Bajowa opposes Obasanjo on cancellation of Election Results

By EricJames Ochigbo

Former Adjutant General of the Nigerian Army, retired Gen. Olu Bajowa has advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to yield to the calls for cancellation of the results of the Feb. 25 presidential election.

Bajowa said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Bajowa specifically described former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s call for the cancellation of the election results as undemocratic, as it had no legal backing.

He said that although Obasanjo fought for the unity of Nigeria, his position on the 2023 presidential election results was unpatriotic.

“Such calls could truncate Nigeria’s democratic process at this very crucial stage,” he said.

Bajowa said that there was no provision for unilateral cancellation or annulment of election results in Nigeria’s constitution.

He also said that the call was totally wrong, undemocratic, unacceptable and unconstitutional.

“I advice President Muhammadu Buhari not to be deterred by the anti-democratic voices making the rounds and not be swayed, deceived, or persuaded to allow anyone to destroy his worthy legacy of excellent service to our great nation.

“A quick glance at the results announced so far by INEC, paint a clear picture of the direction to which the voice of the people is tilted,” he said.

The retired army general said that the election recorded many upsets which only a free and fair process could have produced.

“For instance, the official release of results so far showed that, President Buhari lost Katsina, Bola Tinubu lost Lagos, El-Rufai lost Kaduna, Ganduje lost Kano, Lalong lost Plateau.

“All these states are strongholds of the ruling political party; how else can a process be free, fair, and transparent,” he said.

Bajowa said that Nigeria was not a lawless country saying that the Constitution was clear on the conduct of elections, review of irregularities and punishment for infractions.

He said the grand norm also stated clearly that aggrieved parties in any election were to seek redress through the legal process.

“I call on all well-meaning Nigerians across political parties, tribes, and religion to rise and condemn any attempt by any persons of sinister motives, to create problems for our country.

“It could lead to anarchy that could endanger peace, unity, and stability of Nigeria, and even the disintegration of the country,” he said.

“I have never lost a battle” – Umahi reacts to senatorial victory

By Chukwuemeka Opara

Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has said that he has never lost a “battle” in life as God always sees him through challenges and adversities.

Umahi made the assertion on Tuesday in Abakaliki while officially reacting to his victory in the Ebonyi south senatorial district election held on Feb. 25.

The governor said it could had been an albatross for people of the district if he was not elected because Nigerians could have asked questions.

“The southern district should count itself lucky that I emerged because certain things are beyond politics.

“What excuse could they have given for not sending me to the senate to further fight for them and the entire state.

“Everyone in Nigeria has acknowledged the miracles in Ebonyi so why should the people not reciprocate with gratitude?” he queried.

He, however, remarked that such upliftment were not by his power but God’s special grace upon him.

“Whoever God has lifted cannot be brought down as he still taught me a lesson by allowing voting manipulations against me.

“God showed that what I did in Ebonyi could not guarantee me victory but his special grace.

“He allowed scheming to play out but still gave me victory at the end.

“He taught me to depend wholly on Him and though I always do so, it seemed I haven’t done so enough,” he said.

Umahi said in addition to the victory, the interest of Ebonyi is uppermost in his agenda.

“I worked immediately after the election, currently prepared for work as I speak and will work till the last day in office.

“It is what one has done for the people that will matter at the end and not the noise made,” he said.

Reginal Daniel’s hubby, Ned Nwoko, wins Delta North Senatorial seat

By Ifeanyi Olannye

The husband of a popular Nollywood actress, Regina Daniel, Mr Chinedu Nwoko (also known as Ned Nwoko), was, on Monday, declared the winner of Delta North Senatorial District seat in Delta.

Nwoko polled a total of 92,514 votes to defeat the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Mr Kennedy Kanma, who polled 86,121 votes and the incumbent and candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi, who scored 36,816 votes.

The Returning Officer, Dr Josephine Anene-Okeakwa, announced the results at the INEC collation centre in Oshimili South Local Government Area in Asaba.

However, the Minority Leader of House of Representatives, Mr Ndudi Elumelu, representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency on the platform of PDP, lost his election to Mr Ngozi Okolie of Labour Party.

It was reported that Elumelu, who is representing Oshimili North/Oshimili South/Aniocha North/South, ran for the fourth term in the House of Representatives.

Okolie, who contested for the seat on the platform of (PDP) in 2015, emerged victorious with a total of  53,879 votes to defeat Elumelu who polled 33,456 votes and Dr Tony Nwaka of APC who scored 11,712 votes.

The Returning Officer, Prof. Kenneth Ibe, who announced the result at the collation centre in Oshimili South Local Government Area, Asaba, said that Okolie was declared winner, having satisfied the requirements.

The Director-General, Ned Nwoko Campaign Council, Mr Pascal Adigwe, in an interview, hailed the electioneering process and lauded INEC for the hitch-free and peaceful election.

While admitting that the election was keenly contested, he, however, thanked God for Nwoko’s emergence as winner.

Folarin thanks Oyo voters, congratulates 3 APC Senators-elect, others

By Akeem Abas

Sen. Teslim Folarin, the Governorship candidate of APC, has expressed profound gratitude to electorate in the state for casting their ballots for the party’s candidate in the last Saturday election.

This is contained in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Yekeen Olaniyi and made available to newsmen on Monday in Ibadan.

Folarin, who doubles as the State Coordinator for Tinubu-Shettima Campaign Council, thanked the people for voting for APC candidates in the election.

He described the Feb. 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state as successful and relatively peaceful.

“Dear great people of Oyo State, I sincerely appreciate you for demonstrating extra-ordinary resilience and abiding faith in APC by voting en-masse for our candidates,” he said.

Folarin reassured the people that elected representatives on APC platform have great passions for a better Nigeria, saying that they would assist Tinubu in his quest to enthrone masses-focussed governance.

He enjoined the people of the state to also come out en-masse on March 11 to vote for him and APC House of Assembly candidates.

“A vote for us, is a vote for Itesiwaju Ipinle Oyo. We are highly committed to forward Oyo State for growth and development.

“With due respect to other candidates, I remain the most experienced public administrator and closest to the grassroots.

“I have represented Oyo Central Senatorial District for three terms and toured 351 wards of Oyo State on countless occasions,” he said.

The governorship candidate said he was contesting the seat to holistically improve security, education sector, agricultural sector, health sector, empowerment as well as employment of youths and women in the state.

“I want to grow the state economy, welfare of civil servants and pensioners, ensure local government autonomy, urban renewal and rural developments, clean environment, wealth creation and lots more,” he said.

Folarin said that his party has the capacity to do better than the current administration in the state, urging the people to take full advantage of Tinubu-Shettima Presidency.

The governorship candidate commended INEC, law enforcement agencies, election observers, media for their dedications and commitments to Nigeria’s democratic process.

Abia Speaker, Chinedum Orji, loses Umuahia/Ikwuano Fed. Constituency to LP

By Leonard Okachie

The Speaker, Abia House of Assembly, Mr Chinedum Orji, has lost Saturday’s poll for Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency.

Orji, son of the former Gov. Theodore Orji, lost to the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Mr Obi Aguocha.

Announcing the results on Monday, the Returning Officer, Prof Uma Oke, said that LP candidate polled 48,199 votes to defeat Orji of the PDP, who scored 35,196 votes.

He said that Mr Ogbonnaya Obilor of APC had 4,042 votes, while Mr Ogbonna Abariukwu of APGA got 2, 758.

He also said that Mr Obinna Nwosu of ADC scored 2386, while Mr Friday Chimaobi of YPP polled 1013 votes.

Others, including Patience Okorie of NNPP got 644 votes, Mr Christian Ibekwe Christian of NRM got 68 votes whereas Mr Nnamdi Ogbuagu of APP scored 347 votes.

Oke later told newsmen that they were awaiting the outcome of Osisioma Local Government Area polls to declare the results for Abia Central Senatorial District.

It was reported that Abia Central Senatorial District comprises six Local Government Area, including Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Osisioma, Isiala Ngwa South and Isiala North.

Abiru wins East Senatorial seat for APC in Lagos

By Yusuf Yunus and Augusta Uchedinor

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr Adetokunb Abiru, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as winner of Lagos East Senatorial District election.

Prof. Simeon Adebayo Oladipo, the Senatorial Returning Officer, announced Abiru as the winner on Monday in Lagos.

The Returning Officer for the East Senatorial District, who declared the results at about 12.48 p.m. at INEC Collation Centre, in Somolu, said that Abiru secured 178,646 votes.

With the figure, Oladipo said that Abiru beat his closest opponent, Mr Akobada Nicholas Adekunle of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who got 80, 249 votes.

It was reported that the Presidential and National Assembly elections were held nationwide in Nigeria on Saturday.

Our correspondent also reports that the East Senatorial District comprises of Somolu, Kosofe, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki and Ikorodu local governments.

According to Oladipo, nine political parties contested for the East Senatorial election seat.

The returning officer said that the election was contested and the candidates recorded the following votes.

Imumolen Ehijele Benedict, A, scored 2, 211 votes: Ashiru George Olalekan-Honey, ADC, scored 14, 713 votes; Olowolayemo Temitope Temitayo, BP, scored 1,049 votes and Lawal Nurudeen Folorunsho, NNPP, scored 7,305 votes.

Others are Ediale Christopher, NRM, scored 508 votes; Oluwaranmilowo Mayowa, SDP, scored 6,009 votes and Obadiaru Charles Imuenoghonwen, YPP, scored 4, 345 votes

Oladipo said, “I, Prof. Simeon Adebayo Oladipo, hereby, certify that I am the Returning Officer for the Lagos East Senatorial election, Somolu, held on the 25th day of February, 2023 that the election was contested

“Abiru having scored the highest votes at the election, has won the Lagos East Senatorial seat.

“l, hereby, declared Abiru Mikhail Adetokunbo, winner and returned elected on 27th February, 2023.

“Abiru Mikhail Adetokunbo of APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, has scored the highest number of votes, he is hereby declared the winner and returned elected on 27th February, 2023,” Oladipo said.

Yari wins Zamfara West Senate seat

By Ishaq Zaki

The former Governor of Zamfara, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, has won Zamfara West Senate position under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Returning Officer, Zamfara West Senatorial Election, Prof. Rufus Tinuola announced the results at the collation centre in Talata-Mafara on Monday.

Tinuola said Yari scored 147,346 votes against his closest opponent of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bello S-Fagon, who scored 58,832 votes.

He said other candidates were: AA Party scored 65 votes, Ibrahim Musa of ADC scored 150 votes, Ahmad Lawali of APP scored 75 votes and Aliyu Yahaya of LP with 111 votes.

The other candidates include: Sale Nasiru of APGA scored 258 votes, Sulaiman Lawali of ADP scored 239 votes and Abdulmalik Adamu of NNPP got 363 votes.

“Having satisfied the requirements of the law, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Zamfara West Senatorial District, Abdul’aziz Yari, is hereby declared winner and is returned elected,” he added.

Reacting to Yari’s victory, an APC chieftain in the state, Alhaji Sha’ayau Sarkinfawa, commended people of the area for voting Yari for the Senate position.

Sarkinfawa said that from the records as a former governor of the state, Yari has the qualities to be a representative of Zamfara West in the Red Chamber.

It was reported that there were wild celebrations in Talata-Mafara town over Yari’s victory.

INEC concludes collation of results in Lagos State

By Adeyemi Adeleye and Taiye Olayemi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday concluded state collation of Presidential Election’s results in Lagos State after about 18 hours of collation.

It was reported that the Presidential and NASS elections were held simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday.

The collation of results from the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Lagos state, which started at 6.30p.m. on Sunday evening was rounded up at 12noon on Monday, 48 hours after conclusion of the Saturday’s election.

The exercise was carried out at the Lagos State Collation Centre for the Presidential Election situated at INEC Media Centre at the commission’s headquarters in Yaba.

It was however stopped intermittently to wait for the arrival of results from some LGAs within the period.

The State Collation Centre Officer, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) after concluding the collation commended all stakeholders for patience and support.

Oladiji called in various party agents to signed the result before it would be moved to the nation’s capital, Abuja for the National Collation of results from the 36 state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

The exercise was conducted under the watch of party agents, domestic and foreign observers, security agences, the media and other stakeholders.

Reacting to the outcome, Mr Olusegun Mobolaji, the Chairman, Inter Party Advisory Committee, Lagos State told our reporter that the results showed that INEC had passed the test of democracy.

“The commission has shown that they do not belong to any political party. Kudos to INEC. Democracy is about the wishes of the majority of the people in any clime,”Mobolaji said.

Speaking, the PDP Agent at the collation centre, Capt. Tunji Shelle (Rtd) said that the election lacked credibility, as BVAS were allegedly comprised.

INEC to hold supplementary election at Anambra East/Anambra West Federal Constituency 

By Joy Mbachi

There shall be supplementary election in Anambra West and Anambra East Federal Constituency as INEC has detected over-voting in two polling units.

The Returning Officer, Dr Ugochukwu Okafor made the declaration on Monday at Otuocha, Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra.

He said that while the total number of accredited voters in the two affected polling units was 1,113, total votes cast were 28,579.

He explained that at Polling Unit 004 at Umualum Square in Aguleri Ward 2, 555 voters were accredited, while at Polling Unit 007 at Umugalagu, also in Aguleri Ward 2, 558 voters were accredited.

He added that at the end of vote-counting, Mr Peter Anaekwe of the Labour Party (LP) led with 14,847 votes while Chief Chinedu Obidigwe of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) got 13.782 votes.

Obidigwe is the incumbent member of the House of Representatives for the constituency.

Dr Okafor said in line with INEC regulations and the Electoral Act 2022, a new date shall be fixed to conduct fresh election in the two polling units.

Think more of Nigeria – MURIC urges politicians 

By Henry Oladele

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has appealed to candidates of political parties to think more of Nigeria as the nation await results of Saturday elections.

The group’s Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, made the call in a statement issued in Lagos on Monday.

Akintola urged all candidates to avoid inflammable statements and to demonstrate faith in the country’s electoral system.

The organisation further urged politicians and their followers to eschew post-election violence and to seek redress in the court of law, if aggrieved.

“Nigerians went to the polls on Saturday, Feb. 25, to pick their 16^th president, senators and representatives.

“As at today, Monday, Feb. 27, the results are still coming in trickles.

“But already, there have been pockets of violence in a few places around the country, although this has not been widespread and they have been contained.

“MURIC appeals to all candidates in the 2023 general elections to think more of Nigeria now and in the next few weeks,” he appealed.

He said that elections weighed heavily on contestants and the tendency is for emotions to run high among supporters.

“True democrats, responsible contestants and patriotic candidates are usually identified by the way they control their sentiments and how they guide their supporters towards actions capable of stemming tension.

He warned that the international community was waiting by the ringsides, adding that Nigeria must not be turned into a caricature of democracy and a laughing stock in the commity of nations.

“Neither should any candidate attempt to burn the bridge after crossing it because the lives of more than 200 million Nigerians are at stake.

“Therefore, candidates should realise that Nigeria is bigger than all the contestants put together,” he said.

Re-election in 9 polling units in Kogi successful, peaceful – INEC

By Thompson Yamput

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the re-election in nine polling units in Ganaja Village in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi was peaceful and successful.

Alhaji Haliru Sule, Kogi INEC Head of Voters Education and Publicity, made this known in in a interview with our reporter on Monday in Lokoja.

It was reported that INEC ordered re-election in the nine polling units on Sunday following its inability to conduct the Presidential and National Assembly elections due some logistic problems.

The affected polling units include the Fload Estate, Gadimo, Peace Community behind 500 Unit, Emiworo, Eidi-Groud, Harmony and Simi-Baby 1&2.

“But thanks be to God, the re-election was successfully and peacefully conducted in the affected polling units in Ganaja Village under tight security.

“We began accreditation around 1p.m. of Sunday and concluded between 1a.m and 2 a.m. of Monday, Feb. 27.

“Right now collation of the results is in progress at the Council Collation Centre,” he said.

Sule expressed gladness that the people of Ganaja Village were not disenfranchised in the 2023 general elections.

PDP wins Jigawa Central Senate seat

By Nasir Bashir

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has declared Mr Habib Mustafa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of Jigawa Central Senate seat.

INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Usman Haruna, who declared the results on Monday in Dutse said that Mustafa polled 153,731 votes to emerge winner.

Haruna said that Sen. Sabo Nakudu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polled 134,802 votes to place second.

He said that Mr Musa Bako of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP’s) scored 18,662 votes, while Mr Musa Abdullahi of ADC scored 620 votes.

He said that Hindatu Ibrahim of NRM scored 462 votes, while Gambo Bala Amina of SDP scored 292 votes.

It was reported that Nakudu, the incumbent senator was also a two-term member House of Representatives.

Salihu Mustapha wins Kwara Central Senatorial seat for APC

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

Malam Saliu Mustapha, a Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara Central, has been declared winner of Saturday’s election.

Prof. Abdullahi Abubakar, Returning Officers for the Senatorial Election in Kwara Central, announced Mustapha, early Monday morning, as the winner, having satisfied the requirements of the electoral law.

Abubakar said that Mustapha polled 109,823 votes against his close rival, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 69,202 votes.

Also, Mr Apaokagi Salahuddin of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), polled 13,193 to come third in the keenly contested election.

Ango Abdullahi’s son clinches Sabon Gari Federal Constituency seat

By Mustapha Yauri

Malam Sadiq Abdullahi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has won the Sabon Gari Federal Constituency in Kaduna state with 33,616 votes.

Dr Hashim Suleman, of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria the Returning Officer, announced the result in Zaria on Monday.

Suleiman declared Abdullahi winner of the election having defeated his closest contender, the incumbent member representing the area, Malam Garba-Datti Mohammed of the All Progressive Congress who scored 31,737 votes.

Garba-Datti Mohammed, who presently represents the constituency in the National Assembly for the fourth term, was seeking re-election.

”Sadiq Abdullahi, having satisfied the requirements, is hereby declared winner and returned elected.’’

The returning officer said the constituency had 217, 941 registered voter.

He said that out of the 217, 941 registered voters, 79, 580 voters were accredited for the election, while 76,654 valid votes were casted.

INEC officials held in Ogoja over missing Declaration Form

By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

Some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have been held in the commission’s office in Ogoja, Cross River over alleged missing “Declaration Form.”

It was reported that trouble started when after the declaration of Sen. Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe as the winner of the Cross River North senatorial district election and he could not be issued with the “Declaration Form” upon demand.

The Ogoja Electoral Officer, Mr Peter Kolo tried to convince the Senator that it would be issued later since the one meant for the senator-elect was not readily available.

This, however, infuriated supporters of the senator who demanded that it be issued immediately or no one would be allowed to leave the office premises.

However, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof Gabriel Yomere said, when responding through a phone call, that he sent the form along with other electoral materials.

Agom-Jarigbe’s supporters, however, blocked the gate of the compound and said no staff of the commission would be allowed to go out until the Declaration Form was presented to the Senator elect.

It was reported that the issue, which started around 3:05 a.m., was yet to be sorted out as at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, Agom-Jarigbe defeated Gov. Ben Ayade of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Cross River North Senatorial seat.

The Peoples Democratic Party candidate defeated the governor in the election conducted on Saturday with 76,145 votes against 56,595 votes.

SDP’s Akwashiki wins Senate seat for second-term

By By Awayi Kuje

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Sen. Godiya Akwashiki of the Social Democractic Party (SDP), as the winner of Saturday’s election for Nasarawa North Senatorial District.

The INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Ilemona Adofu of Federal University, Lafia, in the early hours of Monday in Akwanga, declared Akwashiki as the winner with 44,471 votes.

Akwashiki defeated the the former Executive Secretary, National Judicial Commission (NJC), Alhaji Danladi Halilu Envuluanza of the All Progressives Congress, who scored 32,058 votes.

It was reported that the People Democratic Party (PDP) scored 11,212 votes, New Nigeria Peoples Party 4,083 votes and All Progressives Grand Alliance 1,455 votes, among others.

“Godiya Akwashiki SDP having scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared as the winner of the election conducted on the 25th of February for Nasarawa North North Senatorial District,” Adofu said.

The Returning Officer said that the total registered votes in the zone were 338,042.

He added that votes cast were 101,863 while valid votes were 99,687 and rejected votes were 2,176.

Speaking in an interview, Alhaji Muluku Agah, the SDP Returning Agent of the senatorial election, appreciated God and the people of the zone for the re-election of Akwashiki.

Agah, who is a member representing Nassarawa Eggon East Constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, described the election as credible, free and fair.

The lawmaker, who is also the SDP candidate for Nassarawa Eggon East constituency for March 11 election, assured that Akwashiki would provide more dividends of democracy to the people of the zone.

INEC declares Wadada winner of Nasarawa West Senatorial District election

By Olukayode Babalola

Organisation tasks Nigerians on peaceful conduct

By Peter Amine

PDP Rep Abdulkarim loses second term bid

By Awayi Kuje

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has declared Mr. Umaru Jeremiah of All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the Akwanga/ Wamba/ Nassarawa Eggon federal constituency with 38,430 votes.

He defeated the incumbent member representing the Constituency, Alhaji Abdulkarim Usman, who scored 19, 681 votes.

Assoc. Prof. Dalhatu Musa of Federal University, Lafia, the INEC Returning Officer, in the early hours of Monday in Akwanga, declared Jeremiah as the winner of the election.

Other party votes scored included SDP-21284, NNPP- 8451 and APGA-1677, among others.

“Mr Umar Jeremiah of APC, having scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared as the winner of the election conducted on the 25th of February for Akwanga/ Wamba/ Nassarawa Eggon federal Constituency,” he said.

The Returning Officer said that the total registered votes in the zone were 338,042.

He added that votes cast were 99,598 while valid votes were 97,351 and rejected votes were 2,247.

In an interview, the APC Returning Agent of the election, Mr Bala John, described the outcome as a victoy for democracy.

He thanked the people of the constituency for electing Jeremiah as member of House of Representatives.

Reacting to results, Jeremiah dedicated his victory to God Almighty and the people of the constituency.

Maiduguri fire: Buratai sympathises with victims, govt

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai, has sympathised with victims, families and the Borno State Government over the Sunday morning fire that razed the popular Maiduguri Monday Market.

Buratai, who is the immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, conveyed his sympathy in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

He commended the Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, for his prompt response to the disaster by the donation of N1 billion as relief to the victims.

He also called on well-meaning and philanthropic Nigerians home and abroad to donate generously towards alleviation of the losses incurred by the victims.

“When I learned of the unfortunate fire that destroyed property worth billions of Naira at the renowned Maiduguri International Market, I was horrified, saddened, and distressed.

“To all the victims and their families, and the Borno State Government, I extend my sincere sympathy and condolences for the tragic losses.

“I share your pain at this trying moment.

“May Almighty Allah restore to all the victims their losses and the market be reconstructed within a very short time to enable business activities resume,” he said.

INEC officials held in Ogoja over missing Declaration Form

Ehigimetor Igbaugba

Some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have been held in the commission’s office in Ogoja, Cross River over an alleged missing “Declaration Form.”

The trouble started when after the declaration of Sen. Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe as the winner of the Cross River North senatorial district election and he could not be issued with the “Declaration Form” upon demand.

The Ogoja Electoral Officer, Mr Peter Kolo tried to convince the Senator that it would be issued later since the one meant for the senator-elect was not readily available.

This, however, infuriated supporters of the senator who demanded that it be issued immediately or no one would be allowed to leave the office premises.

However, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof Gabriel Yomere said, when responding through a phone call, that he sent the form along with other electoral materials.

Agom-Jarigbe’s supporters, however, blocked the gate of the compound and said no staff of the commission would be allowed to go out until the Declaration Form was presented to the Senator-elect.

The issue, which started around 3:05 a.m., was yet to be sorted out as at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, Agom-Jarigbe defeated Gov. Ben Ayade of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Cross River North Senatorial seat.

The Peoples Democratic Party candidate defeated the governor in the election conducted on Saturday with 76,145 votes against 56,595 votes.

2023 Election: Tinubu leads in Lagos as INEC declares results of 17 LGAs

By Adeyemi Adeleye/Taiye Olayemi

The APC Presidential Candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu, is in the early lead as INEC collated presidential election results of 17 out of 20 local government areas of Lagos state.

APC won 10 of the local government results declared so far while the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, won in seven in the closely contested presidential election.

The Candidate of the PDP, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is coming behind in a distant third.

The exercise, which started at about 6.30 p.m. on Sunday evening at INEC Media Centre at the commission’s headquarters in Yaba, was stopped intermittently to wait for the arrival of results from some LGAs.

The yet to be presented LGAs results are those of Ojo and Alimosho LGAs while results from Mushin, though presented but to be approved and accepted.

The State Collation Centre Offficer, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), who announced a break at 4.a.m. said that the collation would resume at 10.a.m. on Monday.

NAN reports that the APC won in Agege, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Surulere and Lagos Mainland LGAs while LP won in Ajeromi Ifelodun, Amuwo-Odofin, Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo and Somolu LGAs in the announced and submitted results so far.

The election results were presented by various Local Government Area Collation Officers and accepted by Oladiji after approval.

There were some cases of results cancellation in few polling units for various reasons like overvoting, non-usage of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), violence and others.

The exercise is being conducted under the watch of party agents, domestic and foreign observers, security, and media among other stakeholders who had waited all night to see the end of the collation.

The Presidential and NASS elections were held simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday.

Poll results: Organisation tasks Nigerians on peaceful conduct

By Peter Amine

International Organisation for Peace Building and Social Justice, a non-governmental organisation, has urged Nigerians to conduct themselves peacefully as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declares Presidential and National Assembly election results.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Mr Ishaya Durkwa, who briefed newsmen on Sunday evening, appealed to Nigerians not to take actions that could cause violence of any kind in the country.

Durkwa said that Nigeria lost so many lives in different forms of crises in the last few years and must avoid anything that would endanger more lives.

The executive director advised those that might not be comfortable with the outcome of the elections to explore other alternatives rather than resort to violence.

“I call on Nigerians to insist for what is fair, what is right, what is just in a peaceful way.

“We have different avenues that we can seek redress. We don’t want people to go on the streets, we don’t want riots.

“We don’t want killing and burning of buildings. We want peace in our nation,” he stated.

Durkwa, however,  called on INEC to declare results that were fair and just that reflect how the people voted.

He called on INEC to look into numerous cases where many people were unable to cast their votes for no fault of theirs.

“We are calling on leaders who participated in the signing of the peace accord to rise and ensure that the peace we have been enjoying in the past few months is not truncated.

“This is time for you to work assiduously and collaborate with INEC and all well-meaning Nigerians to make sure that nobody is disenfranchised or shortcahnged.

“Everybody have the right to express his civic responsibility and it’s important that these leaders get together and deny themselves sleep to see that what needs to be done is done.

“This is the only way to sustain peace. Peace is is a consequence of justice where there is no justice, there will be no peace,” he added.

 

SDP’s Akwashiki wins Senate seat for second-term

By Awayi Kuje

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Sen. Godiya Akwashiki of the Social Democractic Party (SDP), as the winner of Saturday’s election for Nasarawa North Senatorial District.

The INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Ilemona Adofu of Federal University, Lafia, in the early hours of Monday in Akwanga, declared Akwashiki as the winner with 44,471 votes.

Adofu defeated the former Executive Secretary, the National Judicial Commission (NJC), Alhaji Danladi Halilu Envuluanza of the All Progressives Congress, who scored 32,058 votes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the People Democratic Party (PDP) scored 11,212 votes, New Nigeria Peoples Party 4,083 votes and All Progressives Grand Alliance 1,455 votes, among others.

“Godiya Akwashiki SDP having scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared as the winner of the election conducted on the 25th of February for Nasarawa North North Senatorial District,” Adofu said.

The Returning Officer said that the total registered votes in the zone were 338,042.

He added that votes cast were 101,863 while valid votes were 99,687 and rejected votes were 2,176.

Speaking in an interview, Alhaji Muluku Agah, the SDP Returning Agent of the senatorial election, appreciated God and the people of the zone for the re-election of Akwashiki.

Agah, who is a member representing Nassarawa Eggon East Constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, described the election as credible, free, and fair.

The lawmaker, who is also the SDP candidate for Nassarawa Eggon East constituency for March 11 election, assured that Akwashiki would provide more dividends of democracy to the people of the zone.

Kogi: INEC cancels 11 polling units results over thuggery, BVAS

By Thompson Yamput

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cancelled results of 11 polling units in Kogi on Saturday, over thuggery and failure of a Presiding Officer (PO) to operate the BVAS correctly.

The results of 10 polling units were cancelled in Ofu Local Government Area (LGA) due to activities of political thugs, and a polling unit in Yagba East LGA due to ineptness of a PO.

Dr Alhassan Abdulrahaman, the Collation Officer for Yagba LGA, on Sunday disclosed cancellation in his area, while presenting the results to the State Collation Officer, Prof. Wahab Egbewale (SAN), Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin.

It is worthy of note that Abdulrahaman had barely finished his presentation when Egbewale asked him whether any result was cancelled in the area and he answered in the affirmative.

“Yes Sir, we do have cause to cancel some results in Yagba East Local Government during last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections.

“At Unit 006 of Ward 10, we have no option than to cancel the results of that particular unit on a simple reason that the PO didn’t know how to operate the BVAS issued to her for the exercise.

“It looks as if she wasn’t trained for the job, because we tried to help her, but she couldn’t pick up. We were so amazed.

“At that point we had no option than to cancel the result of that very unit,” Abdulrahaman explained.

Prof. Abdullahi Musa-Yusuf, Collation Officer (CO) for Ofu LGA of Kogi, while presenting his results, said results of 10 units had to be cancelled due to activities of political thugs.

Musa-Yusuf said the political thugs invaded the affected units in Itobe and Ayaji wards and packed away the election materials, a situation he said disrupted the election in those units.

He disclosed that more than 6, 600 votes in those units had to be cancelled.

NAN reports that results of a total of 14 out of 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi were received by the Prof Egbewale led team at the Kogi Situation Room/Collation Centre, including, Bassa, Idah, Igalamela-Odolu, Umala, Okehi and Olama-Boro.

Dekina, Adavi and Ibaji LGAs, whose results could not tally were asked to go and tidy up and return on Monday to represent theirs.

Egbewale, thereafter, thanked all stakeholders including patties’ agents, security operatives, observers, journalists and INEC officials adjourned the collation to 11.am of Monday, Feb. 27 for continuation.

PDP’s Madaki wins Dutse/Kiyawa Federal Constituency seat in Jigawa

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Alhaji Dahiru Madaki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winner of Saturday’s election for Dutse/Kiyawa Federal Constituency seat in Jigawa.

The INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Musa Okpanachi, declared Madaki, who polled 47,836 votes as winner at the Dutse/Kiyawa Collation Centre in Dutse on Monday.

Okpqnqchi said that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Kyamba scored 36,718 votes.

The returning officer also announced that Shehu Muhammad of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) scored 2,729 votes.

2023: INEC declares Sen. Barau Jibril of APC, 2 APC candidates as winners in Kano

By Aminu Garko

The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) on Sunday announced Sen.Barau Jibril of the All Progressive Congress (APC)  as the winner of Kano North senatorial election.

Prof. B.M Tijjani Returning Officer announced the result at INEC office in Bichi town, headquarters of Bichi Local Government Area.

Jibril scored 234,262 votes to defeat Dr Baffa Bichi of NNPP, who scored 177,014 votes.

Similarly, the INEC has declared Yusuf Ahmed Badau, also of the APC as winner of Saturday’s election for Shanono/Bagwai Federal Constituency of Kano State.

The Returning Officer, Prof.Hafizu Yakasai announced the result on Sunday at the Bagwai INEC office.

Yakasai said that Badau scored 27,706 votes to defeat his closest rival, Musa Suleiman Shanono of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), who polled 23,027 votes.

Similarly, the commission had also declared Abubakar Kabir Abubakar of APC as the winner of the Bichi Federal Constituency.

Prof. Sunusi Adam, returning officer announced this at INEC office on Sunday in Bichi.

Abubakar scored 38,943 votes to defeat Abdullahi Bichi of the NNPP who scored 15,434 votes.

INEC postpones announcement of election results in C’ River

By Christian Njoku

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has postponed the announcement of election results in Cross River to 10am on Feb. 27.

This was disclosed by Prof. Gabriel Yomere, INEC’S Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC) for Cross River on Sunday night at about 9 pm at the state collation centre in Calabar.

According to him, the postponement was due to the fact that they have received the result of only Etung Local Government Area, out of the 18 LGAs in the state.

The postponement was the second time on Sunday due to the lack of results coming in from the 18 LGAs in the state.

The event which was earlier scheduled for 12 noon was postponed to 7 pm because no results had been received at the time.

In an interview with journalists at the state collation in Calabar, Yomere said they were supposed to commence the collation by 7pm but at about 9pm only the result from Etung LGA was available for the announcement.

“We all know that election continued till Sunday in some LGA’s in the state and in many of them, especially from the northern part of Cross River collation was still on at the Ward level.

“Also, we all know that from Cross River North to Calabar takes about six to seven hours; by the time they finish the collation at the ward levels there, it would be about 12 midnight and they can only get to Calabar by 7am or 8am on Feb. 27.

“Just taking one result and waiting all through the night is not profitable, so, the state collation officer and I decided to shift the announcement to 10am on Feb. 27,” he narrated.

While appealing to the various stakeholders to be patient, he said by Feb. 27, they were sure that about 80 per cent of the collated results from the LGAs would have come in.

The INEC Secretariat in Calabar, venue of the collation and announcement of the result of the presidential and national assembly election, in Cross River was heavily guarded with the presence of armed military and paramilitary officials.

Polls: Labour Party alleges malpractice, calls for cancellation, Presidency’s intervention

By Angela Atabo

Labour Party has alleged malpractices in the result collation of the Presidential and National Assembly elections on Feb. 25.

The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, said this at a news conference to address the serious matters arising from the 2023 election.

Abure said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by its conduct has caused Nigerians, particularly youths, who took part in this election with high hopes of a free and transparent process to hold strong feelings of disappointment and disillusionment.

“The Electoral Act was amended in 2022 for the electronic transmission of results after they are declared at the polling units.

“Nigerians participated in this process with the belief that the use of technology and adherence to the agreed electronic transmission of results to INEC servers at polling units would ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.

“Yesterday, being Saturday, Feb.25, 2023, the very process which INEC assured Nigerians would be followed was truncated for whatever reasons.

“No matter what those reasons are, they are totally unacceptable to Nigerians and members of the party.

“INEC servers shut down and only presidential elections could not be uploaded on to the INEC server.”

Abure said that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) did not work as planned.

“This failure no doubt has given room for manipulation of the presidential results being announced by the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu at the Collation Centre in Abuja.

“We have sufficient documentary evidence that confirms that manipulations of the presidential elections results have occurred in Lagos, Rivers, Imo, Parts of Edo State, Delta State, and some Northern States.

“These manipulations were carried out under the watchful eyes and connivance of police officers at the various election units and INEC offices.”

Abure said that 24 hours after the elections, INEC was yet to upload the authentic results adding that the excuse that the server was down was “flimsy and not tenable”.

He said that the irregularities in the electoral process adding that the election had been marred by irregularities and the integrity of INEC and its Chairman was now in doubt.

“We, therefore, call on Mr President,Muhammadu Buhari, who promised Nigerians that he would leave a legacy of free, fair, and credible elections, assuring Nigerians, on several occasions, that their votes would count and that the process leading to the elections would be transparent and open.

“We are calling on you to live up to your promise to Nigerians as millions of Nigerians, particularly, the youth, participated in the 2023 elections with the hope that Mr President would keep to his promise of a free, fair, and transparent election.”

Abure said that Labour Party also called on the INEC Chairman to ensure that the wishes of the people were upheld.

He said the party and its presidential candidates would not accept results that reflected the actual voting results obtained at polling units across the country.

 

Defeated APC Reps candidate in Kogi congratulates winner

By Stephen Adeleye

Mr Florunsho Olafemi, the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate for Yagba Federal constituency in Kogi, has congratulated the winner of the election, Mr Leke Abejide of African Democratic Congress (ADC).

”I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your well-deserved victory,” Olafemi said in a statement issued on Sunday Olafemi in Lokoja.

“With this victory, I am confident that the issues and challenges facing our people will be addressed.

“I also pray you will help create a platform where new and young minds will emerge to build a better Yagba land.”

He urged Abejide to strive to fulfill all the promises he made to the people of the constituency.

“With the elections behind us, please, let me know how we can collaboratively work for a better Yagba Land. It shall always be “Yagba First”, Olafemi added.

Elections: Coalition expresses concern over slow upload of results

By Angela Atabo

A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has expressed worry over the slow upload of the Presidential and National Assembly election results.

Mr Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive, Connected Development (CODE)who spoke on behalf of the Civil Society Organisations on Sunday in Abuja, said that at the INEC result portal currently has only results for 40,000 polling units.

Lawal said “this is most disturbing as we are aware that INEC created over 50,000 new polling units with less than 100 registered voters in each of them.

“This is even as elections have since been concluded in most of these polling units at 2:30p.m., yesterday.

“One would expect that by midnight of yesterday, all this polling units results should have been uploaded.

“This expectation is coming from the experience we observed in the Ekiti and Osun Gubernatorial elections, where we witnessed over 95 per cent of the results uploaded before midnight on election day.”

He said that the CSOs were forwarding to INEC some of the reports they were got from the field.

Lawal said that with 20,000 community-driven observers on the ground, CODE and its partners using the Electoral Intelligence tool, Uzabe, noticed a worrisome trend across the nation.

He said that these pointed to the gaps and unpreparedness within the structure of the electoral process and which threaten the credibility of this election.

The coalition said that there were several reports which indicated that in states like Ekiti, Cross River, Imo, and Rivers, INEC had their Local Government Area (LGA) collation centers relocated without adequate information to stakeholders.

“In Ekiti especially, we have it on good authority that all LGA collation centres were relocated, and in most cases, accredited observers were outrightly denied access to were results were being collated.

“This happened in Oru East, Imo State, where our observers confirmed that no election was held and in fact, some voters were asked to vote in a private residential building of a party chieftain, which is clearly against INEC guidelines and the electoral act.

“Yet we have results from that LGA. This is an indictment on INEC and all that our constitution stands for,” the group said.

Lawal said that CODE and its partners call on INEC to indeed be independent and serve the people what the constitution has mandated it to serve.

“Therefore, we are calling on INEC to address these issues immediately. We are also calling on the Nigerian police as the lead agency on election security to monitor,” he said.

Alaafin’s son, Akeem, retains Oyo Federal Constituency seat for 3rd time

By David Adeoye

Akeem Adeyemi, one of the sons of the late immediate past Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has won the Atiba/ Afijio/Oyo East/Oyo West Federal Constituency seat for the third time.

Adeyemi, popularly known as SKIMEH, is currently representing the federal constituency and re-contested on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adeyemi had earlier won the federal constituency seat in 2015 and 2019.

The result was declared at the collation center for the federal constituency situated within the premises of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Oyo East Local Government area in Akunlemu area of Oyo.

Adeyemi scored a total of 34, 822 to defeat all other candidates who participated in the election.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mudashiru Akinlabi, scored 31,671, while Oyedemi Oyeleru of Accord scored a total of 13, 544.

Yesufu Ademola of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) scored 77 votes and Ogunniyi Olaoluwa of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) scored a total of 1,951 votes.

Also, INEC on Sunday declared the candidate of APC, Aderemi Oseni, the winner of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, in the Saturday’s National Assembly election.

Prof. Dayo Akinola, the INEC Returning Officer, announcing the results, said Oseni scored the highest votes of 26, 285 to defeat his closest rival, the incumbent, Rep. Oluyemi Taiwo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 10,988 votes.

LP candidate snatches Kaura Federal Constituency seat from PDP

By Philip Yatai

Mr Donatus Mathew of the Labour Party has won the Kaura Federal Constituency seat in the Feb. 25 Presidential and National Assembly Elections in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Returning Officer, Prof. Elijah Ella, who declared the result in Kaura on Sunday, said Mathew polled 10,508 votes, to defeat his closest opponent, who is also the incumbent, Mr Gideon Gwani of PDP, who garnered 10,297 votes.

The defeated PDP lawmaker is taking a shot at the seat for the fifth time.

The Returning Officer said Prof. Benjamin Gugong of the All Progressive Congress came third with 9,919 votes, while Mr Simon Na’Allah of the New Nigeria Peoples Party came fourth with 5,354 votes.

He explained that a total of 36,983 voters were accredited, out of the 101,624 registered voters in the LGA.

He added that of the 36,983 accredited voters, 36,133 cast their votes.

“Mr Donatus Mathew of the Labour Party, having satisfied the requirements of the law by scoring the highest votes, is hereby declared the winner,” he said.