disrupt commercial activities. The implication is that prices might go up as traders will find it difficult to open for business.”

    Aimuan said he would ensure that he has enough money during the weekend, adding that banks are known to run out of cash during festive periods.

    Mr. Joshua Okpanefe, a civil servant, says he has concluded plans to stockpile food items and keep large amount of cash at home, adding that he had already bought fuel for his vehicle.

    Mrs. Debby Oyowe said that her family would stock up food items and make arrangements to hold cash in case of any eventuality.

    Her words: “I am a little bit apprehensive about the coming polls. I have decided to stock up on foodstuffs. This is just contingency plan should there be anything untoward.”

     

    Residents stockpile food as tension grips Rivers

    Residents of Port Harcourt, Rivers State are feeling a sense of insecurity in the build-up to today’s elections and have resorted to stockpiling food items and making provisions for sufficient fuel such that there would be no reason for them to leave their homes after casting their votes.

    Gilbert Okoro, a businessman and tiles dealer, said: “I am not very interested in this election because it looks as if it will be bloody, especially with what is happening in Rivers State now; I mean the APC and PDP tussle. I have already made plans on how to play safe.”

    Asked how he plans to play safe, he said: “First of all, I will bring my children back from school. Three of my eldest children are in boarding school. I will bring them back home by Thursday so that they will remain at home until after the presidential election.

    “After that, I will buy everything we will need in the house for the whole weekend and buy enough fuel for my generator, so that nothing will take me out of the house the whole of the weekend.

    “I want to make sure that my house is secured, because whatever happens, the election will still hold. So, I will play my part well and wait for the rest.

    “The good thing is that my polling unit is just in the compound where I stay. So if the environment is rowdy, I will not bother coming out.

    “We don’t know what this election is coming with, so I will protect my family first and allow God do the rest.”

    For Nyeche Owhonda, a land agent, his wife will not vote because of the already existing political tension in the state.

    “I don’t have any plans. If that day comes, I will cast my vote and wait for the results. But my wife is not going to vote on that day. She will have to stay at home with the children.

    “I will make sure she finishes everything and anything that will bring her out that day. She will cook and make everything available for the children.”

    As for Mrs. Judith Echeche, a mother of two, the safety of her family matters more than the election. She will ensure that the two lads never step outside the house throughout the event, as their food and upkeep for the period will not be an issue.

    She said: “For that day, my husband has already fixed our faulty generator. With that, I can assure you that my children and I will not step out of the house. I will buy enough food and biscuits for them.

    “What I will need to do now is to ensure that I get good kiddies song CDs and others to keep them busy until the day goes by. As for my husband, he is a man and he knows what to do.”

    It is not different with a female primary school teacher identified simply as Joyce. For her, it is a day of good rest, which should be well utilised.

    “I am not going to vote for anybody on that day, so I am not making any plan for the day.

    “There is too much tension and power tussle in the country and the state in particular, so I don’t want to get involved. I will just stay in my house, sleep and wash my clothes. Nothing more.

    “However, I advise those who would want to participate to be careful and stay out of trouble.”

     

    Election blues in Kano

    As the political headquarters of the North, and indeed, one of the major deciding states in terms of the presidential election, the ancient commercial city is in the grip of election fever. Tension is rife in the state in the aftermath of last Sunday’s presidential campaign rally of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which led to pockets of violence in the state. Houses were burnt, cars smashed while there were serial attacks on the residences of some political figures.

    Innocent citizens were not also spared in the ugly development as miscreants and political thugs took advantage of the situation to unleash terror on residents, snatching cell phones; picking people’s pockets and stabbing whoever resisted their demands.

    Last Sunday, thugs suspected to be loyal to the PDP allegedly attacked the home of the state chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, where cars were smashed and the children were also maimed with severe machete cuts. In what looked like a reprisal, another set of thugs allegedly attacked the home of the governorship candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, burning parts of his building.

    Apart from these, pockets of attacks were also recorded across the state as jobless youths moved about with dangerous weapons, harassing innocent pedestrians. The PDP office was also reportedly torched. Hate speeches have continued to rent the air as rival parties threaten fire and brimstones. The rising tension, expectedly, put fear and apprehension in residents, especially the non-natives, some of whom have engaged in panic travelling as a result of distress calls from their home states.

    Speaking with The Nation, Mrs. Ijeoma Uwakwe, who was sighted at New Road Luxury Bus Park, ready to travel to the South East with her children, said she was forced to engage in the unplanned journey due to several calls she had received from the village.

    She said: “My brother, it is life first before wealth. I prefer to go back to my home state and starve there than stay in Kano and die as a result of this election. You are aware of what is happening in town. Since they have started this way now, who knows what will happen after the elections?”

    Another traveller, Mr. Adeola Oyetunde, recalled how he lost his wife in the 2015 post-election violence, saying: “I came back here to Kano because of the contract I was executing before that ugly incident. The death of my wife is still fresh in my memory. The atmosphere is already becoming tense. I have to run before it is too late. After the elections if nothing happens, I may come back.

    Checks carried out at the markets also revealed that residents engaged in panic purchase of goods, particularly foodstuffs whose prices had also skyrocketed. There are also visible queues in ATM stands as residents are seen withdrawing money in preparation for the unknown.

    However, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Waziri has cautioned politicians against instigating violence, warning that anyone found breaking the law would be made to face the wrath of the law, no matter how highly placed.

    According to him, already, 50 persons have been arrested for arson, thuggery and other election-related offences. Wakili pledged his preparedness to ensure a safe environment before, during and after the general election, adding that politicians and political parties participating in the exercise should play by the rules, as the police will ensure fair and equal treatment to all.

    According to him, “we will not allow a few people among us to operate as if there are no laws. We will not allow them to operate as if Kano is a jungle. We will not allow what happened on Sunday (10 February) to repeat itself. The position of the law in brandishing and carrying arms and dangerous weapons during political rallies, electioneering campaigns, elections and even ordinary days, is clear, and at all times, the law is in place.”

    The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has expressed dismay over the recent political unrest which led to several bloody attacks on innocent residents by hoodlums in the state. Addressing Journalists at his palace on Tuesday, Sanusi, who frowned at the resurgence of political thuggery in the state, called on the security agencies to live up to their responsibilities in curbing the ugly trend

    According to him, the resurgence of political thuggery calls for immediate concerns in the state. The Emir said the state is not at war and therefore, “we should not rise on to each other’s throats in the name of politics. We should avoid shedding the blood of innocent citizens and wanton destructions of lives and properties.”

    However, the Ethnic Community Leaders Association, Kano State (ECLAK) has made a clarion call, urging non-indigenes to remain in the state and perform their civic responsibilities as adequate measures have been taken to ensure security of lives and property during and after the 2019 general elections. In a Press Statement signed by ECLAK President-General, Dr. Jimoh Patrick Jimpat Aiyelanbge, ECLAK charged all members of ethnic communities’ registered voters resident in Kano to go out en mass and vote candidates of their choice during the general election.

     

    Niger residents in relaxed mood amid security beef-up

    In Minna, Niger State capital, most residents are relaxed about today’s elections and are not anticipating possible outbreak of violence. A resident, Samuel Yisa, said: “Well, my PVC is handy and I’m trusting God to see Saturday 16th February, 2019 to perform my civic duty as a citizen.

    “There is no need for me to rush to the market for any emergency purchase because the election is just for a day and the next day, I am optimistic that the markets will re-open on Sunday”

    Another resident, Valda Martins, believes God is in control: “Hmm! Saturday (today) election? God will have his way. I pray people go out to vote instead of going to sell their freedom and well-being for a token of 500 or 1000 naira.

    “I am not making any plans to withdraw more money than I need or making extra buys because I am not expecting any form of violence. We have been praying for peace and the Prince of Peace will make the exercise peaceful.

    “I have not voted before, but this time around, I intend to vote. I don’t think there will be any violence of any kind. So far, the campaigns have been peaceful, so why won’t the elections be peaceful?”

    Also speaking in the same vein, Mohammed Lawal, a resident of Minna, said: “I do not see any need for last minute purchases or withdrawals. And regarding security, I have confidence in INEC’s preparation and security arrangements. I have located my voter’s card, identified my polling station and sensitised friends on need to vote with advice on following guidelines on voting. I have also prayed and committed all things to the hands of God.”

    Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) disclosed that 2,250 of its officers would be deployed across the state for today’s elections.

    The state Commandant of the Corps, Mr. Philip Ayuba, also said the command would deploy plain clothe operatives in all the polling units in the 25 council areas of the state to that effect. He said the state is not known for electoral violence, but they would not take chances as efforts were being made to ensure the state does not encounter any election violence during and after the elections.

    Also, the Niger State Police Command vowed to deal decisively with any person or group of persons found disrupting the Presidential election.

    Apprehension in Benue

    There is palpable fear of violence in Markudi, Benue State capital. Many residents who spoke with our correspondent vowed to remain indoors today.

    A trader in Wurukum Market in Makurdi, Mrs Kate Emmanuel, told The Nation that since the market would be closed in the morning, she would stay indoor until the result was announced.

    She said: “I have stocked my kitchen with enough food because the political actors are talking tough and I’m afraid there would be violence. So I will remain in my house until the results are announced.”

    At Modern Market located on Naka-Adoka Road, a civil servant, Paul Adakole, who was seen buying foodstuffs, expressed fear that there might be outbreak of violence because most of the politicians are seeking second term in office.

    “There is anxiety and tension in this election because the incumbent wants to win at all cost. So on the election day, I will vote and rush home to be with my family,” said Adakole.

    Adakole said also that he had stocked enough food for his family in case of violence. He appealed to the politicians to caution there followers to play according to the rules.

     

    Concerns in Imo over IPOB’s threats

    Political parties and the electorate in Imo state are eager to participate in today’s elections. This much can be seen in their level of preparation. For the political parties, it has been a beehive of activities as they crisscross the length and breadth of the state canvassing for votes and making last-minute preparations to secure their votes, while the electorate are making desperate efforts to ensure that they collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    Major politicians and candidates participating in the election are in last-minute push to beat the deadline to end political campaigns, while most public schools will be shutting down from Thursday, 48 hours to the election.

    Security operatives have also stepped up preparations to ensure hitch free exercise. There is increased police visibility at various places regarded as flashpoints.

    Meanwhile the general mood in the state is devoid of the usual anxiety that precedes general elections. The people are going about their duties without any form of fear.

    But one major concern is the renewed campaign by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for people to boycott the election. Already, no fewer than three persons have been killed in pockets of clashes between the Biafra agitators and security agencies. Even though the Police has assured voters of adequate security during the election, the IPOB threat is a source of concern for the electorate.

    A voter, Chief Ukanwa Michael, who spoke with The Nation in Owerri during an interactive session organised for the electorate in Imo State by the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said: “We are eager to cast our votes on Saturday. We are also satisfied with the preparations by INEC and security operatives.”

    Would be voters who spoke with our correspondent also expressed their readiness to vote in Saturday’s election.

    Meanwhile the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Francis Ezeonu, has reassured the voters that the Commission will ensure a level playing ground.

    Plateau voters enthusiastic

    Residents of Plateau State, particularly Jos, are set for today’s elections. The enthusiasm to participate in the final processes of the election is very high.

    However, some of the residents are apprehensive that there could be trouble as a result of the election. Such feelings in some quarters does not reflect the minds of the majority. Only a few number of residents are nursing such fears.

    Some residents spoken to Terminus Market spoke their minds. One of them, Mrs. Dominic Aboh, said: “Yes, I’m buying foodstuffs ahead of the election. It is not for fear of the unknown; it is because you know it’s a routine that there is no movement on election day. So you have to buy ahead of that day so that you will have no reasons to go out and look for things to buy.

    “Of course there will be no market on that day. So, it is good to buy all you need for that day. If not, hunger will teach you a lesson.

    “You know that voting falls into weekend. The next day would be Sunday. So it is going to be two days off the market. That is why I’m buying foodstuffs ahead. I don’t have any fear that there will be trouble after the election.”

    Another resident, Michael Ozor, said there are fears of the unknown because of the two heavyweights involved in the presidential election, but nothing will happen. “Some people exercised such fear in 2015 but nothing happened. So, for me, I don’t have any fear in mind at all. The election is going to be peaceful,” he said.

    My Daniel Izang, a miner, said: “If there is any fear of violence during the election, there fear could be elsewhere, not in Plateau State, because there is no record of electoral violence in the state. The conduct of national election in Plateau State has always been peaceful, so I expect this one to also be peaceful. But some people who are naturally cowards are exercising fear. I don’t think such fear exists.”

    A taxi driver, Abel Ashom, said: “I have confidence that nothing will happen in this election because the two presidential candidates have carried out their rallies in Jos peacefully. Since their supporters did not clash, they will not clash during the elections. It’s going to be peaceful in Plateau State”

  • UK, US-backed monitor YIAGA to deploy 3,906 observers

    The Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA) Africa will deploy 3,906 observers on Saturday to observe the presidential and National Assembly elections.

    It said it would have mobile and stationary observers in the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and state collation centres.

    YIAGA 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.

    YIAGA Africa, in a briefing, said it would conduct parallel vote tabulation (PVT) – the gold standard observation methodology which it said has been utilised throughout Africa and the world.

    Its Communication Officer Moshood Isah said: “This deployment will enable YIAGA Africa to provide the most timely and accurate information on the opening of polls; the conduct of accreditation and voting; and the counting, announcement and posting of results throughout the country.

    “Based on reports from its observers in 1,515 sampled polling units, YIAGA Africa will also provide an independent projection of voter turnout and will be able to project the vote shares that each party should receive within a narrow 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, however, has the legal mandate to announce the election results.”

    YIAGA Africa Watching the Vote Chair Dr. Hussaini Abdu explain added: “YIAGA Africa’s observers, who have all been carefully selected and extensively trained in accordance with strict criteria to ensure their independence and neutrality, are properly accredited with INEC and have signed a project Code of Conduct to uphold standards of impartiality, objectivity and professionalism.

    “YIAGA Africa observes on behalf of all Nigerian people and speaks in their name on the basis of verified data.”

    The group will share a mid-day situational statement on the opening of polls, a preliminary statement on the conduct of the 16 February election process and will hold a final press conference to share its statement on the accuracy of the election results announced by INEC.

    “YIAGA Africa PVT findings are from a statistical sample of polling units located in all 774 LGAs that is truly representative of the entire country and therefore provide unbiased information on the overall conduct of the presidential election and the accuracy of the results.

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