TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2023

10:31am

PDP Rejects Suspension of Enugu Governorship Election Results Collation

The Campaign Council of the Enugu State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disagreed with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on its decision to suspend the announcement of the final results and halt the declaration of Dr. Peter Mbah as the winner of the Enugu State governorship contest, stressing that the election management body was overreaching itself, as it could not, by law, suspend the declaration of an already collated result.

The PDP equally also said INEC was wrong to present the Abia and Enugu cases as the same.

The party stated these at a press conference addressed by the spokesperson of the Enugu State PDP Campaign Council, Barr. Nana Ogbodo, in Enugu on Monday.

The PDP said: “Putting the Abia and Enugu situations in one basket clearly shows that the national headquarters of INEC is mixing things up or has not been properly briefed. There is absolutely nothing like outstanding local governments as far as the collation process in Enugu State is concerned.

“Unlike the situation in Abia State, the results of the entire 17 LGAs of Enugu State, including those of Nkanu East and Nsukka LGAs, have been fully collated by the Returning Officer, Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, on Sunday the 19th of March. What remains for the INEC is to sum up the returns by the Local Government Returning Officers and declare our candidate, Dr. Mbah the governor-elect.

“That is why we are saying that INEC is overreaching itself; they have no powers at this stage to suspend the pronouncement or declaration of the winner of the election, which is our candidate.

“Section 64(8) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that where collation has been completed as in the present case of Enugu State, the duty of the collation officer, who collated the result is to announce the result and make a declaration. Therefore, having collated the results from Nsukka LGA and Nkanu East LGA, the statutory duty and legal responsibility of the State Returning Officer is simply to announce and declare the results, as INEC cannot, by law, suspend the declaration of result already collated”.

On issues relating to accreditation and votes cast in a polling unit and the fate of such votes where they exceed the number of accredited voters in such units, the PDP said such are guided by Section 51(2) of the Act.  

“The position of the law is that a Returning Officer has no power to cancel any results at the stage of collation.  The only option open to any person dissatisfied with the process is to resort to Section 130(1) of the Electoral Act, which vests the power to receive and adjudicate petitions complaining of an undue election or undue return in an election in the tribunal or court.

“As a matter of fact, we are dissatisfied with the result from Nsukka Local Government Area. We are dissatisfied with the results from Udenu, Isi-Uzo, Ezeagu, and more. But is not for us to take the laws into our hands or indulge in self-help.   That is why we are ready to go and interrogate those results at the appropriate quarters because we can no longer complain as the collation has been completed.

“INEC cannot choose the ones you will collate to release the result and the ones you will collate and withhold the result”, the PDP emphasised.

“We believe that the Returning Officer for Nkanu East Local Government Area has duly complied with the provision of Sections 64(4)(a)&(b) and Section 64(a)&(d) of the Electoral Act 2022. 

”We consequently restate our position that the only option left to INEC acting through the State Returning Officer for the Enugu State Governorship Election under Section 64(8) of the Electoral Act 2022 is to announce the results and make a declaration of the winner of the election.

“We therefore call on INEC to immediately announce the summation of the 17 local governments it has already collated and declare Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah the winner of the March election”, the PDP reiterated.

The PDP also expressed worries that the INEC was already overheating the Enugu polity by the needless delay in the pronouncement of the winner of the governorship election.

“We will continue to caution that INEC should not take the patience of the electorate and people of Enugu for granted. We know what it took us today to rein in their voluminous anger as it relates to the delay in the declaration of Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah as governor-elect and we are calling on the INEC to cease forthwith this foot-dragging and declare our candidate the duly elected candidate in the last election” the PDP stressed.

The party also condemned what it described as desperate and hypocritical approach of the Labour Party to the elections.

“In the instance, our Enugu East senatorial candidate lost his election to return to the Senate to the Labour Party. It was the same process that produced the result that gave Labour Party the victory that also produced the winner of the governorship election in the Nkanu East in the same senatorial zone. But while the Labour Party has accepted the result for the Senate, they are contesting the governorship that the same process produced. This is hypocrisy”, the party concluded.

7:11am

PDP’s Kefas Agbu Wins in Taraba

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday  declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), retired Col. Kefas Agbu, as winner of last Saturday’s governorship election in Taraba.

Agbu polled 257,926 votes to defeat the candidates of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Prof. Sani Yahaya who got 202,278 and Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha of the APC who polled 141,592 votes.

The returning officer for Taraba, Prof. Muhammed  Abdulaziz, declared the results.

He said:”the PDP candidate, having won majority votes and satisfied all requirements of the law is declared winner of the Saturday polls and returned elected”.

Meanwhile, the governor-elect  Agbu has described his victory as a triumph of the people’s will.

Agbu who said that the battle was a very tough one, noted  that in every contest, there was  bound to be a winner and a loser.

He urged all contestants to get onboard to build a Taraba of the future.

Gov. Darius Ishaku on his part congratulated the governor-elect and said that he was happy to be handing over to another PDP governor. (NAN)

7:05am

PDP’s Dauda Lawal Defeats Gov Matawale, Wins Zamfara Guber Poll 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday in Gusau, declared Dr Dauda Lawal-Dare of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)  winner of the 2023 Governorship election.

INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Kassimu Shehu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, said Lawal  polled 377,726 valid votes from the 14 local government areas.

Shehu said Lawal defeated Gov. Bello Matawalle of the APC and the incumbent Governor of Zamfara who scored 311,976 valid votes.

“I Prof. Kassimu Shehu of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, certify that I am INEC Returning Officer for Zamfara State.

“That Dr. Lawal Dauda of the PDP, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is declared winner and returned elected,” Shehu declared. (NAN)

4:05am

YPP Rejects A’Ibom Guber, House of Assembly Election Results

Okon Bassey in Uyo

The Young Progressives Party (YPP), Akwa Ibom State, has totally condemned and rejected  the conduct of the governorship and State House of Assembly in the state, vowing to challenge the results in the court.

At a press conference in Ùyo yesterday, the state secretary of YPP,  Ambassador Kelvin Umoh alleged massive rigging, intimidation , violence and killing executed by agents of the state government and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the conduct of the elections.

“Not only do we seek redress against the misconduct of the polls; we are also calling for dispassionate action against all perpetrators of evil on that Election Day and for those who killed innocent souls to face justice,” he said.

Umoh, who said the elections were “not the will of the electorate In Akwa Ibom State” noted that   reports from YPP agents, voters and independent observers corraborated by credible intelligence have given evidence that the elections were rigged against the will of electorate.

The YPP secretary also alleged that fake security personnel, who dressed in police, military and para-military uniforms, were used against YPP agents and supporters in polling units and registration area centres across the state.

 “The electorate in Akwa Ibom State witnessed a spectacle of well-orchestrated rigging scheme and bloodletting brazenly executed during the gubernatorial/state house of assembly polls by agents of Governor Udom Emmanuel–led administration and officials of INEC in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“At the collation and announcement of the gubernatorial election result on Sunday, March 19, 2023 by INEC, we, as a party, did not append our signature on the result sheet because it doesn’t reflect the will of the electorate in Akwa Ibom State.

“Reports from party agents, voters and independent observers as corraborated by credible intelligence, were categorical that the conduct of the gubernatorial/state house of assembly election was a mere ruse on the intelligence of the electorate who had earnestly desired to use the opportunity to usher in the right leadership in the next dispensation for the State.

“To pull the wool over the eyes of poll observers and members of the public, the rigging syndicate of the state administration and INEC officials selected a few locations to allow the conduct to run a bit fairly – mainly in most parts of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and Uyo Senatorial District while Eket Senatorial District was shambolic, as most of the polling units’ results were pre-written.

“Worse still, the PDP state administration also deployed hired thugs who were dressed in police, military and para-military uniforms to kill, molest, maim and chase away YPP’s Party Agents and supporters in the Polling units and Registration Area Centres (RACs) across the State.

“Instances abound like the case in Ibiono Ibom where PDP armed militia killed some of our supporters including Mr Abraham Bassey Ekpenyong at the INEC office. This dastardly act was carried out by a team of police men from Government House, Uyo led by Danjuma Saleh who moved in a convoy of six white Hilux pickup trucks.

“In Atan Offot, Uyo, a YPP Local Government Agent was beaten mercilessly by thugs, about 15 in number, led by Mr. Ime Uwah, SSA to Governor Udom Emmanuel who personally had a gun with him.

“Mr Ime Uwah’s gang also went around polling units in Atan Offot to chase away YPP agents and key supporters while carting away electoral materials and results from these units – inflated them and announced in favour of the PDP. This carting away was done even in the presence of foreign observers.

“Furthermore, three of our supporters were killed at Etim Ekpo and several others in other LGAs across the state. Even at Onna LGA, where Governor Udom Emmanuel hails from, thugs in police and military uniforms led by his Chief protocol officer, Mr Edmond Ufang, intimidated and maimed our supporters freely. In fact, any person identified as a supporter of YPP was decreed as a persona non grata, deserving elimination” YPP State Secretary stated.

“Aside these ugly scenes, the fact is that fake result sheets as against the originals pre-signed by the REC were used in collating results in most units across the state.

“We have official reports that the same dastardly acts played out in other areas of the State including but not limited to all LGAs in Eket senatorial district, and some local government areas in the state like Ini, Ukanafun, Oruk Anam, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Abak, Essien Udim, Ikot Ekpene, Itu, Etinan, and Uruan.

“Also worth mentioning is the massive hijacking of electoral materials in these LGAs by the PDP agents in collusion with INEC staff and security personnel in these areas.

“For instance, materials in Ini LGA were hijacked to Dr Glory Edet’s house; that of Ika to Barr Utibe Nwoko’s house; that of Ikot Abasi to Engr. Uwem Okoko’s house; Eket to Hon Francis Archibong’s house; Oron to Senator Akon Eyakenyi’s house, etc.

“On another plank, the state government and the PDP agents were seen brazenly and openly paying people N10,000 to buy their votes. Credible intelligence suggest that the state government and the PDP agents paid about N1.3 million per unit across the 4,353 units in the state, $5,000 to each ward across the 329 wards in the state as part of their voters buying strategy,” he stated.

The party called on the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Foreign Missions, International Observers and relevant bodies to stand up against the malfeasance by INEC and the PDP in the March 18 elections in the State.

4:01am

Ovia West Women Protest Inconclusive Election in Edo

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Protest erupted at the Independent National Electoral Commission office in Benin City, when women from Ovia South-west Constituency, protested the declaration of election in the area as inconclusive by the Returning Officer, Prof. Francis Omoruyi.

The women during the protest, said they wanted the electoral umpire to declare the APC candidate, Sunday Aghedo as the winner of last Saturday’s state assembly election.

The protest was  on the heels of call by the chairman of Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), Dr. Samson Isibor, who alleged irregularities in several voting centres and massive vote-buying by agents allegedly loyal to the Peopels Democratic Party (PDP) led government in parts of Edo South senatorial district, Edo Central and Edo North.

He said the coalition would consider legal options to address the situation if the electoral umpire allowed the noticed irregularities unaddressed.

At the INEC office, spokesperson of the women, Mrs. Angela Okpame, while commending INEC for the conduct of the said: “We voted for Hon Sunday Aghedo in 2019 he was denied inauguration and so for four years, Ovia South West had no representation and by 2023, God did it again, we voted for him again to return to the house.

 Hon Sunday Aghedo won the election, the result has been uploaded only for one man, Professor Omoruyi that wants to rub the name of INEC in the mud, announced that the election was inconclusive.”

Also, a petition by counsel to Aghedo, Ogbankwa Douglas said Aghedo won the election based on results declared at the wards by the “Returning Officers at the Ward, with copies of the prescribed Form EC8 Series, with no incidence whatsoever and with the results returned, being in full compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022.”

Also the state chairman of the APC, Col David Imuse called on the INEC to prevail on Omoruyi to release the results just as he expressed surprise that the returning officer is from the same Iguobazuwa that the Peoples Democratic Party (PFDP) hails, from receiving the protesters, INEC Head Voter Education and Publicity, Timidi Wariowei said he has listened to their complaints and the petition from Aghedo which he said the Benin office of the INEC would send to its headquarters where a final decision on the matter would be taken.

4:00am

Ekiti Assembly Poll: Group Commends INEC, Says BVAS Best for Nigeria

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado-Ekiti

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the people of Ekiti State have been commended for a
peaceful and credible election during Saturday election.

Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC), a leading human rights coalition that monitored the Saturday poll, specifically commended INEC performance, the public and government in Ekiti State.

The NHRC specifically noted that “the peaceful conduct of the election and the non-interference of the various institutions, including the political and security operatives, have left a remarkable milestone worthy of emulation in other states of the federation.”

The group commended INEC for the introduction of BVAS, saying it is the hope for Nigerians’ search for elections that meet international standards. NIHRC said it would produce a comprehensive account of the election to be distributed to local and international communities.

The group said all through the exercise, there were no killings, no reports of violence, no snatching of ballots papers, and voters were orderly while the political actors conducted themselves with decorum.

It said significantly, in many polling stations, based on the counsel of the state governor, preference was given to pregnant women, peoples living with disabilities and the physically challenged,” adding that: “Even though preference for vulnerable people is not a framework in the country, Ekiti has set the pace which should be emulated by others.”

The group also said INEC needs to create more polling units to encourage greater participation in future elections, adding that Ekiti State needs at least 500 more polling units. NIHRC said the turnout of voters was also low, and that it was an unimpressive decimal across the country.

According to the group, “It appears while 988, 932 collected their PVCs, they could not exercise their democratic rights for various reasons, including but not limited to lack of cash to aid transportation, denial of access to personal funds stuck in banks and fuel scarcity in some areas,” adding that the shortcomings were not enough to significantly alter the outcome of the election.

“Despite the challenges of BVAS, the innovation is the best Nigeria has ever seen. It eliminates rigging and manipulations. What INEC needs to do is to improve on service delivery,” it said.

NIHRC, a coalition of over 100 civil society, in a report signed by Taiwo Adeleye and Fred Ojinika said the election was a true reflection of the free, prior and informed consent of the Ekiti people. The coalition described the Saturday poll in the state as a good reference point for future elections in Nigeria.

The group said its officials were impressed by the pre-election peace-building and conflict prevention efforts of the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, counseling the people on the pathway to greatness, and asked them to choose a peaceful and orderly election devoid of violence, saying: “It is important for political leaders to demonstrate affection for peace and stability.

“While this is remarkable for a state that already has a female deputy governor, Speaker and Secretary to the State Government, there is still room for improvement.”

3:55am

Katsina PDP Threatens to Sanction Shema, Supporters over Anti-party Activities

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has threatened to sanction a former governor of the state, Mr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, and his supporters for alleged anti-party activities.

The Chairman of PDP, Mr. Lawal Danbaci, disclosed this yesterday at a press conference in Katsina, where he said that the party would examine and follow its constitution to sanction all those involved in anti-party activities.

Danbaci said: “We will follow our party’s constitution to sanction whoever is involved in anti-party activities.”

Also, the Director General of the state’s PDP Campaign Council, Dr. Mustapha Muhammed Inuwa, accused Shema and his supporters of working against the PDP during the March 18 governorship and House of Assembly’s elections.

He explained that virtually all Shema’s foot soldiers defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that the PDP leader was waiting for the swearing in of the Governor-elect, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, to join APC.

Meanwhile, Shema and his former aides have received Radda and his Deputy, Mr. Faruq Lawal Jobe, on a courtesy call at his residence in Katsina in the wee hours of yesterday.

Radda and his entourage were received by the PDP leader and his former chief of staff and House of Representatives member-elect for Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency, Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, Mr. Idi Kwado, Bishir Tanimu, Lawal Dankaba, Rabiu Gambo Bakori, among others.

Shema, in his remarks congratulated Radda and his deputy for the victory and assured them that his door is always open for support and advice for the betterment of Katsina State.

During the brief visit, special prayers were offered for the success of the incoming APC’s administration.

3:50am

Police Arrest 26 Electoral Offenders in Benue

George Okoh in Makurdi

Despite series of engagements and warnings to members of the public on the dangers of electoral offences, the police in Makurdi, Benue State, have arrested some recalcitrant persons engaged in violence during the last gubernatorial and state Assembly elections last Saturday.

According to the state Police Pubic Relation Officer, (PPRO), CSP Sewuese Anene, 26 suspects were arrested across the state for various offences, including political thuggery, illegal possession of firearms, snatching of ballot boxes and intimidation of voters.

Exhibits recovered from them included three locally made pistols, cutlasses, knives and wraps of substance suspected to be Indian hemp.

While condemning these acts, the state Commissioner of Police, Wales Abass,  ordered detailed investigation into these cases, and promised to deal with the suspects in accordance with the laws.

The CP enjoined the people of Benue State to go about their normal activities and be assured that the Police Command is committed to the protection of lives and property during and  after elections.

MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2023

11:12pm

PDP’s Fubara Wins Rivers Guber Election

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr Siminalayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the governorship election in Rivers state.

Prof Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, the State Returning Officer, made the declaration Monday night, after a long wait for the last local government area collation officer to announce his result from Ahoada West.

Fubara polled a total of 302,614 votes from all the 23 LGAs to defeat his closest opponent, Mr Tonye Cole of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who had 95,274 votes, while Senator Magnus Abe of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) scored 46,981 votes.

According to Prof Rim-Rukeh, the PDP gubernatorial candidate satisfied the requirements of the law to be declared winner of the March 18 governorship poll. He also declared that the Labour Party candidate, Mrs Beatrice Itubo scored 22,224 to occupy fourth position, NNPP scored 335 votes.

Prof Rim-Rukeh said the number of registered voters was 3,537,190, total number of accredited voters was 496,852, total number of rejected votes was 10,670,  while the total votes cast were 494,604.

However, at the end of the exercise, party agents signed the result sheets as declared.

10:52pm

APC’s Alia Wins Benue Governorship Election

The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Fr. Hycinth Alia of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the governorship election in Benue.

The INEC  Returning Officer, Prof. Farouk Kuta, who is also the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology Minna, announced the result in Makurdi on Monday.

He said Alia won the election with 473,933 votes to defeat his closest rival, Titus Uba of the PDP who got 223,913 votes.

The returning officer said though election did not hold in Kwande Local Government Area, the difference in votes between Alia and the PDP candidate was 251,020 votes.

Kuta  explained that the election in Kwande LGA would not substantially affect the final vote tally even if it was held.

He added that he took the decision to announce the result in line with Section 24(2) of the Electoral Act.(NAN)

10:43pm

INEC Declares APC’s Uba Sani Winner of Kaduna Guber Election

By John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kaduna state has declared Senator Uba Sani of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the governorship election in the state.

INEC State Collation Officer for Gubernatorial Election (SCOGE), Prof. Lawal Bilbis,

announced this at the INEC headquarters in Kaduna on Monday night.

He said the APC candidate polled 730,002 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Isah Ashiru of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 719,196 votes.

“Senator Uba Sani having scored the highest number of valid votes and met the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected” Bilbis said.

He said the LP recorded 58,283 votes while the NNPP got 21,405.

Earlier in the day, there were wild jubilations in some parts of Kaduna metropolis following rumours that the PDP won the election.

According to Bilbis, details of the results are as follows:

No. of registered voters: 4,335,208.

No. of accredited voters- 1,581,662

APC- 730,002

PDP – 719,196

LP – 58,283

NNPP 21,405

Total valid votes cast: 1,546,747

Invalid votes: 19,114

Total votes cast: 1,565,861

10:39PM

Gov Zulum Reelected in Borno

 The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno as the winner of Saturday gubernatorial election. 

The Returning Officer,  Prof. Jude Rabo, while announcing the result, said Zulum of All Progressives  Congress (APC) pulled 545, 542  votes to  defeat his closest rival, Mohammed Jajari of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who got 82,147 votes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that Zulum was reelected on the platform of APC defeating other 11 contestants in the race.

NAN also reports that all the 28 House of Assembly seats in Borno were won by APC, with the incumbent Speaker of the assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan ( APC-Guzamala) who is the longest serving speaker winning for the fifth time.(NAN)

10:23pm

Zamfara PDP Accuses IG of Deploying Special Police Team to Rig Poll 

The Zamfara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba has deployed a team of special forces to aid rigging of the Zamfara governorship election.

The  Peoples Democratic Party in a statement Monday in Gusau through the Dauda Lawal Media Office accused the Inspector General of allegedly conniving with Governor Bello Matawalle to rig the governorship election in his favor.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the results of 11 local governments out of 14 local government areas of the state.

“As it stands, we have won nine local governments while the APC won two local governments. We are waiting for the official announcement of three local government areas: Kauran Namoda, Maradun, and Birnin Magaji”, it said.

The party further said: from the announced results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it was winning with a wide margin.

PDP said: “Our major concern is the interference of the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba. We raised the alarm on election day that there was no police presence across the state. It was a plot by the Zamfara state commissioner of police to aid the ruling APC in manipulating the process.

“Our verified sources have confirmed to us that the Inspector General of Police has deployed a team of special forces to Zamfara. They were flown to Sokoto from Abuja. We have learned that they are on their way coming into Zamfara to cause chaos and create tension in the state capital.”

It  called on INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, to call the Zamfara State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) to order, adding “We have lost confidence in him.”

“Zamfara State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) is intentionally delaying the process of the announcement of the result, giving the governor room for manipulation.

“All collated results from 14 local government areas are ready and in the state collation center. We don’t know why they are delaying the process.

“The president, security agencies, and international observers should pay close attention to the process in Zamfara state,” PDP said.

6:21pm

PDP’s Oborevwori Wins Delta Guber Poll 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Chief Sheriff Oborevwori of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the March 18 governorship election in Delta.
The State INEC Collation Officer, Prof. Onuwari Georgewill, the Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, made the declaration on Monday in Asaba.
Georgewill said that Oborevwori polled a total of 360,234 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege of the All Progressive Party (APC) who scored 240,229 votes.
“Sheriff Oborevwori having satisfied the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner of the governorship election and returned elected,” he said.
Georgewill said that Mr Kennedy Pela of the Labour Party came third with 48,027 votes, while Mr Great Ogboru of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) came fourth with 11,021 votes.
He said the number of registered voters was 3,221 687, while the total number of accredited voters was 710,829.
Georgewill added that the total number of rejected votes was 15,384 and the total votes cast was 687,121.
A breakdown of the results on local government basis, as announced by the local government Collation Officers, showed that Oborevwori won in 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs),while Omo-Agege won in four out of the 25 LGAs of the state.

Oborevwori won in Ika North East; Aniocha North; Ndokwa East; Ika South; Patani; Sapele; Aniocha South; Uvwie; Okpe; Bomadi; Ethiope East; Oshimili North; Warri South; and Oshimili South.

He also won in Isoko North; Ethiope West; Isoko South; Ukwuani; Ndokwa West; Warri North; Burutu; and Warri South West.

Omo-Agege won in Udu, Uvwie, Ughelli South and Ughelli North.(NAN)

6:02pm

Kwarans Voted for Progress, Says Abdulrazaq

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has said the overwhelming victory that the All Progressives Congress (APC) recorded in Saturday’s polls underscored the desire of the citizens to continue along the path of positive progress Kwara has recorded over the past three years.

“This victory is truly humbling, and we give all glory to God who has made this happen. It speaks to our people’s understanding of our history, their appreciation of the progress made between yesterday and today, and their commitment to a greater tomorrow. It reflects the wishes of Kwarans at home and in diaspora to sustain the gains of the past three and a half years. It means they appreciate our modest efforts to improve the lot of our state.

“My profound appreciation goes to all the stakeholders for the truly pan-Kwara mandate: young or old, men and women, traditional and religious institutions, civil servants, private sector players, thoughts leaders, political leaders, market men and women, artisans, the media, students, and our young ones who energised our communities with that sweet, creative chant of Maa se lo. 

“For me, the victory is a call to consolidate on and further spread the gains of the past three and a half years and do much more for the people. I pledge to recommit myself to this. Together, we will build a Kwara whose politics will be anchored on giving equitable opportunities to all, expanding the state’s economic base, and delivering dividends of democracy to the citizenry in an atmosphere of peace and respect for the dignity of the human person. 

“I dedicate this election victory to God and to the people of our state — in the north, south, and central. They have shown once again that power resides with the people. Finally, I commend the peaceful conduct of the election, and especially congratulate the security agencies, the electoral umpire, and the political elite for jointly making Kwara polls the most peaceful in Nigeria,” the governor said.

5:51pm

APC’s Umar Bago Wins Niger Guber Election 

* PDP Campaign Spokesman Quits Politics

By Laleye Dipo in Minna

All Progressives Congress candidate in Saturday’s governorship election in Niger state Alhaji Umar Mohammed Bago has been declared the winner of the contest.

Bago, a member of the House of Representatives polled 469,896 votes to defeat his closest  challenger Alhaji Isah Liman Kantigi of the Peoples Democractic who scored  387,476 votes.

The Labour Party candidate Mr Joshua Bawa recorded 3,415 votes and the New Nigerian Political Party candidate Alhaji Ibrahim Sokodeke 3378 votes.

With his victory announced  by the INEC   returning officer, Professor  Clement Allawa, Deputy Vice Chancellor University of Abuja, Bago will become the 7th Civilian governor of the state after Alhaji Mohammed  Awwal Ibrahim,  Alhaji Musa Mohammed Inuwa, Engineer Abdullahi Abdul Kure, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu and current Governor Abubakar Sani Bello.

Meanwhile, the Director of Communications of the Isah Liman Kantigi Campaign Organisation Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya  Usman on Sunday quit politics.

Yahaya Usman  in a statement made available to THISDAY said he took the action for personal reasons. 

The statement reads: “Either way it goes I have come full circle, I suspend my membership of partisan politics, I am now neutral.

“I wish to focus on developing businesses with my social life with everyone

“Those very close to me know about this plan long ago

“I wish everyone the best in life.”

5:25pm

APC Leads in Kaduna Guber Election, Residents Await Result from 1 LG

*Govt warns against violence amid growing tension

By John Shiklam in Kaduna

Senator Uba Sani, candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna state is leading in the results of Saturday’s governorship election so far declared by the Independent Nation Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kaduna.

Of the results announced in 22 out of the 23 Local Government Areas in the state, the APC is leading with over 12,000 votes in 10 LGA it won The PDP’s candidate, Isah Asharu, trails behind even though he won in 12 LGAs

The APC won in Giwa, Ikara, Kauru, Sabon Gari

Kubau, Zaria, Kaduna North

Kaduna South, Igabi and Birnin Gwari LGAs.

The PDP won in 12 LGAs namely; Kaura, Sanga, Kajuru, Jaba, Makarfi, Jama’a, Zangon Kataf, Soba, Chikun, Kagarko, Kachia and Lere.

Result from the remaining one LGA – Kudan, the home of the PDP candidate was yet to be announced as INEC had adjourned collation and to 6pm.

Meanwhile, there is growing tension in Kaduna the state as residents anxiously await the outcome of the election.

The state government, in a statement on Monday, said security agencies had been put on “high alert”, to crush any attempt to cause trouble.

The statement signed by Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said the state government had received intelligence reports indicating plans by some individuals and groups to spread disaffection and instigate violence in Kaduna Metropolis and other major cities in the state.

Aruwan said “security agencies are conducting diligent investigations into these reports,” warning that “individuals and groups found to be behind such activities will be vigorously prosecuted.”

There has been growing tension in the state as residents await the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election.

The statement reads: “Kaduna State Government hereby informs citizens that security agencies are on high alert to contain threats to law and order throughout the State.

“This development follows intelligence reports indicating plans by some individuals and groups to spread disaffection and instigate violence in Kaduna Metropolis and other major centres in the State.

“Security agencies are conducting diligent investigations into these reports. Individuals and groups found to be behind such activities will be vigorously prosecuted.

“It is important to reiterate that street protests remain strictly prohibited, to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order.

“Government appeals to citizens to volunteer information on any activity which may pose a threat to public peace, law and order via these help lines: 09034000060, 08170189999”.

4:20pm

INEC Declares Otu of APC, C’River Governor-elect

Bassey Inyang in Calabar 

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has been declared winner of the March 18 governorship election in the state.

The state Returning Officer for INEC, Prof. Teddy Charles of the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, who made the announcement on Monday afternoon at the INEC headquarters in Calabar, said the APC candidate polled 258,619 votes to emerge winner of the election.

He said Otu’s closest rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Sandy Onor, polled 179,636 votes.

He said the votes recorded by other parties that sponsored candidates and participated in the governorship election are as follows: AA: 405; ADC: 1620; ADP: 902; APP: 340; LP : 5, 957; NRM: 441; PRP: 3,052; SDP: 628; YPP: 333.

The returning officer said the number of registered voters in the state stood at 1,766, 466; and total number of accredited voters was 466,294.

He said the total valid votes cast was 451, 933, and the number of rejected votes was 8923.

The returning officer said the total votes cast in the election was 460,856.

Prof. Charles said the total number of cancelled votes was 44,486, and therefore, less than 78,983, which is the margin of votes between the highest votes cast and the second highest number of votes cast.

The returning officer, therefore, declared Otu Bassey Edet of the APC as the winner of the election and governor-elect having satisfied the constitutional and other legal requirements to be so declared.

3:32pm

APC’s Nwifuru Wins Ebonyi Guber Election

Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Francis Nwifuru, as the winner of Ebonyi governorship election.

The Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Charles Igwe, announced that Nwifure scored 199,131 votes to defeat his closest challenger and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Ifeanyi Odii, who polled 80,191 votes. 

The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA, Prof. Ben Odoh, came a distance third position with 52,189 votes.

Meanwhile, the declaration of Nwifuru as the winner of the governorship election has resulted in wide jubilation at the capital city, as supporters thronged the streets with musical instruments.

The governor-elect and Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Nwifuru, dedicated his victory to God.

He said that he would strive to meet the needs of Ebonyi people and consolidate on the achievement of the present administration of David Umahi.

“This is a thoroughly deserved victory for Ebonyi people, for continuity and consolidation on the brilliant works of the present administration. We came on Divine Mandate and together, we shall all work to meet the needs of Ebonyi people, that is why our manifesto is themed ‘The People’s Charter of Needs’.

“During our campaigns, we laid before you, my dear people, what will be the essence of our administration and I make proud to say that we will not deter in fulfilling our promises to you. 

“I thank very specially, all my fellow candidates from all other political parties, who went on this journey with me fervently in a bid to make the lives of our people better. We brought out the best in one another and I make bold to say, that we are all winners,” Ebonyi governor-elect said.

2:08pm

INEC Suspends Collation of Governorship Results in Enugu

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has suspended the collation of results for the governorship election in Enugu State. Mmecmme

A breakdown of results collated Sunday shows that Peter Mba of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is leading in the race, having won nine out of the 17 local government areas in the state.

He is closely followed by the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Chijioke Edeoga, who won eight of the local governments announced. 

However, a winner is yet to be declared after INEC returning officer for the Enugu governorship election, Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, announced the  suspension of the collation of results for Nkanu East and Nsukka Local Governments following an allegation of non-usage of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), gross irregularities and intimidation of voters.

In a statement in its official Twitter account on Monday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of Voter Education Committee of the commission, Festus Okoye, said that the decision to suspend the collation was taken after a review of the election. 

“Reports from Enugu call for a review of the results for the governorship election from the two outstanding local government areas of Nsukka and Nkanu East,” Okoye said in the statement. 

“Consequently, the commission hereby suspends the collation of results in the two outstanding LGs which are yet to be collated. A review will be undertaken immediately before the process is concluded,” he further stated. 

The commission appealed for the understanding and patience of voters, parties and candidates in the affected state.

Meanwhile, supporters of the two leading candidates in the governorship race, including Mba of the PDP and Edeoga of the LP have been protesting outside the headquarters of the INEC since Monday morning. 

While those of the PDP are calling on the INEC to declare Mba winner of the election, supporters of the LP candidate are alleging irregularities in the polls and insisting that the INEC must look at the results in their BIVAS and follow what the electoral act says. 

1:59pm

PDP Supporters Protest, Ask INEC to Declare Mba Winner of Enugu Guber Polls

...As LP supporters insist Electoral Act must be followed 

Gideon Arinze in Enugu 

Over 200 supporters of the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Peter Mba are currently protesting outside the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in the state, following the delay in the announcement of their candidate as winner of the polls. 

A breakdown of results collated announced Sunday shows that Mba is leading in the race, having won nine out of the 17 LGs in the state. He is closely followed by candidate of the Labour Party, LP) Chijioke Edeoga who won eight of the LGs announced. 

However, a winner is yet to be declared after INEC returning officer for the Enugu governorship election, Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe announced  suspension of the collation of results from Nkanu East, Enugu East and Nsukka LGs following an allegation of non-usage of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, (BVAS), gross irregularities and intimidation of voters.

At the time of this report, the collation of results are yet to resume, after the process was adjourned till this morning to allow for investigation into the allegations of irregularities in some areas. 

Some of the protesters who spoke to newsmen said INEC should declare Mba winner of the election because he won the highest number of votes announced so far. 

“We wonder what is delaying the commission from declaring him the winner,” they said.  The Collation Center is not a tribunal. Whoever has grievances can go to court,”.  

Continuing, they said “INEC must be careful, the Resident Electoral Commissioner and the returning officer must also do the needful,”. 

“The people have made their choice,”. 

Meanwhile, supporters of the LP candidate are also protesting over the outcome of the election, insisting that INEC must look at the results in their BIVAS and follow what the electoral act says. 

” Over voting is not allowed, ” they said, referring to the results from Nkanu and Enugu East.

1:50pm

INEC Suspends Further Collation of Governorship Election Results in Abia, Enugu 

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has  suspended the further collation of governorship election results in some parts of Abia and Enugu States.

The commission, however, assured that a review would be undertaken immediately before the process is concluded.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, in a statement issued Monday said the Commission took the decision after its meeting held on Monday to review the conduct of the Governorship and State Assembly elections held last Saturday.

He said: “Arising from the meeting, the Commission took the decision to suspend forthwith further collation of the Governorship election results in some parts of Abia and Enugu States.”

Okoye  recalled that the commission’s office in Obingwa Local Government Area was invaded by thugs on Sunday and its officials held hostage in relation to the collation of results from the Local Government Area. 

Similarly, he said reports from Enugu State call for a review of the results for the governorship election from the two outstanding Local Government Areas of Nsukka and Nkanu East.

Okoye added: “Consequently, the Commission hereby suspends the collation of results in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State and the two outstanding Local Government Areas of Enugu State which are yet to be collated. A review will be undertaken immediately before the process is concluded.”

The commission  appealed for the understanding and patience of voters, parties and candidates in the affected States.

1:43pm

More Gubernatorial Election Results from Delta

With results declared for five more local government areas Monday, only two are outstanding. 

The Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Rev Monday Udoh, announced yesterday (Sunday) that supplementary election would be held today in certain wards in two local government areas due to the inability of INEC to conduct the exercise in those places owing to logistics challenges.

The INEC-declared results, in addition to those for 18 local government areas yesterday, are as follow:

*Ughelli North LGA

Registered voters – 223,083

Accredited voters – 55,130

APC – 34,955

LP – 1,438

PDP – 15,198

Valid votes – 53,232

Rejected votes – 1,453

Total votes cast – 54,685

 * Isoko South LGA

Registered voters – 140,822

Accredited voters – 38,902

APC – 15,954 

LP – 492

PDP – 19,963

Valid votes – 38,109

Rejected votes – 528

Total votes cast – 38,637

• Ukwuani LGA

Registered voters – 89658

Accredited voters -24,108

APC – 7,591

LP – 791

PDP – 14,640

Valid votes – 23,596

Rejected votes – 485

Total votes cast -24,081

• Ndokwa West LGA

Registered voters – 104,754

Accredited voters – 27,883

APC – 10,252

LP – 935

PDP – 15,539

Valid votes – 26,989

Rejected votes – 536

Total votes cast – 27,525

• Warri North LGA

Registered voters – 110,363

Accredited voters – 15,494

APC – 4,165

LP – 205

PDP – 10,367

Valid votes – 15,139

Rejected votes – 355

Total votes cast – 15,494

1:17pm

Katsina PDP Rejects Guber Election Result, to Seek Redress in Court 

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina State has rejected the result of the March 18 governorship and state House of Assembly elections in the state.

The Director-General of the state PDP campaign council, Dr. Mustapha Muhammed Inuwa, who disclosed this Monday while briefing journalists, said the party will seek redress in court.

He said: “We have totally rejected the result of the governorship and state House of Assembly elections in Katsina State, and we will challenge the result in court in order to retrieve our mandate.”

He alleged that the processes of the election were marred by irregularities and voter apathy, where intimidation and harassment of voters perceived not to cast their votes in favour of the APC were manhandled.

Inuwa added, however, that no amount of blackmail and intimidation would deter the opposition PDP in the state from reclaiming “its stolen mandate” and restore democracy in the state.

He claimed that the state government directed all workers, traditional and religious leaders to do all they could for APC to win the poll or lose their respective positions.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Sunday night declared Dr. Dikko Umar Radda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the governorship poll in the state.

According to the electoral umpire, the erstwhile director general of SMEDAN polled 859,892 votes to defeat the PDP candidate, Senator Yakubu Lado, who scored 486,620 votes.

The Returning Officer, Mu’azu Abubakar-Gusau, while announcing the result, said the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) candidate, Mr. Nura Khalil, got 8,263 votes, Imrana Jaafar Jino of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) secured 4,226 votes, while Ibrahim Abu-Musawa of the Labour Party (LP) secured 560 votes.

12:35pm

Plateau Governorship Election Result as Announced by INEC

1. JOS EAST
   APC: 11852
   PDP: 9290
2. BARKIN LADI
   APC: 18,568
   PDP: 32,119
3. BASSA
   APC: 25,788
   PDP: 29,135
4. LANGTANG SOUTH
   APC: 12,437
   PDP: 16,104
5. KANKE
   APC: 35,436
   PDP: 6,870
6. LANGTANG NORTH
   APC: 20,756
   PDP: 27,826
7. MIKANG
   APC: 10,691
   PDP: 12,027
8. PANKSHIN
   APC: 28,827
   PDP: 15,957
9. SHENDAM
   APC: 30,815
   PDP: 17,733
10. RIYOM
    APC: 12,657
    PDP: 18,647
11. WASE
    APC: 35,011
    PDP: 26,557
12. KANAM
    APC: 48,710
    PDP: 28,706
13. MANGU
    APC: 25,570
    PDP: 77,279
14. BOKKOS
    APC: 20,779
    PDP: 26,529
15. JOS SOUTH
    APC: 35,403
    PDP: 84,103
16. JOS NORTH
    APC: 83,170
    PDP: 64,690
17. .QUAN’PAN
    APC: 24,900
    PDP: 31,727
    SUMMARY OF FINAL RESULTS ANNOUNCED

APC: 481,370
PDP: 525,299

12:24pm

Guber Poll: Security Agencies on High Alert in Kaduna to Contain Threats to Law, Order

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government has warned that security agencies are “on high alert” to contain threats to law and order across the state. 

The Commissioner for Internal Security, Samuel Aruwan, said this in a statement on Monday in Kaduna.

He said the state government had received intelligence reports indicating plans by some individuals and groups to spread disaffection and instigate violence in Kaduna metropolis and other major centres in the state. 

Aruwan said: “Security agencies are conducting diligent investigations into these reports. Individuals and groups found to be behind such activities will be vigorously prosecuted.”

There has been growing tension in the state as residents await the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday adjourned the collation of the governorship results to Monday by 12 noon after which the winner would be declared.

So far, results had been declared in 19 out of the 23 local government areas in the state with Uba Sani, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) leading Isah Ashiru of the  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with over 15,000 votes. 

Aruwan’s statement read: “Kaduna State Government hereby informs citizens that security agencies are on high alert to contain threats to law and order throughout the state. 

“This development follows intelligence reports indicating plans by some individuals and groups to spread disaffection and instigate violence in Kaduna metropolis and other major centres in the state. 

“Security agencies are conducting diligent investigations into these reports. Individuals and groups found to be behind such activities will be vigorously prosecuted. 

“It is important to reiterate that street protests remain strictly prohibited to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order. 

“Government appeals to citizens to volunteer information on any activity which may pose a threat to public peace, law and order via these help lines: 09034000060, 08170189999.”

11:38am

Kano Residents Defy Curfew, Celebrate NNPP’s Victory

Kano residents in the metropolis on Monday took to the streets celebrating the victory of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) candidates at the governorship and state assembly elections in spite of the curfew imposed by the state government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that government imposed dawn-to-dusk curfew to avoid a breakdown of law and order following the tension generated from the collation of results of the governorship and state Assembly elections.

Abba Yusuf of NNPP defeated his closest rival, the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Nasiru Gawuna of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Yusuf polled 1,019, 602 votes against Gawuna’s 892,705.

The residents chanted victory songs and wielded placards with various inscriptions as they paraded in motorcades on the streets.

Some of the placards read: “Alhamdulillah Kano is for Kwankwaso” and “Support for Abba Gida-Gida for progress of the state,” among others.

Displays by motorcyclists and tricyclists added colour to the celebrations.(NAN)

11:25am

Gov Mohammed Reelected in BauchiFrom Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Senator Bala Abdukadir Mohammed as winner of March 18 Governorship election in Bauchi State.

The Governor won 15 of the 20 local government councils in the state, scoring 525,280 votes.

His closest rival, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar of the All Progressive Congress (APC), scored 432,272  votes while Senator Jika Haliru of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) got 60,496 votes to emerge a distant third.

The margin between PDP and APC is 93,003 votes.

Governor Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi) was declared re-elected by the State Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Dutse,  Professor Abdulaziz Sabo Mohammed on Monday.

The incumbent Governor recorded massive victory in 15 out of the 20 local government areas of the state.

Governor Mohammed won in Alkaleri, Bogoro Dass, Bauchi,Kirfi, Jama’are,Warji, Itas-Gadau, Dambam, Ganjuwa,Shira, Ningi,Toro, Tafawa Balewa and Zaki in results declared by INEC.

His closest competitor, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar (rtd) of APC won five local government areas namely Giade, Darazo, Misau Katagum and Gamawa.

Bauchi Official Governorship Election Result:

1) JAMA’ARE LGA

APC – 11,865

PDP – 13,693

NNPP – 3,253

2)KIRFI LGA

APC – 11,631

PDP – 13,454

NNPP – 3,571

3)BOGORO LGA

APC – 10,436

PDP – 16,589

NNPP – 3,365

4)WARJI LGA

APC – 11,783

PDP – 20,416

NNPP – 1,812

5)GIADE LGA

APC – 18,023

PDP – 14,145

NNPP – 1,114

6)ITAS/GADAU LGA

APC – 16,206

PDP – 18,778

NNPP – 2,913

7)GAMAWA LGA

APC – 22,565

PDP – 21,558

NNPP – 1,841

8)DAMBAM LGA

APC – 11,325

PDP – 13,307

NNPP – 4,395

9)SHIRA LGA

APC – 21,644

PDP – 25,373

NNPP – 2,536

10)ZAKI LGA

APC – 19,637

PDP – 26,420

NNPP – 1,415

11)GANJUWA LGA

APC – 17,606

PDP – 20,924

NNPP – 7,387

12)DASS LGA

APC – 11,596

PDP – 14,471

13)DARAZO LGA

APC – 23,544

PDP – 19,736

NNPP – 3359

14)ALKALERI LGA

APC – 15,798

PDP – 34,387

NNPP – 2069

15)NINGI LGA

APC – 23,795

PDP – 29,515

NNPP – 4,178

16)TAFAWA BALEWA LGA

APC – 22,928

PDP – 35,100

NNPP – 3,166

17)MISAU LGA

APC – 26,448

PDP – 16,351

NNPP – 1,820

18)KATAGUM LGA

APC – 35,774

PDP – 25,218

NNPP – 2,376

19)TORO LGA

APC – 29,848

PDP – 65,456

NNPP – 3,634

20)BAUCHI LGA

APC – 69,850

PDP – 80,390

NNPP – 5,749

9:03am

Abiodun Thanks Ogun Electorate, Says Power Belongs to God

James Sowole  in Abeokuta 

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has commended the people of the state for renewing his mandate for another term of four years, just as he remarked that “Power Belongs to God.”

Abiodun described his victory as heart-warming, and a “further proof that no man can play God or stop what God has ordained”

The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary,  Kunle Somorin on Sunday, said though the election was keenly contested, his reelection came to him as a sign of good faith and a vote of confidence in his Administration by the people, assuring that his second term would usher in more goodies of democracy.

He said his victory is a further challenge to deliver on the manifesto of the All Progressives Congress (APC), even as he promised that he would continue with the government of inclusiveness that has been the hallmark of his Administration in the last four years.

While commending the people for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner during the polls, the governor equally lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the media and other relevant stakeholders for ensuring an atmosphere which enabled peaceful elections.

Abiodun also thanked the party leaders, stalwarts and members of the APC in the state, who worked assiduously for the party’s victory, assuring them that he would continue to keep the flag of the party flying, by continuing to deliver good governance across the state.

The governor called on the opposition and well-meaning individuals in the state to join hands with him in order to move Ogun State to a higher pedestal.

He reiterated his Administration’s commitment to principle of equity, fairness and justice, maintaining that his Administration would not be characterized by favouritsm, nepotism and lopsidedness in situating developmental projects in all the four zones and three senatorial districts of the state.

According to Abiodun, in his second term, he “shall ensure the completion of several projects, aimed at improving the standard of living of the people and the economic prosperity of the state from the unparalleled success already recorded”.

He promised to be inclusive  participatory, transparent, accountable, fair and not develop any part of the state at the expense of the other, the statement concluded.

8:50am

Buni’s Re-election Well Deserved Victory, Says Senate President

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has congratulated the Governor of Yobe, Mai Mala Buni, on his re-election for a second term of four years.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Buni winner of the Saturday governorship election in Yobe State.

Lawan, in a statement on Monday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media, Ola Awoniyi, described the outcome of the poll as a well deserved victory for Buni and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I heartily congratulate my dear friend and brother, the Governor of Yobe, Mai Mala Buni, on his re-election for a second term.

“I also congratulate our great party, the APC, on the renewal of our mandate to continue delivering progressive governance to our people across Yobe.

“For our governor and party, this is a well-deserved victory from a keenly contested poll,” he said.

Lawn said the victory, above all, was for the good people of Yobe, who have freely renewed the mandate they gave in 2019.

“Fellow people of Yobe, you have again made a resounding statement of your full confidence in the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni.

“I can assure you that our governor will in the next four years remain on the same path of good governance for the progress of Yobe and the well-being of our people,” Lawan stated.

He assured the governor that the people of Yobe would continue to support his mission to take the state to a greater height.

NAN reported that Buni won in all the 17 local government areas of the state with a total of 317,113 votes.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sharif Abdulahi, came a distant second with a total score of 104,259

Announcing the results, at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Damaturu, the Returning Officer for the gubernatorial election in the state, Prof. Umar Pate, the VC of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, said accredited voters were 459,492.

He said out of the number, 444,567 were valid votes. (NAN) 

8:25am

Zamfara PDP Alleges Plot to Manipulate Gov’s LGA Election Result

Zamfara state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that the state governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, is plotting to manipulate the authentic results of his hometown, Maradun local government.

According to the PDP, the governor has been in touch with top officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in his bid to manipulate the result of the local government in his favor.

In a statement Monday in Gusau, the party through the Dauda Lawal Media office, noted that the governor was not willing to accept defeat.

The statement read: “Governor Matawalle thinks that it would be that easy for him to manipulate the result of his hometown, Maradun. We have confirmed from verified sources that the governor has been in touch with top INEC officials, forcing them to allocate fake figures in his favor.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already uploaded results of 185 polling units out of the total 195 polling units of the local government.

“Results from eight wards have been completed on the INEC election results portal while awaiting the upload of 10 polling units in two wards.

“Even if the governor will succeed in forcing the returning officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Maradun local government area to allocate illegal figures to him, there is no way they can erase or manipulate the over 90% results uploaded so far on the portal.

“He requested the INEC officials to add at least 50, 000 votes in his favor before announcing the result of the Maradun local government. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must exonerate itself from this unholy plot.

“As part of the clandestine move by the governor, he ordered the unlawful arrest of the PDP chairman of Maradun local government. Our party agents across wards were targeted and arrested.

“Abdulmutallib Sani and Nura Ibrahim were arrested in Janbako ward; Hamza Usman and Abdulhamid Bala were arrested in Maradun Nortth local government; Sani Umar and Nura Hamisu were arrested in Damaga/Gama Giwa ward; Ibrahim Sulaiman and Saidu Garba were arrested in Dosara/Birnin Kaya ward; Yahaya Yusuf and Sani Moh’d were arrested in Maradun South.

“Also, Abubakar Jafar and Muhammad Abdulnasir were arrested in Faru Magami ward; Kamilu Lawal and Abdulrahman Tukur were arrested in Gora ward; Mustapha Yusuf and Lawali Kaya were arrested in Kaya ward; while Surajo Dan Galadima and Namadina Muh’d were arrested in Gidan Gogo ward.

“Our source also confirmed that the governor has left Gusau for Maradun local government this morning, to execute the plan of manipulating the result.

“We are calling on INEC to discountenance itself from this charade and investigate and punish all its officers who are complicit in this plot. We call on the security operatives to do the same.”

8:17am

Kano Imposes Dusk-to-dawn Curfew over Poll Results

The Kano State Government has imposed a dawn-to-dusk curfew to avoid a breakdown of law and order following tensions generated from the collation of results of the governorship and state Assembly elections.

The state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Malam Muhammad Garba, made the announcement in a statement on Monday.

He said the decision was to prevent hoodlums from causing chaos in the already tensed situation.

The commissioner called on people in the state to remain indoors as security agents would not spare anyone or group bent on causing trouble.

NAN reported that the Independent National Electoral Commissiom (INEC) had declared Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) winner of the Saturday’s governorship election in the state after beating the Deputy Governor, Gawuna at the poll.

The results have generated tension in the state, prompting the government’s proactive measure to avert chaos. (NAN)

8:04am

INEC Declares NNPP’s Abba Winner of Kano Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared  the candidate of New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), Malam Abba Yisuf, as winner of the March 18 governorship election in Kano State.
Announcing the result on Monday in Kano, the state Returning Officer, Prof. Doko Ibrahim, the Vice-Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said Yusuf polled 1,019,602 votes to clinch the seat.
Ibrahim said that Yusuf defeated his closest rival and incumbent Deputy Governor of the state, Malam Yusuf Gawuna, of the All Progressive Congress (APC), who scored 892,705 votes.
He said: “That I, Prof. Doko Ibrahim, declared that the election was contested by 18 candidates.
“Having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes, Abba Kabiru Yusuf of the NNPP is hereby declared winner and returned elected,” he said. (NAN)

7:45am

Abdullahi Sule Wins Nasarawa Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Governor Abdullahi Sule and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the governorship election in Nasarawa State.

Prof Ishaya Tanko, the INEC State Collation Officer and Returning Officer, made the declaration in Lafia Monday at the Nasarawa State Collation Centre.

The INEC returning officer said that the APC candidate polled a total of 347,209 votes to defeat his closest opponent, David Ombugadu, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who got 283, 016 votes.

The returning therefore, said: “Abdullahi Sule of APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes in the election is hereby declared winner and returned elected.” (NAN)

7:38am

INEC Declares NNPP’s Abba Winner of Kano Guber Poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the candidate of New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Malam Abba Yisuf, as winner of the March 18 governorship election in Kano State.

Announcing the result in Kano Monday, the state Returning Officer, Prof. Doko Ibrahim, the Vice-Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said Yusuf polled 1,019,602 votes to clinch the seat.

Ibrahim said that Yusuf defeated his closest rival and incumbent Deputy Governor of the state, Malam Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressive Congress (APC), who scored 892,705 votes.

He said: “That I, Prof. Doko Ibrahim, declared that the election was contested by 18 candidates.

“Having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes, Abba Kabiru Yusuf of the NNPP is hereby declared winner and returned elected,” he said. (NAN)

7:34am

PDP Wins 7 Assembly Seats Out of 11 in Bayelsa

The Independent National Electoral Commissiom (INEC) in Bayelsa State has declared seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates as winners out of the 11 constituencies so far announced in the just concluded state House of Assembly elections in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that INEC announced 11 out of the 24 seats in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

The Returning Officer for Nembe Constituency 2, Dr John Chika, declared Douglas Samson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the just concluded poll in the constituency.

He said that Samson polled 1,367 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr West Alalibo of the PDP.

The Returning Officer for Nembe Constituency 1, Prof. Okechukwu Okeke, declared George Braah-Okigbanyo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as the winner of the House of Assembly poll.

He said Braah-Okigbanyo polled 2,928 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ben Ololo of the PDP.

The Returning Officer for Brass Constituency 3, Prof. Apuega Arikawei, declared Abraham Ingobere of the PDP as the winner of the poll.

He said Ingobere polled 5,973 votes to defeat his closest rival, Yousuo Oberiakuma of APC.

Also, the Returning Officer for Yenagoa Constituency 3, Dr. James Onukwu, declared Teddy Tombara of PDP as winner.

He said that Tombara polled 4,206 votes to clinch the seat.

The Returning Officer for Sagbama constituency 1, Dr. James Onukwu, declared Godbless Oyinke of the PDP as the winner.

He said Oyinke polled 9,633 votes to defeat others.

The Returning Officer for Sagbama Constituency 2, Dr. Jeremiah Samuel, declared Bernard Kenebai of the PDP as the winner.

He said Kenebai polled 5,780 votes to lead other contestants.

The Returning Officer for Yenagoa Constituency 1, Prof. Okechukwu Okeke, declared Amakoromo Waikumo of APGA as the winner.

He said Waikumo polled 4,971 votes to defeat his closest rival of the PDP who scored 4,593 votes.

The Returning Officer for Ekeremor Constituency 1, Prof. Joy Okeke, declared Porri Tari of PDP as duly elected.

He said Tari polled 4,216 votes to defeat his closest rival of the APC, who scored 1,562 votes.

Also the Returning Officer for Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 1, Dr. Robert Ene, declared Werinipre Pamoh of the PDP as the winner.

He said Pamoh polled 7,536 votes to defeat his closest rival of APGA who scored 1,474 votes.

The Returning Officer for Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 2, Dr. Lasisi Raimi, declared Wisdom Fafi of the PDP as the winner.

He said Fafi polled 6,708 votes to defeat his closest rival Mr Isowo Priebi, APC, who scored 3,362 votes.

The Returning Officer for Brass Constituency 2, Prof. Hudron Kari, declared Omubo Timinyo of APC as the winner.

He said Timinyo polled 3,175 votes ahead of Mr Adigio Inangaebite of PDP, who had 1,342 votes. (NAN)

7:30am

INEC Declares Kebbi Guber Election Inconclusive 

The Independent National Electoral Commissiom (INEC) on Monday declared the gubernatorial election in Kebbi State as “inconclusive”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the election was keenly contested by the two giant political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Collation and Returning Officer of the election, Prof. Yusuf Sa’idu of the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, announced the position at the collation centre situated at INEC headquarters in Birnin Kebbi.

He said there were cancellations in 20 of the 21 local government areas of Kebbi State cutting across a number of Registration Areas (RAs) in different polling units.

Sa’idu said: “We aggregated the total number of collected PVCs in those polling units and it came to a total of 91,829.

“And when we checked the results, the two leading political parties in this contest, APC and PDP polled 388,258 and 342,980 votes respectively. When we looked at the difference, it stands at 45,278.”

He noted that they had no option than to refer to the electoral laws on page 31 of the Electoral Act 2022, section 51 sub-sections two and three for guidance.

According to him, law reads: “Where the number of votes cast in an election in any polling unit exceeds the number of accredited voters in that polling unit, the presiding officer shall cancel the result of the election in that polling unit.

“Sub section three of section 51 also states that where the result of an election is cancelled in accordance with sub-section two, there shall be no return for the election until another poll has taken place in the affected polling unit.

“By virtue of this provisions and the powers vested in me as the collation and returning officer of 2023 gubernatorial election in Kebbi State, I, Prof. Yusuf Sa’idu of the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, hereby declare the gubernatorial election in Kebbi State inconclusive.” (NAN)

5:43 AM

You’re Sore Losers, Ogun APC Tells Amosun, PDP

The Ogun state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the reported call by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for a rerun of the just concluded gubernatorial election in Ogun state as  an  indication that the PDP and one of its major promoters, former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, are “bunch of sore losers”.

The APC through its State Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, in a statement released on Sunday in Abeokuta, said such a vile call, coming barely few minutes after the declaration of results by the Independent National Electoral  Commission (INEC), and published by an Amosun-founded and funded rag sheet, could only have come from people who knew of their electoral  loss, well ahead”.

The statement reads further:

“It is unfortunate that we have to react to this baseless demand purportedly from PDP but intriguingly published by one of Amosun’s lackeys even when major newspapers are yet to report or give details of the governorship election results.

“The just retired former political gladiators should first go back home and drink water and relax even as they lick their wounds. With their failure at the polls, it is still appearing to them as a dream because it is unbelievable to them that they could lose the election despite the humongous ill-gotten wealth and violence that the grandstanders displayed and deployed.”

APC joined the governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who was declared winner of the election,  ” to thank our people for keeping faith with our party, despite serious and devious financial temptation, we urge our supporters to be, just like our governor, magnanimous in victory, avoid provocation, and report any threat to peace to the nearest police station

4:22 AM

PDP Leads in Edo Assembly Poll

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won 12 seats out of the 19 constituency seats so far declared in the Edo House of Assembly elections conducted on March 18.

There are 24 seats in the Edo House of Assembly.

Results from five other constituencies – Egor, Etsako I, Etsako II, Oredo East and Ovia Southwest have yet to be announced.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has so far won six seats while Labour Party (LP) won one seat.

Meanwhile, Mr Marcus Onobun, Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly and candidate of the PDP has won in Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency in the rescheduled election.

INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo, Mr Obo Efanga, said: “we had election into Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, which we could not conduct along with others on February 25.

“Of the 24 state assembly seats, declaration have been made in 19 constituencies; we are yet to get information from the five constituencies remaining.’’

In the results declared so far, the PDP won in Akoko Edo I, Akoko Edo II, Esan Central, Esan North East II, Esan South East, and Igueben.

It also won in Ikpoba-Okha, Orhiomwon II, Ovia North East I, Ovia North East II, Owan West and Uhunmwonde.

The APC won in Esan North East I, Esan West, Etsako Central, Etsako East, Orhiomwon I and Owan East; while LP won in Oredo West. (NAN)

4:12AM

Sanwo-Olu Reelected Governor in Lago

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been declared winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Lagos state. He was declared winner by the INEC returning officer at 01.15am Monday.

The Governor won 19  of the 20 local government councils in the state, scoring 762,134 votes.

His closest rival Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party, scored 312, 329 votes while Olajide Adediran of the PDP got 62,449 votes.

APC’s Radda Wins Katsina Governorship Election

03:58 AM

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has declared Dr Dikko Umar-Radda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the March 18 governorship election in Katsina State.

Announcing the result on Sunday in Katsina, the State Returning Officer, Prof. Muazu Abubakar-Gusau, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Gusau, said Umar-Radda polled 859,892 votes to emerge the state governor-elect.

He said that Umar-Radda defeated his closet rival, Sen. Yakubu Lado-Danmarke of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) who scored 486,620 votes.
Abubakar-Gusau added that the election was contested by candidates from 13 political parties.

He said that the number of registered voters in the state was 3,516,719, while the number of accredited voters for the election was 1,399,291.
He added that the number of rejected votes was 20,579, while the total valid votes was 1,365,848 and the total votes cast was 1,386,427.
He said that the election was cancelled in 88 polling units due to some irregularities like violence and over voting.

“That I Prof. Muazu Abubakar-Gusau, declared that the election was contested by candidates.
“Having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes, Dikko Umar-Radda of the APC is hereby declared winner and returned elected,” he said NAN

SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2023

10:50pm

APC’s Aliyu  Wins Sokoto Guber Election

By Onuminya Innocent In Sokoto

The independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto as a Governor elect of Sokoto State.

Announcing the results at INEC collation centre on Sunday night, the returning officer and the Vice Chancellor Federal University Dutsinma Prof Armiyau Hamis said Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto of APC polled  453,661 votes to defeat his closest rival Mallam Saidu Umar of PDP who polled 404632.

From the results, APC govermorship candidate won 17 local government areas out  of 23 local government of the state  while PDP won in 6 local governments.

Here are results

Binji LGA

APC: 13,410

PDP:11,078

Wurno

APC: 17,350

PDP: 13,099

Yabo

APC: 14729

PDP: 12,014

Isa

APC: 13,632

PDP: 15,117

Gwadabawa

APC: 19,036

PDP; 16,652

Rabbah

APC; 12,759

PDP: 11,120

Tureta

APC: 9831

PDP: 10,045

Bodinga

APC: 18986

PDP: 16,440

Tangaza

APC: 16,254

PDP: 9705

Kware

APC: 18,644

PDP: 18,161

Silame

APC:9983

PDP:10,885

Denge-Shuni

APC: 22,690

PDP:18,506

Shagari

APC:14,264

PDP:13,893

Sabon-Birni

APC: 26,884

PDP: 20,680

Illela

APC: 23,484

PDP: 19,169

Gudu

APC: 12,118

PDP: 10,718

Gada

APC:19,969

PDP:18,434

Goronyo

APC:16,567

PDP:17,323

Sokoto South

APC:37,114

PDP:33,363

Sokoto North

APC:35,333

PDP; 33,190

KEBBE

APC;14,902

PDP:14,619

Tambuwal  

APC 29489

PDP 32779

Wamakko 

APC 36233 

PDP 27642

9:00pm

Kano Guber: NNPP Leads in 13 LGAs, APC in 9

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano 

The Gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State, Engineer Abba Kabiru Yusuf, is ahead of Dr Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, his rival of the All Progressives Congress (APC)  in 13 local government areas out of the 22 so far declared at the state collation center. 

The APC also won 9 local governments so far declared at the collation center.

The local government areas are Rano, Rogo, Wudil, Karaye, kibiya, Minjibir, Gabasawa, Ajingi, Albasu, Gezawa, Garko, Tudunwada and Bunkure.

Also, the 9 local government areas won by APC are Shanono, Kunchi, Makoda, Dambatta, Warawa, Kabo, Bagwai, Takai and Tsanyawa.

Below are details:

RANO

ADP – 80

APC – 17,090

NNPP – 18,040

PDP – 225

PRP – 10

ROGO

APC – 11,112

ADP – 42

NNPP – 18,559

PDP – 124

MAKODA

APC – 15,006

ADP – 83

NNPP – 13,956

PDP – 101

KUNCHI

APC – 13,215

ADP – 62

NNPP – 10,674

PDP – 39

WUDIL

APC – 20,299

ADP – 276

NNPP – 21,740

PDP – 118

KARAYE

APC – 14,515

ADP – 63

NNPP – 15,838

PDP – 77

TSANYAWA

APC – 18,746

ADP – 78

NNPP – 16,769

PDP – 71

MINJIBIR

APC – 16,039

ADP – 148

NNPP – 17,575

PDP – 189

ALBASU

APC – 16,959

ADP – 55

NNPP – 19,952

PDP – 293

GABASAWA

APC – 17,584

ADP – 91

NNPP – 19,507

PDP – 1,269

AJINGI

APC – 14,438

ADP – 306

NNPP – 15,422

PDP – 103

KABO  

APC: 23599

NNPP: 16963

PDP: 2118

LP: 78

KIBIYA  

APC: 13260

NNPP: 17157

PDP: 52

LP: 48

GEZAWA 

APC: 19961

NNPP: 22077

PDP: 277

LP: 101

SHANONO  

APC: 17249

NNPP: 13650

PDP: 272

LP: 58

DAMBATTA  

APC: 16995

NNPP: 9674

PDP: 1107

LP: 25

WARAWA  

APC: 16296

NNPP: 14629

PDP: 201

LP: 76

Bunkure 

APC 17156

NNPP 19277

Garko 

APC 8485

NNPP 15839

Tudunwada 

APC 24382

NNPP 27434

Takai

APC 25244

NNPP 23666

Bagwai

APC  21295

NNPP 17311

8:54pm

Gov Buni Reelected Yobe Governor

Michael Olugbode in Damaturu

Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been returned re-elected. He was declared  winner of the governorship election by the  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday in Damaturu.

Announcing the result, Professor Umar Pate, the returning officer, said  Buni of APC scored a total of 317,113 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Alhaji Sheriff Abdullahi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that polled  104,259 votes.

Garba Umar of New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) polled 14,246 votes to come third.

The returning officer after announcing the votes of the candidates, said: “I Professor Umar Pate hereby certify that Mai Mala Buni, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of the votes, is hereby declared winner of the election”.

8:51pm

APC Leads in Sokoto Guber Election 

Onuminya Innocent In Sokoto

All Progressives Congress candidate in the Sokoto State Governorship election, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, is leading in the results announced for so far.

According to the results declared so far in twenty one local governments area of the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission in the state, the APC candidate is leading is closest rival Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Sa’idu Umar,  in 17 LGAs. PDP leads in 3.

Meanwhile, before the collation was suspended to resume by 8pm later in the evening, only two local governments which includes Wamakko and Tambuwal are expected to complete the process.

The breakdown of the scores of the two parties are as follows

Binji LGA

APC: 13,410

PDP:11,078

Wurno

APC: 17,350

PDP: 13,099

Yabo

APC: 14729

PDP: 12,014

Isa

APC: 13,632

PDP: 15,117

Gwadabawa

APC: 19,036

PDP; 16,652

Rabbah

APC; 12,759

PDP: 11,120

Tureta

APC: 9831

PDP: 10,045

Bodinga

APC: 18986

PDP: 16,440

Tangaza

APC: 16,254

PDP: 9705

Kware

APC: 18,644

PDP: 18,161

Silame

APC:9983

PDP:10,885

Denge-Shuni

APC: 22,690

PDP:18,506

Shagari

APC:14,264

PDP:13,893

Sabon-Birni

APC: 26,884

PDP: 20,680

Illela

APC: 23,484

PDP: 19,169

Gudu

APC: 12,118

PDP: 10,718

Gada

APC:19,969

PDP:18,434

Goronyo

APC:16,567

PDP:17,323

Sokoto South

APC:37,114

PDP:33,363

Sokoto North

APC:35,333

PDP; 33,190

KEBBE

APC;14,902

PDP:14,619

8:00pm

APC Candidate, Dammodi, Wins Jigawa Guber Poll

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Dutse

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Alhaji Umar Namadi Dammodi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2023 gubernatorial election in Jigawa State.

Announcing the result Sunday, the INEC Collation Officer in the state and the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Prof. Zayyanu Umar Birnin Kebbi, said Dammodi of the APC having scored the high votes of 618,449 emerged winner and the newly elected governor of Jigawa State.

He explained that the total registered voters was 2,351,298, while the total accredited voters stood at 1,073,540, while the total votes cast were 1,052,793 votes.

The collation officer said the candidate of APC, Dammodi, scored 618,449 to beat his closest rivals of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Lamido Mustapha Sule, who scored 368,726 votes and Ibrahim Aminu Ringim of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) who poolled 37,156 votes. 

“That Namadi Umar Alhaji of All Progressives Congress (APC) having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the higher votes is hereby declared winner and returned elected,” he said.

7:45pm

PDP in Early Lead in Zamfara Governorship Poll

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, is in early lead having won the three Local Government Areas declared so far at the collation centre in Gusua.

In Anka Local Government Area, PDP polled 17,116 votes against the APC which polled 10,156 votes while in Bukuyum Local Government Area, PDP polled 24,341 votes against APC’s 10,321 votes.

In Zurmi Local Government Area, PDP polled 24,328 votes while the APC got 21,027 votes.

Zamfara has 14 local government areas.

The collation of results is expected to continue at about 8pm.

7:32pm

Gov AbdulRazaq, Mutawali of Ilorin Celebrate Victory.

Gov Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and his brother, the Mutawalli of Ilorin, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, celebrating the Kwara governorship election victory Sunday.

Governor AbdulRazaq who contested on the platform of APC polled 226,956 votes to emerge as the winner of the election. His closest rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Shuaibu Yaman Abdullahi got 123,118 votes while Hakeem Lawal of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) scored 17,321.

6:55pm

Gov Abiodun Reelected in Ogun

James Sowole  in Abeokuta 

The Independent National Electoral  Commission (INEC), has declared Governor Dapo Abiodun, candidate of the  All Progressives Congress, as the winner of  Saturday’s Governorship  Elecrion in Ogun State.

The results declared by the State Returning Officer for the election, Professor Kayode Adebowale, showed that Abiodun scored  276,298 votes while his closest rival, Hon Ladipupo Adebutu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scored 262,383 just as the second runner up, Biyi Otegbeye of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), scored 94,754 votes.

The results, also showed that Abiodun won in 12 local governments while Adebutu, won in eight local government areas.

However,  the PDP  has submitted a petition, to the INEC, asking the commission, to order a rerun in some polling units where results, were cancelled due to non functioning of BVAS and violence. 

6:54pm

Gov AbdulRazaq Reelected in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared  Kwara state governor, Alhaji  AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq  as the winner of the 2023 governorship election in the state.

Governor AbdulRazaq who contested on the platform of APC polled 226,956 votes to emerge as the winner of the election and reelected for second term in office.

His closest rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Shuaibu Yaman Abdullahi got 123,118 votes while Hakeem Lawal of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) scored 17,321.

The governor won all the 16 local government areas of the state in the election results declared by the INEC Returning officer for the polls, Professor Isaac Itodo, the 

Vice Chancellor, University of Markurdi, Benue state.

The INEC had on Saturday night started th3 announcement of the 2023 governorship election results with three local government areas with the governor clearing the three local government areas of Ekiti, Isin and Offa.

At the resumed collation of the election results on Sunday morning, which lasted till evening the APC governor also won in additional 13 local government areas.

See the full Kwara governorship election results:

1. Ekiti local government 

Number of registered voters, 44,016. 

Number of accredited voters, 11,849

APC  6,836

PDP   4,273

Total valid votes, 11,598

Rejected votes, 251

Total votes cast, 11,849.

2. Isin local government 

Number of registered voters- 42,238

Number of accredited voters -9,631

Total votes cast -9630

Valid votes -9,438

Rejected votes-192

Total votes cast-9,630

APC  5,274

PDP   3,400

3. Offa Local government area.

Number of registered voters -97,945

Accredited voters -24,115

Total number of valid votes 23,531

Rejected votes -584

Over voting in Essa wards 002 and 006 as such votes in the two PUs were cancelled. 

APC   -14,696

PDP   -6,705

SDP   -1,289

4. Oke Ero

Total 43,944

Accredited voters -11,942

APC -7,758

PDP -3,768

Valid -11,808

Rejected 134

Total votes -11,942

5. Oyun local government.

Reg voters 61672

Accredited voters 16533

APC -8,991

PDP -5,465

SDP 1,068

Valid votes 16170

Rejected 348

Total votes 16528

Cancellation at Ijagbo due to over-voting in one PU

6. Ilorin South local government 

Reg voters 161,045

Accredited 36,741

APC -20,148

PDP -12,096

SDP -2,356

Valid votes -35,949

Rejected votes -774

Total votes cast -36,723

7. Asa local government 

Reg 87923

Accredited 29,061

APC -14,946

PDP -11,183

Valid votes 27,907

Rejected votes -583

Total votes cast 28,490

Cancellation in two PUs due to 

violent crisis 

8. Irepodun local government

Reg voter 89644

Accredited 23,160

APC -12,860

PDP – 7,614

SDP -1,693

Total Valid votes -22,733

Rejected votes -427

Total votes cast -23,160

9. Moro local government

Registered voters -81,646

Accredited voters-24,928

APC -15,161

PDP -6,823

SDP -1992

Total Valid votes -24,466

Rejected votes -461

Total votes cast -24,927

Cancellation at one polling unit 

10. Patigi local government

Reg voters -68,136

Accredited voters -21,930

APC -13,813

PDP -6,544

Total valid votes -20,976

Rejected votes -748

Total votes cast -21,724

Cancellation at two PUs due to over-voting.

11. Ilorin East local government

Registered voters -163,701

Accredited voters -43,578

APC -23,925

PDP -14,500

SDP -2,645

Total Valid votes -42,170

Rejected votes -1,015

Total votes cast -43,185

Cancellation at two wards in two PUs due to over-voting 

12. Ifelodun local government

Registered voters -130,778

Accredited voters -29,500

APC -17,599

PDP -9,085

SDP -1,559

Total Valid votes -29,006

Rejected votes -494

Total votes cast -29,500

13. Kaiama local government area

Registered voters 87,871

Accredited voters 22,440

APC -14,431

PDP -6,297

Total Valid votes -21,773

Rejected votes -660

Total votes cast -22,433

14. Edu local government 

Registered voters: 112160

Accredited voters: 42991

APC -22,458

PDP -17,378

Total Valid votes -41,331

Rejected vote -998

Total votes cast-42,329

15. Baruten local government

Registered voters -149,573

Accredited voters -38,637

APC -28,060

PDP -7,987

SDP -1492

Total Valid votes -37,873

Rejected votes -627

Total votes cast -38,500

16. Ilorin West local government area

Registered voters -273,635

Accredited voters -85,736

APC -46,468

PDP -32,372

Total Valid votes -83,758

Rejected vote -1,978

Total votes cast -85,736

Cancellation on ground of over- voting in three PUs

6:40pm

Updated Results of Governorship Election in Delta State

*Ika North-East LGA

Registered voters – 131,945

Accredited voters – 34,807

APC – 4,733

LP – 1,990

PDP – 26,760

Valid votes – 33,807

Rejected votes – 918

Total votes cast – 34,725

*Aniocha North LGA

Registered voters – 89,010
Accredited voters – 16,846ph

APC – 4,386

LP – 1,883

PDP – 8,938

Valid votes – 16,316
Rejected votes – 530
Total votes cast -16,846

*Ndokwa East LGA

Registered voters – 86,208
Accredited voters – 20,434

APC – 9,044

LP – 251

PDP – 10,146

Valid votes – 19,843
Rejected votes – 485
Total votes cast – 20,328

*Ika South LGA

Registered voters — 100,599
Accredited voters – 27,800

APC – 6,790

LP – 4,495

PDP – 15,283

Valid votes – 27,149
Rejected votes – 651
Total votes cast – 27,800

*Patani LGA

Registered voters – 49,385
Accredited voters – 11,421

APC – 4,743

LP – 85

PDP – 6,069

Valid votes – 11,183
Rejected votes – 238
Total votes cast – 11,421

*Udu LGA

Registered voters – 143,769
Accredited voters – 26,908

APC – 13,154

LP – 1,886

PDP – 9,746

Valid votes – 26,141
Rejected votes – 575
Total votes cast – 26,716

*Sapele LGA

Registered voters – 145,024
Accredited voters – 30,983

APC – 12,090

LP – 1,458

PDP – 15,217

Valid votes – 29,815
Rejected votes – 957
Total votes cast – 30,772

*Aniocha South LGA

Registered voters – 100,424
Accredited voters – 21,149

APC – 4,622

LP – 5,107

PDP – 10,032

Valid votes – 20,468
Rejected votes – 603
Total votes cast – 21,071

*Uvwie LGA

Registered voters – 191,215
Accredited voters – 31,188

APC – 12,389

LP – 6,340

PDP – 9,776

Valid votes – 30,263
Rejected votes – 925
Total votes cast – 31,188

*Okpe LGA

Registered voters – 117,111
Accredited voters – 25,724

APC – 8,679

LP – 1,155

PDP – 14,544

Valid votes – 25,027
Rejected votes – 691
Total votes cast – 25,718

*Bomadi LGA

Registered voters – 103,261
Accredited voters – 17,946

APC – 4,728

LP – 100

PDP – 12,340

Valid votes – 17,559
Rejected votes – 379
Total votes cast – 17,939

*Ethiope East LGA

Registered voters – 115,003
Accredited voters – 30,466

APC – 11,600

APGA – 2,214

LP – 350

PDP – 13,030

Valid votes – 27,814
Rejected votes – 805
Total votes cast – 28,619

*Warri South LGA

Registered voters – 187,140
Accredited voters – 32,959

APC – 11,569

LP – 3,743

PDP – 15,299

Valid votes – 31,768
Rejected votes – 982
Total votes cast – 32,750

6:38pm

Zamfara PDP Alleges APC Holding INEC Officials Hostage in Some Collation Centers

The Zamfara state chapter of the Peoples  Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the state government and ruling All Progressives Congress of threatening INEC officials in some local government areas of the state.

The party said that all the results uploaded virtually had shown that PDP won by landslide.

PDP in a statement issued Sunday in Gusau by the Dauda Lawal Media Office alleged that the state government was not happy with the outcome of the governorship election because it was not in its favor.

The Media office raised the alarm that there were serious issues at the moment at Bakura, Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Bungudu.

“It is clear that our governorship candidate, Dauda Lawal is coasting to victory in more than 80% of results so far uploaded on the INEC portal.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission has uploaded 2839 polling units out of the 3529 polling units in Zamfara State.

“But the information coming to us is that the state government is holding officials of the INEC hostage in the Bakura local government area, intending to disrupt and manipulate the remaining 5 polling units out of the 189 polling units yet to be uploaded.

“In Kauran Namoda, Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura (allegedly) ambushed the collation center with thugs and police in his effort to disrupt the collation process. Two people were shot dead by the police accompanying the senator. INEC has uploaded 246 polling units out of 261 polling units of the local government.

“Our major concern is the Shinkafi local government area where only 4 polling units were uploaded out of the 172 polling units of the local government area. We have learned that the state government is plotting to disrupt and manipulate the collation process in their favor.

“There is a serious concern in Birnin Magaji and Zurmi local governments. The state government is hellbent to manipulate some of the results, with the help of some compromised INEC staff and some security agents.

“We frown at the ongoing disruptions of collation of election results and violence across Zamfara as reports from our men and women on the field indicate infliction of violence and assault on PDP agents and representatives.”

6:17pm

INEC Releases More Results from Kaduna Governorship Election

By John Shiklam

INEC has announced the result of the Kaduna governorship election in four more LGAs.
So far, the PDP has won in eight of the 11 LGAs so far released while the APC won three LGA.
The Collation of results from the remaining 12 LGAs will continue at 8:15pm.

The results are as follows

JAMA’A LGA
Registered voters,173, 846
Accredited voters – 490
APC- 19,920
LP 6017
PDP 28, 963
Total valid votes – 55,798
Rejected votes – 574
Total votes- 56, 372

ZANGON KATAF LGA
Registered, 175,145
Accredited voters 53, 142

APC 11,448
LP -7377
NNPP 184
Pdp 33, 185
Total valid votes 52, 609
Rejected votes 533
Total votes cast 53,142

KAURU LGA
Registered voters – 132,827
Accredited voters – 58,311

APC- 26,915
LP – 3,461
NNPP- 455
PDP – 26,342
Total valid votes 57,789
Rejected votes – 493
Total votes cast – 58,282

SOBA LGA
Registered voters – 158,086
Accredited voters – 61,480
APC – 27, 235
LP – 457
NNPP – 335
PDP – 30, 874
Total valid votes, 59,406
Rejected votes – 981
Total votes cast – 60,441

5:29pm

APC in Early Lead in Niger Governorship Poll

By Laleye Dipo in Minna

The All Progressives Congress APC candidate in Saturday’s Governorship election Alhaji Umar Mohammed Bago may be coasting to victory going by the results so far announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission in Minna

Of the 11 local government areas result ls collated, Bago is leading his closest opponent Isah Luman Kantigi of the Peoples Democratic Party,  PDP.

Bago won in 9 of the 11 local government areas declared while Kantigi is victorious in only 2 LGAs.

The NNPP and the Labour Party are trailing in that order.

The collated results are as follows:

TAFA LG

APC 12,520

PDP 12,082

NNPP 11

LP 206

GURARA LG

APC 14,520

PDP 11,506

LP 176

NNPP14

PAIKORO LG

APC 21,855

PDP 15,780

LP 106

NNPP 192

MUNYA LG

APC 8,644

PDP 10,208

LP 21

NNPP 13

BOSSO LG

APC 24,794

PDP 20,251

LP 211

SULEJA LG

APC 18,261

PDP 15,551

LP 1,664

KATCHA LG

APC 17,037

PDP 16,495

LP  3

EDATI LG

APC 9,225

PDP 16,559

LP

BIDA LG

APC 27,778

PDP 22,846

LP 87

NNPP 687

CHACHANGA LG

APC 34,231

PDP 27,989

LP 323

NNPP 144

LAPAI LG

APC 21,795

PDP 18,041

LP 16

NNPP 18

More results are to be collated later in the day.

5:26pm

Sanwo-Olu Coasting Home to Victory 

Segun James 

The Independent National Electoral Commission has released the  results of the Lagos gubernatorial and House of Assembly poll with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress coasting home to victory.

Sanwo-olu won in all the 18 local government areas so far declared.

Here is a breakdown of the results

LAGOS ISLAND 

Prof Simeon Oladipo – Collation Officer

Registered voters 200848

Accredited voters – 41626

APC – 37760

LP – 1317

PDP – 1783

Total valid votes – 41234

Rejected votes – 389

Total votes cast – 41623

APAPA 

Prof. James Akanmu – Collation Officer

Registered voters – 196950

Accredited voters – 28867

APC – 21007

LP – 4157

PDP – 2487

Total valid votes – 28322

Rejected votes – 513

Total votes cast – 28835

EPE

Registered voters – 160124

Accredited voters – 35103

APC – 29614

LP – 1515

PDP – 3272

Total valid votes – 34790

Rejected votes – 313

Total votes cast – 35103

AGEGE 

Prof. Sunday Adeyemo Collation Officer

Registered voters – 365885

Accredited voters – 48998

APC – 35845

LP – 8486

PDP – 3176

Total valid votes – 48284

Rejected votes – 680

Total votes cast – 48964

AJEROMI IFELODUN

PRrof J.A. Adewara

Registered voters – 394918

Accredited voters – 64230

APC – 39798

LP – 19821

PDP – 2607

Total valid votes – 63200

Rejected votes – 1037

Total votes cast – 64230

IKEJA

Prof Mohd Olawale – CO

Registered voters – 339879

Accredited voters – 51199

APC – 32273

LP – 15174

PDP – 1616

Total valid votes – 49899

Rejected votes – 686

Total votes cast – 50585

Cancellation at 3 units

Collected PVcs for Ikeja 299, 909

MUSHIN

PROF Abimbola Sowemimo – CO

Registered voters – 394463

Accredited voters – 70028

APC – 52249

LP – 11759

PDP – 4006

Total valid votes – 68952

Rejected votes – 959

Total votes cast – 69911

3 cancellations owing to over voting two units and one disruption 

Total Pvcs collected 364192

SURULERE

Prof. Owolabi Kuye CO

Registered voters – 401846

Accredited voters – 75798

APC – 42451

LP – 28069

PDP – 2200

Total valid votes – 74001

Rejected votes – 990

Total votes cast – 74991

Cancellations at 8 polling units

Total PVCs collected in Surulere – 357326

IBEJU LEKKI

Prof. 

Registered voters – 134496

Accredited voters – 27480

APC – 19369

LP – 3785

PDP – 3189

Total valid votes – 26580

Rejected votes – 899

Total votes cast – 27479

Cancellation at 2 polling units Lakowe and Abijo due to disruption and burning of BVAS machines and ballot boxes at Lakowe

Community primary school Abijo, ballot papers and boxes burnt.

Total PVCs at Ibeju Lekki124149

IFAKO IJAIYE

Prof Lukman Adams

Registered voters – 399938

Accredited voters – 55322

APC – 38682

LP – 13020

PDP – 2262

Total valid votes – 54783

Rejected votes – 539

Total votes cast – 55322

Cancellation at a ward due to over voting

Total collected PVCs 321182

BADAGRY

Prof. Tender Adeoye – CO

Registered voters – 227914

Accredited voters – 53462

APC – 41482

LP – 4863

PDP – 5472

Total valid votes – 52612

Rejected votes – 818

Total votes cast – 53430

LAGOS MAINLAND 

Registered voters – 253546

Accredited voters – 39836

APC – 26021

LP – 9999

PDP – 2362

Total valid votes – 39084

Rejected votes – 751

Total votes cast – 39835

Cancellation at 3 polling units, Epetedo2 and Owaya 1 due to disruption and snatching of ballot boxes

Total PVCs in Lagos Mainland – 215200

ALIMOSHO

Prof. Hamid Sulaiman

Registered voters – 850557

Accredited voters – 132579

APC – 83631

LP – 37136

PDP – 7872

Total valid votes – 130524

Rejected votes – 1892

Total votes cast – 132416

Cancellation at two polling units due to disruption and over voting

Total PVCs in Alimosho – 

OJO

Prof Sunday Adebusoye CO

Registered voters – 329799

Accredited voters – 58969

APC – 30797

LP – 19027

PDP – 3889

Total valid votes – 54450

Rejected votes – 910

Total votes cast – 55360

Cancellation at 43 polling units of 7 wards due to over voting, disruption as a result ballot snatching 

Total PVCs in Ojo – 273899

IKORODU

Prof Taiwo Adewunmi CO

Registered voters – 388971

Accredited voters – 84103

APC – 64697

LP – 13207

PDP – 3797

Total valid votes – 82959

Rejected votes – 1130

Total votes cast – 84089

KOSOFE

Prof. Elupeju Akande 

Registered voters – 481341

Accredited voters – 84123

APC – 49344

LP – 26123

PDP – 3537

Total valid votes – 81809

Rejected votes – 1460

Total votes cast – 83269

Cancellation at at some units in Ikosi Ketu 

OSHODI/ISOLO

Prof. Olujinmi Odunleye

Registered voters – 477236

Accredited voters – 67210

APC – 36792

LP – 24948

PDP – 2515

Total valid votes – 65217

Rejected votes – 1658

Total votes cast – 66875

35 cancellations due to over voting and ballot box snatching 

12009 pvcs collected and 35 Cancellations

Total Pvcs in Oshodi/Isolo – 442954

SHOMOLU

Prof. Abayomi Okanlawon

Registered voters – 316752

Accredited voters – 56397

APC – 36783

LP – 15096

PDP – 3130

Total valid votes – 55, 795

Rejected votes – 608

Total votes cast – 56393

Cancellations due to disruptions and snatching of ballot boxes.

4:41pm

PDP’s Ashiru in Early Lead in Kaduna

By John Shiklam in Kaduna 

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna state, Isah Ashiru, has  won five of the seven Local Governments so far released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kaduna. 

The results announced by the INEC returning officer at the commission’s headquarters in Kaduna, on Sunday, shows that  the PDP won in five LGAs while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) won two. 

Results in the  remaining 16 LGAs were still being awaited . 

The results released on Sunday by the returning officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Lawal  Bilbis of Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto shows that of the results released in seven Local Government Areas, the PDP won five while the APC won two. 

The results are as follow. 

1.  KAURA  LGA

APC: 7,748

LP: 12,950

NNPP: 618

PDP: 15,108

2. GIWA  LGA

APC: 30,773

LP: 221

NNPP: 547

PDP: 28,869

3. SANGA  LGA

APC: 12,338

LP: 2,135

NNPP: 457

PDP: 13,119

4. KAJURU  LGA

APC: 8,271

LP: 1,773

NNPP:982

PDP: 23,125

5. JABA  LGA

APC:7,564

LP: 2,871

NNPP: 174

PDP: 14,616

6. MAKARFI  LGA

APC: 25,670

LP: 278

NNPP: 532

PDP: 26,128

7.  IKARA  LGA-

APC 29,066

PDP 28, 612

LP 692

NNPP 550

3:47pm

Breaking: Gov Makinde Reelected

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has been declared the winner of the March 18 governorship election in the state.

He was declared the winner by the state Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Prof. Adebayo BanireHe polled 568,756 votes defeating 15 other candidates 

3:43pm

Heavy security as tension rises at the Jos North collation centre

3:36pm

Abiodun Coasting Home to Victory in Ogun

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is coasting home to victory in the Saturday’s Governorship Election in the Gateway State. 

The results released  by the Independent National Electoral  Commission (INEC) Sunday afternoon, showed that Abiodun was leading in 12 local governments while his close challenger, Ladi Adebutu of the Peoples Democratic Party  (PDP) was leading in seven states.

There are 20 local governments in Ogun State. The result of the Sagamu Local Government has not been declared.

3:33pm

APC Clears 23 Ekiti Assembly Seats, SDP Picks 2, INEC Declares 1 Constituency Poll Inconclusive

By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Twenty-three Candidates of All Progressives Congress in the Ekiti state Assembly election have been declared winners in 23 constituencies by Independent National Electoral commission INEC. 

In a statement by the Ekiti State INEC, Head of voters Education and Publicity, Temitope Akanmu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner Ekiti State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, APC won twenty three seats out of the twenty six seats in the Assembly while Social Democratic Party, SDP won two.

However, THISDAY gathered that Ido/Osi constituency one was declared inconclusive due to the disruption of the exercise by suspected hoodlums.

Confirming this, INEC said, “The election at Ido Osi State Constituency 1 is inconclusive. This is due to the fact that the margin of lead principle indicated a need for supplementary elections to be held in 3 Polling Units before a clear winner could emerge.

 “This was borne out of violent disruption of the voting process in three polling units of PU 003, PU 012 and PU 014 all in Registration Area (Ward) 01.”

The commission added that  supplementary election would be conducted in the constituency before a winner could be announced.

Some of the candidates of the All progressives Congress APC who won their re-election bids include; the Deputy Speaker, Hakeem Jamiu, representing Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency II, Hon. Barr. Adeoye Aribasoye Ikole II,  Hon. Femi Akindele, Irepodun/ifelodun  1, Hon. Femi Akindele, and Princess Teju Okunyiga of Gbonyin constituency.

However, candidates of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Ekiti East constituency one, Dele Ogunsakin and that of the Ise/ Orun constituency, Omotayo Babatunde won two seats in the Assembly to defeat their closest APC rivals.

2:43pm

The results of remaining 15 LGs in Oyo State as announced by INEC :

1) Ona-Ara Local Government

Accord: 1,212

APC: 5,510

PDP: 17,326

2) Ibadan Northwest Local Government

Accord: 1,291

APC: 5,947

PDP: 19007

3) Ibarapa East Local Government

Accord: 1,885

APC: 7094

PDP: 11,125

4) Afijio Local Government

Accord: 1,357

APC: 5,588

PDP: 13,139

5) Atiba Local Government

Accord: 1,113

APC: 7,484

PDP: 18,389

6) Orire Local Government

Accord: 1,895

APC: 9,216

PDP: 13,767

7) Ibadan Southwest Local Government

A: 2,270

APC: 9,491

PDP: 31,273

8) Oluyole Local Government

Accord: 1,386

APC: 6,592

PDP: 21,700

9) Atisbo Local Government

Accord: 1,188

APC: 6,955

PDP: 9,199

10) Saki East Local Government

Accord: 188

APC: 5,519

PDP: 8,374

11) Surulere Local Government

Accord: 271

APC: 8,882

PDP: 15,554

12) Itewiwaju Local Government

Accord: 2036

APC: 4,597

PDP: 8034

13) Ogo Oluwa Local Government

Accord: 50

APC: 5,570

PDP: 10,930

14) Irepo Local Government

Accord: 388

APC: 9,785

PDP: 7,193

15) Olorunsogo Local Government

Accord: 998

APC: 4,851

PDP: 5,838

16) Ibadan Northeast Local Government

Accord: 1,564

APC: 8,486

PDP: 29,396

17) Ogbomosho South Local Government

Accord: 10

APC: 8,257

PDP: 17,693

18) Ibadan Southeast Local Government

Accord: 1,846

APC: 9,147

PDP: 23,585

19) Ibarapa North Local Government

Accord: 563

APC: 5,678

PDP: 10,845

20) Ibarapa Central Local Government

Accord: 1,455

APC: 6,287

PDP: 10,491

21) Oyo West Local Government

Accord: 431

APC: 7,599

PDP: 15,084

22) Oyo East Local Government

Accord: 571

APC: 6,999

PDP: 15,751

23) Ogbomosho North Local Government

Accord: 562

APC: 10,661

PDP: 20,387

24) Ido Local Government

Accord: 822

APC: 7,865

PDP: 19,284

25) Kajola Local Government

Accord: 1,710

APC: 9,523

PDP: 13,562

26) Lagelu Local Government

Accord: 886

APC: 10,661

PDP: 19,104

27) Ibadan North Local Government

Accord: 2,120

APC: 11,883

PDP: 39,658

28) Iseyin Local Government

Accord: 501

APC: 9,694

PDP: 25,740

29) Egbeda Local Government

Accord: 3072

APC: 7,377

PDP: 30,444

30) Saki West Local Government

Accord: 607

APC: 13,753

PDP: 17,452

31) Ore-lope Local Government

Accord: 1602

APC: 7077

PDP: 6,483

32) Iwajowa Local Government

Accord: 269

APC: 6,441

PDP: 9029

33) Akinyele Local Government

Accord: 1287

APC: 9,445

PDP: 28,920

2:23pm

Enugu Governorship Election Results as Announced by INEC

Ezeagu
PDP 7576
Labour Party 5949
APC. 963
APGA 300

Oji River
PDP 7365
Labour Party 7747
APC. 1060
APGA 1060

IgboEze North
PDP 8738
Labour Party 9955
APC 541
APGA 250

Igbo Etiti
PDP 8959
Labour Party 11941
APC 939
APGA 1259

Udi
PDP 13633
Labour Party 10109
APC 1648
APGA 1734

Aninri
PDP 6520
Labour Party 3431
APC 906
APGA 498

2:21pm

Abia Governorship Election Results as Announced by INEC

UKWA EAST LG

Total Registered Voters 39,788; Accredited Voters 7,808

APC 560
APGA 646
LP 2,273
PDP 2,329

UMUNNEOCHI LG

APC 2,034
APGA 581
LP 5,940
PDP 3,198

UKWA WEST LG

Registered Voters 67,900; Accredited Voters 11,670

APC 1,209
APGA 830
LP 2,833
PDP 4,622

BENDE LG

Registered Voters 105,182 Accredited Voters 22,492

APC 2,143
APGA 947
ADP 2,733
LP 9,886
PDP 3,410
YPP 1,667

2:18pm

More Governorship Election Results from Delta

Ika South LGA

Registered voters – 100,599

Accredited voters – 27,800

Scores:
APC – 6,790

LP – 4,495

PDP – 15,283

Valid votes – 27,149

Rejected votes. 651

Total votes cast – 27,800

Total votes cast

Patani LGA

Registered Voters – 49,385

Accredited Voters – 11,421

Scores:
APC 4,743

LP – 85

PDP – 6,069

Valid votes – 19,843

Rejected votes – 238

Total votes cast – 11,421

2:01pm

LAGOS GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION RESULTS

1. LAGOS ISLAND

APC – 37,760

LP – 1,317

PDP – 1,783

2. APAPA

APC – 21,007

LP – 4,157

PDP – 2,487

3. EPE

APC – 29,614

LP – 1,517

PDP – 3,272

4. AGEGE

APC – 35,845

LP – 8,486

PDP – 3,176

5. IKEJA

APC – 32,273

LP – 15,174

PDP – 1,616

6. MUSHIN

APC – 52,249

LP – 11,759

PDP – 4,006

7. SURULERE

APC – 42,451

LP – 28,069

PDP – 2,200

8. IBEJU LEKKI

APC – 19,369

LP – 3,785

PDP – 3,189

9. AJEROMI

APC – 39,798

LP – 19,821

PDP – 2,607

10. IFAKO IJAIYE

APC – 38,682

LP – 13,020

PDP – 2,262

11. BADAGRY

APC – 41,482

LP – 4,863

PDP – 5,472

12. LAGOS MAINLAND

APC – 26,021

LP – 9,999

PDP – 2,362

1:32pm

PDP Wins 25 Osun Assembly Seats, APC Clinches 1

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has declared 25 candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winners out of the 26 seats in the state’s House of Assembly.

The commission also declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won only  Boripe/Boluwaduro state constituency, which is the local government of Mr Gboyega Oyetola, the former governor of the state.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mutiu Agboke, released the results to newsmen on Sunday at the commission’s headquarters in Osogbo.

Agboke explained why the result of the Boripe/Boluwaduro state constituency could not be announced by the returning officers on Saturday, saying a decision could not be reached on the winner by the Returning Officer at that time.

He added that Section 65 of the Electoral Act gives the power of “reviewing” to INEC, adding that: ”It is that power of review that  the commission explored in solving the issue.

”Just like the Returning Officer said, it took us several hours before finding a solution.”

Earlier, the Returning Officer for Boripe/Boluwaduro state constituency, Dr. Akanmu Alex, had declared Mr Popoola Olufemi of APC as winner of the election.

Alex of Department of Science Education, University of Ilorin, while announcing the result amidst tight security, said Olufemi scored 15,594, while his closest contender, Aina Adesina of PDP scored 14,817 votes.

He said: “Popoola Olufemi of the APC,  having satisfied the requirements of the law is declared winner of Boripe/Boluwaduro state constituency at the concluded Osun House of Assembly Election.”

Alex explained that he could not announce the winner of the election on Saturday because there were two issues that affected the total votes scored by the two leading candidates.

He said there was ballot box snatching at a polling unit in Egbeda College Road Unit 16, adding that the results of Ada 2, Unit 5 was in contention.

Alex said he had to review the situation and incidents within INEC guidelines and consulted widely through the night before he was sure of announcing the result.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the REC had to mobilise additional security officials to the collation centre at Iragbiji town before the result could be announced.

The 25 state constituencies won by PDP are: Ifelodun, Ifedayo, Irepodun/Orolu, Odo-Otin, Olorunda, Osogbo, Atakumosa East and West, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ife South, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Obokun, Oriade, Ayedaade, Ayedire, Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, Irewole/Isokan, Iwo, Ola-Oluwa and Ejigbo. (NAN)

1:23pm

AbdulRazaq Wins in 12 Out of 16 LGs in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Kwara State Governor and All Pro-gressives Congress (APC) governorship  candidate in Saturday’s election, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has been declared winner in 12 out of 16 local government areas of the state so far declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

AbdulRazaq defeated Alhaji Shuaib Yaman Abdullahi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Alhaji Hakeem Oladimeji Lawal and the New Nigeria’s Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate, Prof. Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem.

The local government councils so far won by the APC gubernatorial candidate are Asa, Ekiti, Offa, Oyun, Irepodun and Isin.

Others include Oke-Ero, Ilorin South, Ilorin East, Patigi, Ifelodun and Moro Local Governments of the state.

The four local governments’ results yet to be announced are Baruten, Edu, Kaiama, and Ilorin West Local Government Areas.

Those announced are:

1. Ekiti local government 

Number of registered voters, 44,016. 

Number of accredited voters, 11,849

APC  6,836

PDP   4,273

Total valid votes, 11,598

Rejected votes, 251

Total votes cast, 11,849.

2. Isin local government 

Number of registered voters- 42,238

Number of accredited voters -9,631

Total votes cast -9630

Valid votes -9,438

Rejected votes-192

Total votes cast-9,630

APC  5,274

PDP   3,400

3. Offa Local government area

Number of registered voters 97,945

Accredited voters 24,115ll

Total number of valid votes 23,531

Rejected votes 584

Over voting in Essa wards 002 and 006 as such two votes were cancelled. 

APC   14,696

PDP   6,705

SDP   1,289

4. Oke Ero

Total 43,944

Accredited voters -11,942

APC -7,758

PDP -3,768

Valid -11,808

Rejected 134

Total votes -11,942

5. Oyun

Reg voters 61,672

Accredited voters 16,533

APC -8,991

PDP -5,465

SDP 1,068

Valid votes 16170

Rejected 348

Total votes 16528

Cancellation at Ijagbo due to over-voting in one PU

6. Ilorin South local government 

Reg voters 161,045

Accredited 36,741

APC -20,148

PDP -12,096

SDP -2,356

Valid votes -35,949

Rejected votes -774

Total votes cast -36,723

7. Asa local government 

Reg 87923

Accredited 29,061

APC -14,946

PDP -11,183

Valid votes 27,907

Rejected votes -583

Total votes cast 28,490

Cancellation in two PUs due to 

violent crisis 

8. Irepodun local government

Reg voter 89644

Accredited 23,160

APC -12,860

PDP – 7,614

SDP -1,693

Total Valid votes -22,733

Rejected votes -427

Total votes cast -23,160

9. Moro local government

Registered voters -81,646

Accredited voters-24,928

APC -15,161

PDP -6,823

SDP -1992

Total Valid votes -24,466

Rejected votes -461

Total votes cast -24,927

Cancellation at one polling unit 

10. Patigi local government

Reg voters -68,136

Accredited voters -21,930

APC -13,813

PDP -6,544

Total valid votes -20,976

Rejected votes -748

Total votes cast -21,724

Cancellation at two PUs due to over-voting.

11. Ilorin East local government

Registered voters -163,701

Accredited voters -43,578

APC -23,925

PDP -14,500

SDP -2,645

Total Valid votes -42,170

Rejected votes -1,015

Total votes cast -43,185

Cancellation at two wards in two PUs due to over-voting 

12. Ifelodun local government

Registered voters -130,778

Accredited voters -29,500

APC -17,599

PDP -9,085

SDP -1,559

Total Valid votes -29,006

Rejected votes -494

Total votes cast -29,500

01:09pm

Governorship Election Results in Katsina State as Announced by INEC

1.MUSAWA LGA
Registered voters : 84,131
Accredited Voters: 35, 979
APC: 24,632
PDP: 10,118
NNPP: 580
PRP: 16

2.SANDAMU LGA
Registered voters: 74,399
Accredited Voters: 31,877
APC: 21,055
PDP: 10,641
NNPP: 01
PRP: 03

3.BAURE LGA
Registered Voters: 11,3640
Accredited Voters: 52,678
APC: 32,802
PDP: 17,888
NNPP: 62
PRP: 12

4.DUTSI LGA
Registered Voters: 64,743
Accredited Voters: 24,298
APC: 15,631
PDP: 8,419
NNPP:10
PRP: 10

5. DANDUME LGA
   Registered Voters: 97,406
   Accredited Voters: 41,071
   APC: 23,710
   PDP: 14,792
   NNPP: 220
   PRP: 146
6. BATAGARAWA LGA
   Registered Voters: 100,069
   Accredited Voters: 41,301
   APC: 26,326
   PDP: 13,510
   NNPP: 212
   PRP: 81
7. INGAWA LGA
   Registered voters: 85,957
   Accredited voters: 36,034
   APC: 22,080
   PDP: 12,255
   NNPP: 209
   PRP: 217
8. BINDAWA LGA
   Registered voters: 88,793
   Accredited voters: 42,922
   APC: 28,997
   PDP: 12,165
   NNPP: 957
   PRP: 47
9. KAITA LGA
   Registered voters: 76,526
   Accredited voters: 35,568
   APC: 24,121
   PDP: 9,824
   NNPP: 53
   PRP: 20

10 MAI’ADUA LGA
Registered voters: 88,617
Accredited voters: 407,68
APC: 28,436
PDP: 11,506
NNPP: 68
PRP: 10

11 ZANGO LGA
Registered voters: 73,235
Accredited voters: 30,659
APC: 19,757
PDP: 10,477
NNPP: 04
PRP: 14

12. RIMI LGA
    Registered voters: 95,642
    Accredited voters: 43,188
    APC: 28,202
    PDP: 13,823
    NNPP: 397
    PRP: 37
13. KUSADA LGA
    Registered voters: 61,313
    Accredited voters: 25,602
    APC: 13,750
    PDP: 11,151
    NNPP: 05
    PRP: 17

14 MANI LGA
Registered voters: 114, 440
Accredited voters: 47,718
APC: 29,678
PDP: 16,180
NNPP: 231
PRP: 28

15: SAFANA LGA

Registered voters: 83,882

Accredited voters: 26,879

APC: 15,417

PDP: 10,460

NNPP: 09

PRP: 53

16. FUNTUA LGA

Registered voters: 147,391

Accredited voters: 53,353

APC: 31,924

PDP: 19,849

NNPP: 314

PRP: 218

17. DAURA LGA

Registered voters: 97,136

Accredited voters: 38,186

APC: 26,548

PDP: 10,689

NNPP: 78

PRP: 27

18. MASHI LGA

Registered voters: 100,191

Accredited voters: 38,756

APC: 28,793

PDP: 8,896

NNPP: 74

PRP:11

19. BATSARI LGA

Registered voters: 106,951

Accredited voters: 31,535

APC: 20,053

PDP: 10,247

NNPP: 239

PRP: 158

20. JIBIA LGA

Registered voters: 98,311

Accredited voters: 35,844

APC: 21,216

PDP: 13,259

NNPP: 22

PRP: 34

21. KANKIA LGA

Registered voters: 78,224

Accredited voters: 35,156

APC: 18,249

PDP: 14,830

NNPP: 16

PRP: 22

22. CHARANCHI LGA

Registered voters: 73,766

Accredited voters: 30,695

APC: 20,782

PDP: 7,539

NNPP: 66

PRP: 11

12:54pm

More Governorship Election Results in Ogun State as Declared by INEC

1. ODEDA LGA

Registered voters: 94,048

Accredited Voters: 23,975

APC: 11,089

PDP: 8,050

NNPP: 31

ADC: 3,651

Total valid votes: 23,349

Rejected votes: 626

Total votes cast: 23,975

2. EGBADO NORTH LGA 

Registered voters: 130,063

Accredited Voters: 41,016

APC: 15,331

PDP: 11,627

NNPP: 64

ADC: 12,190

Total valid votes: 39,908

Rejected votes: 1,031

Total votes cast: 41,011

3. EGBADO SOUTH LG

Registered voters: 133,001

Accredited Voters: 34,213

APC: 15,047

PDP: 10,913

NNPP: 75

ADC: 6,435

Total valid votes: 33,064

Rejected votes: 1,149

Total votes cast: 34,213

4. EWEKORO LG

Registered voters: 94,681

Accredited Voters: 20,415

APC: 8,192

PDP: 7,449

NNPP: 60

ADC: 3,881

Total valid votes: 19,902

Rejected votes: 511

Total votes cast: 20,413

5. ABEOKUTA SOUTH LG

Registered voters: 242,151

Accredited Voters: 55,718

APC: 19,689

PDP: 24,175

NNPP: 99

ADC: 9,264

Total valid votes: 54,139

Rejected votes: 1,579

Total votes cast: 55,718

6. IJEBU NORTH LG

Registered voters: 133,122

Accredited Voters: 38,340

APC: 18,815

PDP: 15,904

NNPP: 22

ADC: 2,393

Total valid votes: 37,478

Rejected votes: 848

Total votes cast: 38,326

7. IKENNE LG

Registered voters: 68,613

Accredited Voters: 23,564

APC: 9,125

PDP: 12,472

NNPP: 09

ADC: 336

Total valid votes: 22,069

Rejected votes: 392

Total votes cast: 22,461

10 polling units were cancelled due to violence and disruption of elections.

8. IJEBU NORTH-EAST LG

Registered voters: 52,457

Accredited Voters: 14,687

APC: 5,408

PDP: 7,086

NNPP: 27

ADC: 1,448

Total valid votes: 14,102

Rejected votes: 357

Total votes cast: 14,459

Ballot paper snatching at ward 6, unit 2. The result was cancelled.

9. IJEBU-ODE LG 

Registered voters: 90,760

Accredited Voters: 25,730

APC: 12,907

PDP: 10,714

NNPP: 36

ADC: 1,348

Total valid votes: 25,257

Rejected votes: 473

Total votes cast: 25,730

10. ABEOKUTA NORTH 

Registered voters: 167,753

Accredited Voters: 37,553

APC: 14,294

PDP: 12,622

NNPP: 34

ADC: 9,143

Total valid votes: 36,521

Rejected votes: 1,018

Total votes cast: 37,539

Three units in Ward 6 were cancelled due violence.11. IJEBU EAST LG
Registered voters: 77,171Accredited Voters: 21,896
APC: 77,17PDP: 11,242NNPP: 45ADC: 18,885
Total valid votes: 21,352Rejected votes: 542Total votes cast: 21,894
There was cancellation in unit 6, ward 9 due to violence. 

12. REMO NORTH LG
Registered voters: 48,886Accredited Voters: 13,187
APC: 4,306PDP: 8,177NNPP: 06ADC: 327
Total valid votes: 129,39Rejected votes: 248Total votes cast: 13,187
Cancellation in four wards in seven polling units due BVAS malfunction and violence.

13. IPOKIA LG 
Registered voters: 136,281Accredited Voters: 45,035
APC: 21,338PDP: 19,189NNPP: 46ADC: 1,897
Total valid votes: 43,707Rejected votes: 1,328Total votes cast: 45035

14. ODOGBOLU LG 
Registered voters: 95,530Accredited Voters: 24,041
APC: 9,143PDP: 12,963NNPP: 10ADC: 1,281
Total valid votes: 23,608Rejected votes: 429Total votes cast: 24,037
There cancellations in 14 polling units due violence and refusal to use BVAS.

15. OGUN WATERSIDE LG 
Registered voters: 52,359Accredited Voters: 17,345
APC: 5,878PDP: 7,716NNPP: 56ADC: 2,575
Total valid votes: 16,888Rejected votes: 456Total votes cast: 17,344
Cancellation in two wards due to violence and destruction of sensitive, non materials and difficult terrain due to hyacinth.

16. IMEKO AFON 

ADC: 6,124

APC: 9,591

PDP : 6,981

17 ADO-ODO/OTA

ADC: 12,174

APC: 39,006

PDP : 31,022

18. OBAFEMI OWODE 

ADC: 5,105

APC: 15,466

PDP: 11,004

12:49pm

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Peoples Democratic Party has won the seven local government areas announced so far by the Independent National Electoral Commission in Saturday’s governorship election in Rivers State.

The seven local government areas won by the party include Ikwerre, where All Progressives Congress chieftain and former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, hails from.

See details: 

Ogu/Bolo LGA

PDP  7103

APC  1524

SDP  310

Accord 121

Opobo/Nkoro LGA

PDP  11538

APC  1426

SDP  159

LP  10

Tai  LGA

PDP  9276

SDP 508

APC  295

LP  13

Gokana LGA

PDP  17455

SDP  13840

APC  7410

LP 97

Eleme LGA

PDP  8414

APC  2662

SDP  2251

LP  544

Ikwerre LGA

PDP  13716

APC  7503

SDP  1447

LP  895

Oyigbo LGA

PDP  9886

APC  2793

LP  2793

SDP  796

12:37pm

APC Wins 22 Out of 26 House of Assembly Seats in Ondo

Fidelis David in Akure

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won majority seats in the Ondo State House of Assembly election held on Saturday.

In the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, the APC won 22 seats out of the 26 constituencies across the 18 council areas of the state, while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won the remaining four seats. 

Ondo is one of the eight states where  governorship election did not hold on Saturday because the incumbent Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), will complete his second term in office in 2024.

The results declared showed clearly that Saturday’s election was a two-horse race and a straight battle between APC and PDP across the 3,933 polling units and 203 political wards across the council areas of the state.

The APC won 22 and lost two seats in Akoko Akoko Southwest, one seat in Akoko Northwest, and one seat in Akure South LGA.

In the same vein, four out of eight serving members of the state Assembly who sought reelection  suffered defeat in the election.  

They include Tomide Akinribido (Ondo West 1 PDP); Favour Tomomewo (Ilaje 2, ADC); Hon. Taofeeq Muhammed (Akoko Northwest 2, APC) and Toluwani Borokini (Akure South1, APC).

However, four other incumbent lawmakers were reelected. They include Oluwole Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi (Owo 1 APC/Majority Leader); Oladiji Olamide (Ondo east APC); Ololade Gbegudu (Okitipupa 11, APC); and Abayomi Akinruntan (Ilaje 1, APC) who is returning for the third term.

Three female lawmakers will be part of the 10th Assembly as the female APC candidates won in Owo 1, Idanre and Ilaje 2 constituencies.

In 2019, the APC won 23 seats in the Assembly, the opposition PDP won only two seats, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) got the remaining one seat, while the ruling APC lost the state to the opposition PDP during the Presidential and National Assembly elections. 

Also in 2019, Favour Tomomewo of Ilaje constituency 2 was the only female candidate, compared to 2023 where three females won the election.

Meanwhile, a total of 208 candidates from 19 political parties contested the Assembly election to represent the 26 constituencies across the council areas. 

12:36pm

Governorship Election Results in Delta State as Declared by INEC

 Ika North-East LGA

Registered voters – 131,945

Accredited voters – 34,807

APC – 4,733

LP – 1,990

PDP – 26,760

Valid votes – 33,807

Rejected votes – 918

Total votes cast – 34,725 

Aniocha North LGA

Registered voters – 89,010

Accredited voters – 16,846

APC – 4,386

LP – 1,883

PDP – 8,938

Valid votes – 16,316

Rejected votes – 530

Total votes cast -16,846

Ndokwa East LGA

Registered voters – 86,208

Accredited voters – 20,434

APC – 9,044

LP – 251

PDP – 10,146

Valid votes – 19,843

Rejected votes – 485

Total votes cast – 20,328

12:25pm

Kwara Governorship Election Results as announced by INEC 

1. Ekiti local government 

Number of registered voters, 44,016. 

Number of accredited voters, 11,849

APC  6,836

PDP   4,273

Total valid votes, 11,598

Rejected votes, 251

Total votes cast, 11,849.

2. Isin local government 

Number of registered voters- 42,238

Number of accredited voters -9,631

Total votes cast -9630

Valid votes -9,438

Rejected votes-192

Total votes cast-9,630

APC  5,274

PDP   3,400

3. Offa Local government area

Number of registered voters 97,945

Accredited voters 24,115ll

Total number of valid votes 23,531

Rejected votes 584

Over voting in Essa wards 002 and 006 as such two votes were cancelled. 

APC   14,696

PDP   6,705

SDP   1,289

4. Oke Ero

Total 43944

Accredited voters -11942

APC -7,758

PDP -3,768

Valid -11,808

Rejected 134

Total votes -11,942

5. Oyun

Reg voters 61672

Accredited voters 16533

APC -8,991

PDP -5,465

SDP 1,068

Valid votes 16170

Rejected 348

Total votes 16528

Cancellation at Ijagbo due to over-voting in one PU

6. Ilorin South local government 

Reg voters 161,045

Accredited 36,741

APC -20,148

PDP -12,096

SDP -2,356

Valid votes -35,949

Rejected votes -774

Total votes cast -36,723

7. Asa local government 

Reg 87923

Accredited 29,061

APC -14,946

PDP -11,183

Valid votes 27,907

Rejected votes -583

Total votes cast 28,490

Cancellation in two PUs due to  violent crisis 

8. Irepodun local government

Reg voter 89644

Accredited 23,160

APC -12,860

PDP – 7,614

SDP -1,693

Total Valid votes -22,733

Rejected votes -427

Total votes cast -23,160

9. Moro local government

Registered voters -81,646

Accredited voters-24,928

APC -15,161

PDP -6,823

SDP -1992

Total Valid votes -24,466

Rejected votes -461

Total votes cast -24,927

Cancellation at one polling unit 

10. Patigi local government

Reg voters -68,136

Accredited voters -21,930

APC -13,813

PDP -6,544

Total valid votes -20,976

Rejected votes -748

Total votes cast -21,724

Cancellation at two PUs due to over-voting.

11. Ilorin East local government

Registered voters -163,701

Accredited voters -43,578

APC -23,925

PDP -14,500

SDP -2,645

Total Valid votes -42,170

Rejected votes -1,015

Total votes cast -43,185

Cancellation at two wards in two PUs due to over-voting 

12. Ifelodun local government

Registered voters -130,778

Accredited voters -29,500

APC -17,599

PDP -9,085

SDP -1,559

Total Valid votes -29,006

Rejected votes -494

Total votes cast -29,500

12:15pm

Bauchi State Governorship Election Result: Shira local government Governorship results:

1)Tsaffi Ward:

APC =1844
PDP=2173
NNPP 103.

2) Beli Gagidba Ward:

APC= 2121
PDP=2363
NNPP=264.

3) Kulbori ward:

APC= 1260
PDP=1354
NNPP= 138.

4) Bakal/Bagua ward:

APC= 2632
PDP= 3705
NNPP=213

5) Zubo ward:
APC= 1076
PDP=1311
NNPP=167.

6) Tumfafi Ward:
APC= 917
PDP=893
NNPP=84.

7) Faggo Ward:
APC= 3797
PDP=2848
NNPP 193.

These are the seven wards out of eleven in Shira Local government area that have submitted their results so far.

12:13pm

PDP’s Makinde Wins 17 LGs, Awaits Result from 1 Council 

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan 

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is coasting home to victory as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has won in 17 out of the 18 local government announced so far by the Independent National  Electoral Commission (INEC).

The governor, who is seeking reelection is contesting against a three-term Senator, Teslim Folarin of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chief Adebayo Adelabu of Accord, among other contestants.

Below are the results as announced by INEC.

1) Ona-Ara LG

Accord: 1,212

APC: 5,510

PDP: 17,326

2) Ibadan Northwest LG

Accord: 1,291

APC: 5,947

PDP: 19007

3) Ibarapa East LG

Accord: 1,885

APC: 7094

PDP: 11,125

4) Afijio LG

Accord: 1,357

APC: 5,588

PDP: 13,139

5) Atiba LG

Accord: 1,113

APC: 7,484

PDP: 18,389

6) Oriire LG

Accord: 1,895

APC: 9,216

PDP: 13,767

7) Ibadan Southwest LG

A: 2,270

APC: 9,491

PDP: 31,273

8) Oluyole LG

Accord: 1,386

APC: 6,592

PDP: 21,700

9) Atisbo LG

Accord: 1,188

APC: 6,955

PDP: 9,199

10) Saki East LG

Accord: 188

APC: 5,519

PDP: 8,374

11) Surulere LG

Accord: 271

APC: 8,882

PDP: 15,554

12) Itewiwaju LG

Accord: 2036

APC: 4,597

PDP: 8034

13) Ogo Oluwa LG

Accord: 50

APC: 5,570

PDP: 10,930

14) Irepo LG

Accord: 388

APC: 9,785

PDP: 7,193

15) Olorunsogo LG

Accord: 998

APC: 4,851

PDP: 5,838

16) Ibadan Northeast LG

Accord: 1,564

APC: 8,486

PDP: 29,396

17) Ogbomosho South LG

Accord: 10

APC: 8,257

PDP: 17,693

18) Ibadan Southeast LG

Accord: 1,846

APC: 9,147

PDP: 23,585

12:01pm

Ogun Governorship Election Result As released this morning by INEC

ODEDA
APC 11098 Winner
PDP 8050
ADC 3651

EGBADO NORTH
APC 15331
PDP 11627
ADC 12190

EGBADO SOUTH LG

ADC: 6,435
APC:15,047
PDP: 10,913

ABK SOUTH LG
ADC: 9,264
APC: 19,689
PDP: 24,175

11:12am

BENUE DECIDES 2023 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION Results for 7 Local Governments
Ukum
APC 28,503
PDP 9,418

Logo
APC 15,574
PDP 16,385

Agatu
APC 7,482
PDP 9,934

Gwer west
APC 10,747
PDP 13,609

Ohimini
APC 7233
PDP 6,785

Gwer East
APC 20,083
PDP 12,085

Buruku
APC 43,569
PDP 7061

Total APC 133,191
PDP 75,277
APC leading with 57,914 votes

8:45am

Embrace Peace, Accept Poll Outcome, Lagos APC Tells LP’s Rhodes-Vivour

The All Progressives Peoples Congress in Lagos State says alleged threats by Labour Party’s (LP) governorship flag-bearer, Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, at Saturday’s election shows the candidate’s lack of sportsmanship.
APC’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Mr Seye Oladejo, while reacting to alleged threats by Rhodes-Vivour in a statement on Saturday, said that the ruling party had no reason to be violent.
“The attention of the APC has been drawn to a statement made by LP’s governorship candidate Mr Gbadebo Chinedu Rhodes-Vivour on Saturday’s elections.
“He accused INEC and the police of provoking Lagosians’ and warning thatif tonight Lagos State catches fire, it is not our fault’.
“He says `a lot of places are still under attack by thugs and hooligans of the APC.
“This scaremongering is typical of bad losers who lack the spirit of sportsmanship,’’ Oladejo stated.
According to him, security agencies should note Rhodes-Vivour’s threat.
“Should there be any breakdown of law and order in any part of our state, law enforcement agencies should know who to grab – Mr Rhodes-Vivour,’’ he added.
Oladejo also stated that the APC was also compiling reports of how its supporters were harassed and attacked during the exercise, saying “some of the reports are really scary.’’
“Now the LP candidate is playing the victim. This old trick won’t work; discerning Lagosians know they are all lies deployed to attract sympathy.
“Our party has no need to be violent because we are sure of the glittering credentials of our governorship candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu who will never be associated with violence.
“We advise LP and its candidate to embrace peace instead of threatening to bring down the roof on everybody. It won’t work,’’ Oladejo stressed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that violent attacks by hoodlums disrupted the governorship and House of Assembly elections in parts of Lagos State on Saturday.
Rhodes-Vivour had earlier alleged that an agent of his party at the polls in the state had been shot dead.
The LP candidate, who said the election process was fraught with voter intimidation and suppression, alleged that INEC and the police were complicit in the killing.
Addressing Lagos residents in a video recorded at the LP’s Situation Room, Rhodes-Vivour accused the electoral body and the security agencies of provoking the people. (NAN)

8:05am

PDP Wins Ede North Constituency in Osun
 
 
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has declared Mr Babajide Kofoworola, the PDP candidate for Ede North State Constituency, winner of the Osun State House of Assembly election.
The Returning Officer, Prof. Popoola Bayode of the Obafemi Awolowo University, declared Kofoworola winner having polled the highest number votes.
Kofoworola polled 17,530 votes to defeat his closest rivalry in the the All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr Abdulquadri Suleiman , who came second with a total vote of 9,010 .
Labour party came third with just 13 votes . (NAN)

7:22am

PDP Wins Ede South Constituency in Osun
 
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has declared PDP’s Olayiwola Olalekan winner of Ede South State Constituency seat in Osun.
INEC Returning Officer Muritala Monsuru declared Olalekan winner of the Saturday poll after collating the votes from all the wards.
Olalekan polled 14,468 votes to defeat his APC rival, Mr Raji Sijuade, who got 5,204 votes. (NAN)

7:06am

PDP Wins Kaura Constituency in Kaduna
 
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has declared Mr Yusuf Mugu of the Peoples’ Democratic Party as winner in Kaura State Constituency of Kaduna State.
Returning Officer in charge of the State Assembly election in the Constituency, Dr Yusuf Abubakar of the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, announced that  Mugu polled 14,085 to defeat four other contestants.
He said that  Mr Afan Tandad of Labour Party came second with a total of 12,737 votes, while Mr Sunday Nehemiah of the All Progressive Congress came third with 8,715 votes.
The Returning Officer said Mr Isaac Gandu of the New Nigerian People’s Party trailed behind with 1,121 votes.
Abubakar explained that a total of 37,260 voters were accredited out of the 101,275 total registered voters in the local government, of which 37,247 cast their votes. (NAN)

6:55am

APC Wins Somolu Constituency 2 in Lagos
 
INEC) on Sunday declared Mr Samuel Apata of the APC as the winner of Lagos State House of Assembly Constituency 2 seat in Somolu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Governorship and House of Assembly elections were held nationwide on Saturday.
Prof. Issac Olasunkanmi Olusola, the Returning Officer for the Somolu Constituency 2, who declared the results at about 5.05 a.m. at INEC Collation Centre in Somolu, said that Mr Samuel Apata secured 21, 220 votes to beat his closest opponent, Mr Olusegun Fatai of the Labour Party (LP), who got 9, 664 votes.
According to him, 10 political parties contested for the Somolu House of Assembly Constituency 2 seat.
The returning officer said that the election was contested and the candidates recorded the following votes.
Shobamowo Gbolahan Joseph, Accord scored 33 votes, Koledoye Johnson Ade, AA scored 19 votes, Ishola Rauf Shina, AAC scored 23 votes, Olaiya Ibrahim, ADP scored 66 votes, Adewole Dare Jerry, BP scored 48 votes, Olusegun Fatai, LP scored 9, 664 votes, Baale Taoreed Oladipo, NNPP scored 44 votes, Ajayi Ayodeji Johnson, PDP scored 3, 925 votes and Salami Basiru, SDP scored 22 votes.
Olusola said, “I, Prof. Issac Olasunkanmi Olusola, hereby certify that I am the returning officer for the Somolu House of Assembly Constituency 2 election held on the 18th day of March, 2023 that the election was contested.”
He said that Apata, having scored the highest votes at the election, won the House of Assembly election for the Somolu Constituency 2.
“Samuel Apata 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 19th March, 2023,” Olusola said. (NAN)

6:32am

APC Candidate Wins Somolu Constituency 1 in Lagos
 
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Mr Abiodun Orekoya of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the Lagos State House of Assembly Constituency 1 seat in Somolu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Governorship and House of Assembly elections were held nationwide in Nigeria on Saturday.
Dr Waziri Adisa, the Returning Officer for Somolu Constituency 1, declared the results at about 4.50 a.m. at INEC Collation Centre in Somolu.
He said that Orekoya secured 14, 256 votes to beat his closest opponent, Mr Adelana Adesegun-Adewale of the Labour Party, who got 4, 865 votes.
According to him, nine political parties contested for the  Somolu House of Assembly Constituency 1 seat.
The Returning Officer added that Shittu Adedola-Olukorede of PDP scored 1,078, Awofodu Oluwabor-Oluwaseye of AA, 62 votes, Ayodele Gbenga-Johnson of AAC, 4 votes, and Olaleye Ezekiel-Oyefemi of ADC, 70 votes.
Others are Adeniyi Kolade of ADP,  37 votes, Ezitonye Peace Uzoma of BP, 21 votes, Gabriel Temitope-Dosunmu of NNPP scored 24 votes, and Awodeji Abdul of SDP had 1 vote.
“Abiodun Orekoya of APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected,” Adisa said. (NAN)

5:45am

INEC Announces Sunday for Commencement of Result Collation in Cross River
 
INEC has declared the collation centre for the governorship and state house of assembly elections opened.
Declaring the event open, late on Saturday at the INEC Secretariat in Calabar, Prof Gabriel Yomere, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Cross River, thanked all who were present.
Yomere  also used the opportunity to introduce Prof. Teddy Adies, State Returning Officer for the election.
On his part, Adies said the collation of results at the state level was after each of the results had been announced at the Local Government level.
The returning officer, who is from the Federal University Otueke, asked if any LGA was ready with their result and since none was ready, he postponed the collation to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
He said by then, many results would have come in for the collation to fully commence
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Cross River witnessed the event. (NAN)
 

5:10am

INEC Fixes Sunday for Suspended Asari-Toru LG Election
 
The INEC in Rivers, on Saturday said that the Commission was ready to conduct the election of Asari-Toru Local Government Area and the ward 14 of Degema Local Government Area on Sunday.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr. Johnson Alalibo, disclosed this in a statement by Mrs Geraldine Ekelemu, the Public Relations Officer of INEC, in Port Harcourt.
Alalibo stated that election could not hold in the LGAs due to the voters’ resistance of deployed election officials and materials for the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.
Alalibo said that the electorate and other stakeholders demanded to see the ward collation officer before they would allow the election to commence in Asari-Toru LGA.
He said that voters at ward 14 in Degema LGA equally demanded that the supervising Presiding Officer (SPO) must come to the Registration Area Centre with collation sheets, thereby disallowing the election to hold in the area.
The REC said that the Commission had decided to conduct the election at the areas on Sunday, standing on the premise and relying on section 24 of the Electoral Act 2022. (NAN)

SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2023

10:16pm

EFCC Arrests 65 Suspects over Alleged Voter Inducement

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commissiom (EFCC) Saturday arrested 65 persons in 28 states over alleged voter inducement during the governorship and Houses of Assembly elections.

This is contained in a statement issued by its spokesman, Mr Wilson Uwujiaren. 

Uwujiaren stated that 20 of the suspects were arrested in Kwara, while 13 suspects were arrested in Kaduna State.

He added that 12 suspects were arrested in Rivers; four suspects each were arrested in Akwa Ibom and Cross River, while others were arrested in Gombe, Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger States.

“Those arrested in Kaduna State were 10 males and three females. They were apprehended by EFCC operatives either working on intelligence reports or were chanced upon during monitoring.

“A suspect allegedly involved in vote buying was nabbed at School Road, Unguwan Rimi in Kaduna. The suspect, who initially resisted arrest, is however in custody pending the conclusion of investigation.

“Also in Kaduna, a team arrested a suspect with voter coupons, which he confessed would be used to trace and pay those who voted for his party,’’ Uwujiaren stated.

He added that the EFCC team monitoring voting around Local Education Authority School, Kabala Doki in Kaduna also arrested two suspects for vote buying.

The EFCC spokesperson noted that upon arrest, N67,500, a list containing names of voters, their PVC numbers and bank accounts details were recovered from the suspects.

He stated also that investigation showed that the major modus operandi of the suspects was to give cash, transfer money, coupons or send recharge cards to eligible voters to induce them.

Uwujiaren said a search of their persons and phones showed that most of them had transferred money into bank accounts of some voters on the lists recovered from them.

“Some of the items recovered from the suspects were voter cards, monies, lists containing names and accounts details of voters and telephone recharge cards,’’ he stressed. (NAN)

9:16pm

No Security Threat in Zamfara, APC Plotting to Disrupt Poll Result Collation, PDP Alleges

Zamfara State PDP Candidate, Dauda Lawal has alleged that the state government was hell-bent on disrupting the process of result collation.

Lawal in a statement by his media office Saturday in Gusau stated that the state government had perfected plans to issue a fake security threat in some local government areas of the state.

He said: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in an early lead in the results so far collated from polling units across the state.

“There was a massive turnout of voters, and the results coming out indicates that PDP is comfortably winning.

“Elections were held successfully in all local government areas, but we learned that the governor is mobilizing thugs intending to disrupt the process.

“We have uncovered that they want to disrupt the collation process in Shinkafi, Zurmi, Birnin Magaji, Anka, and Kauran Namoda local government areas.

“We call on the security agencies in the country, INEC, and International Organisations to consider Zamfara as a flashpoint area and beam  searchlight on it to monitor, and supervise the collation of results.”

9:11pm

Zamfara PDP Guber Candidate Wins Polling Unit

The Peoples Democratic Party Governorship  Candidate in Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has won his GRA II Health Centre polling unit, Madawaki, Gusau scoring 384 votes.

His closest rival and incumbent Governor Bello Mutawalle of All Progressives Congress polled 82 votes.

6:37pm

El-Rufai Decries Voter Intimidation, Low Voter Turnout

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has decried voter intimidation in Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections in the southern part of the state.

He also lamented the low turnout of voters across the state.

The governor said although the election was generally peaceful across the state, he received reports of voter intimidation in Southern Kaduna.

Speaking in an interview with journalists shortly after casting his vote, El-Rufai commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for improving on the election process.

“Generally speaking, the process has been peaceful and smooth except in a few places in Southern Kaduna where we got a report of voter intimidation.

“People are being asked to vote for one party or go back home,” he said.

The governor said security agencies were on top of the situation.

“We anticipated some level of violence but by the grace of God, there was no report because security was put in place in response to that intelligence,” he added.

He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) was optimistic of a positive outcome of the election.

Also speaking in an interview after casting his vote at his LEA Kawo pulling unit, the APC governorship candidate, Senator Uba Sani, alleged that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was conniving with INEC officials to intimidate voters and thumb print ballot papers.

According to Sani, voters in Zaria and Kajuru were being intimidated while ballot papers were being thumb printed.

Many residents of Kaduna metropolis did not turn come out to vote.

In places like Barnawa, Sabon Tasha, Narayi, Kakuri, Kigo Road, Angwan Sarki, Anguwan Megero, among several places, voter turnout was low.

6:25pm

C’River APC Guber Candidate Lauds INEC on Peaceful Polls

• One killed in Ogoja, four buses burnt in Odukpani

Bassey Inyang in Calabar 

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, has given high marks to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the conduct of Saturday’s governorship and state House of Assembly elections in the state.

Speaking with journalists in his country home in Adiabo Okurikan, Odukpani Local Government Area, Otu said from feelers reaching him from the field, the elections were generally peaceful, and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machine were largely functional.

Out, who voted in Efut Ward in the area, said: *Yes, I have full confidence in the BVAS. If you want to look at the election INEC have been conducting over the years, right from 1999 till date, even at bye-election, you’ll see that somehow they live up their game.

“People must not forget where we are coming from, and the type of greed that has been injected into politics. The fact that our economy is very bad and people are looking at election probably as the only way out, as a result of that, it becomes a total war and at times INEC is at the receiving end.

“INEC must also be given the benefit of doubt to continue to make sure that they perfect all their arrangements. There were issues with the BVAS but I don’t think that those issues should be key issues in giving judgement that BVAS is not working. I want to believe that INEC will continue to scale up with technology and everything to ensure that BVAS will deliver to the benefit of Nigerians.

“I don’t think there’s a lot of challenge with the BVAS, I went there was no delay. I was captured and the tick came out and I voted so I believe that moving forward they’ll continue to make sure that things are added that will make it completely fine.”

The election in the state was generally peaceful except for few incidences of violence that occurred hours before the commencement of voting.

In Ikoneto, Odukpani Local Government Area, four buses in the convoy of a top member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were burnt beyond recognition and an SUV vehicle vandalised by people suspected to be youths of the community.

Also in Ogoja, a member of the APC, whose name was given as Joe, was allegedly shot and killed by a soldier when he allegedly attempted to tamper with the electioneering.

The police authorities in the state confirmed that they got a report that one person was shot dead by the police in Ogoja.

6:10pm

INEC Postpones Governorship, Assembly Elections in 10 Polling Units in  VGC

Segun James 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections in 10 polling units in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lekki.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Lagos state, Segun Agbaje made the announcement when he addressed reporters at VGC.

According to him, corps members deployed as ad hoc staff on Saturday were hesitant to enter the VGC estate as they alleged that they were held hostage in the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Agbaje said the commission’s ad hoc staff set up voting materials in front of the estate on Saturday but the estate residents claimed that hoodlums might disrupt the process, so they did not feel secure and could not cast their votes.

He said the situation was difficult for security agents to contain hence he and his team had to come to the area.

“We have eight polling units here with 6,024 registered voters and out of which 5,624 people have their PVCs,” he stated, adding that two other polling units at the estate’s main gate were also affected. “Eight here (in the estate) and two outside,” he noted.

“After due consultation and further directive from the national headquarters that we should remobilise here tomorrow (Sunday) morning by 08:30am to conduct the elections, by 08:30am tomorrow (Sunday), we will reconvene here.”

5:59pm

Three Suspected Ballot Box Snatchers Killed, as Voter Apathy Mar Election in Delta

*INEC workers, NYSC members scared off polling centres

*Gunmen ambush INEC staff, snatch voting materials in Bomadi 

*Delta REC hints at early release of election results

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The governorship and state legislative elections were generally peaceful across Delta State with the BVAS machines reportedly working seamlessly at practically all polling centres across the state but there was serious low turnout of voters with a few cases of violence reported.

Two young men were shot dead by military personnel at Mosogar in Ethiope West Local Government Area as they allegedly tried to flee a polling unit with snatched ballot boxes while one of two persons who disrupted the polling exercise at Utagaba-Uno in Ndokwa West Local Government Area was also reportedly killed.

THISDAY also learnt that unidentified persons ambushed and snatched voting materials from INEC officials early on Saturday in Tuomo area in Bomadi Local Government Area.

However, Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, was accredited and cast his vote at Polling Unit 17 at Eghoma Primary School, Owa-Alero in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.

He voted at about 9.50am alongside his wife, Dame Edith and their daughter, who is also the candidate of the PDP for the Delta State House of Assembly in the election.

Okowa, who was impressed with the smooth running of the process and working BVAS machines, appealed to the people to put behind them the disappointment over the failure of INEC in the previous election to keep its promise to upload the BVAS results. 

The governor, who is the vice-presidential candidate of the PDP, said, “I have played my part in shaping the future of our great state. If you have a PVC, you should too!”

Nonetheless, Okowa also commended the security personnel for enduring that the process in the area was hitch-free and hoped that INEC would sustained the smooth proceess and upload the election results with the BVAS machines without delay.

The PDP governorship candidate, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, was accredited and cast his vote at about 11.am at his polling unit in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area while the APC flag-bearer, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, was accredited about the same and voted at about 11.05am his unit in Orogun, Ughelli North Local Area of the state.

There were conflicting reports of disruption of election process at Evwreni in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, hometown of the 2015 governorship candidate of the Labour Party and a founding member of the APC, O’tega Emerhor.

While a serving member of the State Executive Council was alleged to have led thugs to attack the polling centre and destroyed voting materials in some of the polling units in the community, another account alleged that  the APC chieftain had masterminded the disruptive attack witnessed in the community on election day.

There was yet no independent confirmation of those behind the violence at polling units in Evwreni community at the time of filing this report even as the security personnel deployed in the community were apparently unable to   stop the distruption or arrest the suspected thugs.

However, some NYSC members serving as INEC adhoc staff and others on election duty reportedly sustained injuries while at least three BVAS machines were also reportedly smashed.

Consequently, INEC recorded an unusual shortage of manpower in several.places, including parts of Ethiope East and Amai in Ukwani where voting could not take place at all in at least 16 units as the people refused participate because only about five INEC officials had arrived with voting materials just one or two units.

In a swift reaction to the incident, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Monday Udoh, berated the people for “taking the law into their hands” and preventing the few INEC officials from conducting any voting in the community.

He admitted that INEC in the state has been hit by shortage of manpower.

Udoh, who lamented the voter apathy that characterized the entire eketoral process on Saturday, noted that the people ought to cooperate with the INEC personal that came since the Electoral Act 2022 had provided for continuation of voting the following day where voting could not take place due to inability of INEC to conduct election as scheduled.

Nevertheless, the Delta REC commended the relatively peaceful nature of the election and hinted at early collation and declaration of the governorship and state House of assembly results owing to the fact that there was very low turnout of voters, so that the electoral officers would have relatively less used ballots to compute the results.

THISDAY learnt that the drop in the number of INEC adhoc staff may not be unconnected with the harassment some of them, especially NYSC members, were subjected during the presidential and House of Assembly election on 25th February. 

Many corps-members simply opted out of the election duty due to threat of violence, beside the reported delay in the payment of their special duty allowance, alongside policemen deployed to INEC for the general election.

5:28pm

LP Guber Candidate Loses Polling Unit to Sanwo-Olu

The Labour Party candidate in the Lagos State governorship election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has lost his polling unit to the incumbent, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Rhodes-Vivour polled 18 votes while Sanwo-Olu won with 29 votes.

Another contestant in the election, the Peoples Democratic Party’s Olajide Adeniran, popularly known as Jandor, polled two votes.

One vote was counted as void at polling unit 01 at Oshifila Street, Anifowoshe, Ikeja.

In the House of Assembly election at the polling unit, the APC polled 34, LP 15, while PDP polled one vote.

5:33pm

Sanwo-Olu Wins Polling Unit

Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the ruling All Progressives Congress, has won his Polling Unit (Unit 006, Ward E3, Eiyekole, Lagos Island).

The APC also won the Assembly election in the polling unit.

GOVERNORSHIP:
APC – 121
PDP – 01
LP – 02
Accord – 02

ASSEMBLY:
APC – 120
PDP – 03
LP – 02
Accord – 01

5:10pm

Lai Mohammed Delivers Polling Unit for AbdulRazaq

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin 

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed Saturday delivered his polling unit 006 Oro Ward 2 in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State with 174 votes in the governorship election. 

The main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party came second with 22 votes while the Social Democratic Party polled 16 votes.

Labour Party didn’t record any vote.

There were 750 registered voters in the ward but 226 voters were accredited.

5:07pm

INEC Confirms Kidnap, Release of 19 Ad hoc Staff in Imo
 
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday, confirmed the kidnap of 19 members of its ad hoc staff while on their way to conduct the House of Assembly election in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner for Imo, Prof. Sylvia Agu disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Owerri.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) gathered that they were,  however,  released following intervention by security agents but election materials including BVAS machines are still missing.
Agu said: “The attention of the commission has been drawn to a report from Ugbelle Registration Area (06) in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo state where thugs carted away all electoral materials and took our staff hostage for some hours during the March 18 House of Assembly election.
“The security forces were informed and a rescue operation was mounted.
“Presently, all ad hoc staff on hostage have been rescued but no trace of the election materials.
“While the commission remains grateful to the security operatives, it condemns such acts of thuggery, intimidation and disenfranchisement of voters and urge the public to continue to have confidence in the electoral process,” Agu stated.
The REC said a full statement on the matter will be issued later. (NAN)

4:56pm

Thugs Destroy Election Materials in Ebonyi community, Police Confirm

Some Political thugs have destroyed electoral materials including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machine and other sensitive materials in Omege Ward, Ezza North Local Government Area of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Omege ward is the polling unit of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Gubernatorial candidate, Prof. Bernard Odoh.
The thugs also injured some voters at the polling unit.
SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ebonyi Command, who confirmed the incident said the electoral materials were initially destroyed.
According to Onovwakpoyeya, yes, some sensitive materials were destroyed but later resent to the affected Polling Unit and election conducted in the area.
An electorate, who refused to mention his name said suspected thugs came into the polling unit and started shooting sporadically.
“No fewer than three persons were shot. They have been taken to the hospital,” he said. (NAN)

4:50pm

Pandemonium as thugs scatter ballot boxes in Lagos

 
Some unidentified thugs on Saturday in Lagos chased voters away from polling units, as they attempted to steal ballot boxes.
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who was at Ward F3 Polling Unit 13, Ago Palace Way, Lagos, watched with surprise as some thugs suddenly started chasing voters away with the aim of snatching ballot boxes.
The people ran for safety as the thugs continued to throw chairs and spray some chemical at them.
NAN reports that the incident was ongoing when armed policemen swung into action and arrested one of the thugs while others fled.
Voting, however, resumed as normalcy was restored by the policemen. (NAN)

4:45pm

ICPC Deploys 400 Operatives to Prevent Vote-buying
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Saturday said it deployed 400 officers and operatives to prevent vote buying in governorship and Houses of Assembly elections.
 
The ICPC Spokesperson, Mrs Azuka Ogugua, said in a statement in Abuja that the officer were already operating at the various wards and polling units.
 
Azuka, said that the chairman of ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, addressed the election monitoring teams before their deployment.
 
She quoted Owasanoye as saying that “Our participation in the election monitoring is a call to an exceptional national duty.
 
“Our relevance is neither an after-thought nor happenstance but arose from the recognition of our contribution to national development through the implementation of our enforcement and preventive mandates in combating corruption and associated ills.
 
“Our importance led to the commission being made a member of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) which comprises our sister agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Military, Police, Department of State Security and other security agencies.
“It has the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Office of National Security Adviser as co-chairs. All these agencies will monitor the elections.”
 
Owasanoye urged the officers to follow the ICPC guidelines for election monitoring and also comply with the ICCES code of conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on election duty.
 
The ICPC boss also counseled the monitoring teams to act with discipline and integrity and directed them to put their body cameras to effective use.
Azuka said the reports from field operations by the Election Monitoring Teams had been sent to the ICPC Situation Room at the Headquarters.
 
“A vote-buyer at the Ba Sarki Polling Unit 002 central capital of Adamawa State fled on sighting the ICPC monitoring team.
 
‘“Voting was observed to be going on smoothly in the Surulere area of Lagos State and some other locations in the State.
 
“ICPC Election Monitoring Teams in Enugu State observed voter apathy at the polling units as only a few voters were on ground, ” she said.
 
She said that ICPC Election Monitoring Teams were also monitoring the election along with some international observers in some polling units in other states.
 
She recalled that the anti-corruption agency had on February 25 arrested nine vote-buyers in Osun, Ondo, Borno, Akwa Ibom and Sokoto States during the Presidential and National Assembly elections. (NAN)

4:43pm
 
Masked Thugs Storm Lagos Polling Units, Chase Voters Away
Masked thugs on Saturday invaded some polling units  at Ward D, Igando/Ikotun, Lagos State, and chased away voters in queue.
The thugs chased away the voters with sticks and knives at the polling units located at Ijegun Community School.
The polling units include 096, 116, 281, 094, 095 and 084.
A News Agency of Nigeria correspondent, who monitored elections in the area, reports that the thugs came to the polling units on motorcycles.
They went from one polling unit to another chasing them away.
The attack compelled  some voters to jump the school’s fence for safety.
Also at Polling Unit 227 located at Awonisi Gate on Ijegamo Road, the thugs also beat up a lady who tried to take their picture.
They allegedly took her phones and her automated teller machine cards.
They also beat up and wounded a man who attempted to challenge them.
The voters, including accredited ones, did not return to the polling units as at press time even after the thugs left.
NAN reports that few police personnel were at area but were not armed.
One of them told NAN later that they couldn’t do anything because they were not armed.
He, however, said that a patrol team had been called.
A police patrol team arrived at the scene later.
One of the team members said on condition of anonymity,” Why did they call us after the crisis has died down? They should have called earlier.”
NAN had reported that voting was abruptly stopped at Unit 078, Ward F5, Okeafa, Ilamose Estate, Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 2, Lagos State, as thugs chased voters away with bottles and stones at about 10.52 a.m.
NAN equally reported that thugs  chased voters away and attempted to steal ballot boxes at Ward F3, Polling Unit 13, on Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos State.
Voters ran for safety as the thugs threw chairs and poured some a chemical substance on them. (NAN)

4:39pm

Abdusalami Urges Contestants to Accept Polls Outcome in Good Faith

Laleye Dipo in Minna

A former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has charged candidates who contested the governorship and House of Assembly elections to accept the results in good faith.

Abubakar made the plea shortly after casting his ballot at the uphill polling unit on Saturday.

The former Nigerian leader, who is also the Chairman of the National Peace Committee, said so far, the elections seems to free and fair.

“So far from what I have seen, everything is going on smoothly. I was captured within a minute. I hope everything goes peacefully,” he said.

Commenting on the poor voter turnout, the former head of state said he could not confirm emphatically since he had not gone round to see things for himself.

“I have not gone round but it should be expected because people get tired to vote. I hope it will be peaceful throughout,” he said.

The Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, also speaking after casting his vote in Kontagora, described the process as peaceful and orderly, adding that the process was very seamless.

Bello commended the electorate for turning out to exercise their franchise, adding that he believes the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates will emerge victorious.

The governor’s wife, Dr Amina Sani Bello, also cast her vote in Kontagora.

4:19pm

Polls: NSCDC Arrests Thugs in Enugu

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed the arrest of scores of suspected thugs in the Nsukka axis of Enugu State.

The spokesman of the Enugu State Command of the corps, Danny Iwuchukwu, who confirmed the arrest, said that it was carried out in the early hours of Saturday, the election day.

He said that the thugs, numbering over 100, were arrested by officers of the Nigerian Army providing security in the Nsukka axis after an intelligence tip-off at a popular hotel in Nsukka.

He noted that the thugs, who were arrested with AK47 rifles and other dangerous weapons, including axes, clubs and matchets have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police in Nsukka.

4:05pm

Thugs Attack Plateau Polling Unit, Destroy Ballot Papers, Voters Registers 

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos 

Some suspected thugs have attacked Pangpit polling unit in Mikang Local Government Area of Plateau state destroying the voters register and ballot boxes.

A voter at the polling unit, Mr. Joshua Kabiru confirmed the development, saying that trouble started when  some party agents who observed that some voters were being guided before casting their votes started quarreling among themselves.

Kabiru said, “It was at about 11am on Saturday that the incident happened at the Pangpit polling unit in Mikang. Voting was just going on smoothly when we saw the party agents quarreling among themselves .From what I learnt, one of the party agents complained that some voters were not being given free hand to vote for candidates of their choice in the polling unit.

“Suddenly, some people came and attacked the polling unit. In the process, they destroyed some of the votes cast and also the voters register. They also tore some of the used ballot papers and some people sustained injuries but INEC officials were not among those who sustained injuries. It took the intervention of some security agents who were  deployed to the polling unit to bring  the situation under control. But before the security men arrived, those who perpetrated the act had fled the scene.”

It was further gathered that following the incident, voting had been suspended in the area.

Spokesman for the Plateau state Police Command, Mr. Alabo Alfred said Senior police officers had been deployed to all the Local Government Areas to handle every security issue that may arise as a result of the on going governorship and state House of Assembly elections in the state.

4:00pm

Thugs Invade Polling Centre, Attempt to Snatch Ballot Boxes in Anambra

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Some thugs, suspected to be armed, invaded Metu Memorial Primary School in Odoakpu area of Onitsha, Anambra State, Saturday, attempted to snatch some ballot boxes.

A voter, Mr Chibuzor Ekene, told journalists that the men invaded the polling centre with a tricycle, and attempted to snatch the ballot boxes.

He said the men were suspected to have been sponsored by one of the popular political party contesting in the House of Assembly election.

He said: “They arrived and attempted to snatch and destroyed ballot boxes. The people were scared, and they ran away. They also attempted to snatch the phones of many voters.

“The bad boys left before security could arrive the scene. Voting stopped temporarily after the incident.”

The Anambra State Police commissioner in charge of election duty, CP Aderemi Adeoye, confirmed the incident, saying that police operatives were able to confront the thugs, while they abandoned the act and fled.

3:53pm

One Killed, Another Arrested for Vote Buying in Niger

* Thugs invade polling station in Busu

Laleye Dipo in Minna

A middle-aged man was shot and killed in Sauka-kahuta area of Minna, the Niger State capital, during Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections.

According to eyewitnesses, the man was shot when he and others were throwing stones at security operatives deployed in the area to ensure orderly conduct of the elections.

It was not known why the man and others threw stones at the security men, neither was it known which of the security operatives shot the man.

However, it was learnt that the police personnel, men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were among the team of security men posted to the area for the polls.

It was gathered that the remains of the man were taken away by his colleagues probably for burial.

THISDAY can also report that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested the agent of one of the two leading political parties for alleged vote buying in the Sabongari area of Minna.

The agent was said to be giving some naira notes to voters to induce them to vote for his party when he was apprehended and taken away in an EFCC vehicle.

In Busu, Lavun Local Government of the state, thugs were reported to have invaded the Gbadagbadzu polling unit, destroyed the ballot boxes and scattering the votes already cast.

The thugs also injured three people who had cast their ballots and were waiting for the counting.

The presiding officers, according to reports, took to their heels for safety.

When contacted, the Niger State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, promised to get back to THISDAY but did not do so until the time of filing this report.

3:40pm

APC National Chair Debunks Reports on Zoning of N’Assembly Positions

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has described as fake the widely reported news that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party had zoned the various leadership positions in the National Assembly.

Adamu made the clarification while addressing  journalists after he cast his vote at his Keffi, Nasarawa State country home on Saturday.

He was reacting to a news report that Senator Barau Jibrin was being favoured to emerge as the Senate President because the NWC of the APC had allegedly zoned the Senate Presidency to the North-west.

But Adamu wondered why politicians would be engaging in wishful thinking instead of awaiting the official pronouncement from the party. 

He said: “The report about the zoning arrangements for the 10th National Assembly is fake news.  We have not done any zoning. 

“I have said it times without number since Monday. I am still saying the same thing. No zoning has been established yet and agreed to.

“No zoning has been made public. Anybody who is saying anything is a rumour. It’s a wishful rumour.”

Also in a statement titled ‘APC Yet To Zone Key 10th National Assembly Positions’, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, on Saturday, the party described stories of the zoning of leadership positions as false and misleading.

Morka said: “The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to a report circulating on social media on purported zoning of key positions of the incoming 10th National Assembly. The report is false and misleading and should be disregarded in its entirety. 

“The party has not made any decision on zoning of positions or offices of the 10th Assembly. 

“As soon as a decision is made on zoning, it will be made public through the party’s official communications channel.” 

The misleading reports, which was published by major newspapers on Saturday, had claimed that the NWC of the APC had finally opted to zone the Senate Presidency position to the North-west geopolitical zone, making the “odds to clearly favour Senator Barau Jibrin”.

The false report claimed that the decision on zoning was reached on Friday night by the leadership of the APC after consulting with the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

“The decision takes pre-eminence over earlier suggestions in some quarters to zone the position to the South,” the debunked story further claimed.

3:38pm

Poor Turnout, Improper Configuration of BVAS Mar Election in Plateau

At Polling Unit 008 Dantanko Ward, Miango.
INEC officials idle by 1:32pm, as only 70 voters from out of 840 registered voters turned up.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Poor turnout of voters on Saturday characterized governorship elections in Plateau State with electorate accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of lacking integrity.

While some male adults were seen playing draft and other games under the trees in front of their houses, the youths took over the football pitches all over Jos town to while away time.

Some youths numbering over 30 at Dadin Kowa community Jos South Local Government Area of the state, who abandoned the voting exercise said blamed their actions on the outcome of the presidential election which they described as disappointing.

One of them, who identified himself as John Datti said, ” We came out in large en mass  during the last presidential election hoping that our votes will count. But we were disappointed when INEC eventually announced the results which obviously did not reflect the voting pattern the votes of the people of the community.

“It shows that our votes did not count and that is why we decided to come out to the pitch to play football rather than  going out to  waste our  time in the name of voting which may still not count at the end of the day.”

Another youth, by name Sunday Igbigbi at Angwa Rukuba football pitch where they the youths also stages a football match, also corroborated Datti’s position. They called on INEC to learn to respect the Nigerians and their votes.

Igbigbi said, “I can tell you that many Nigerians will not come out next time to vote at all  if INEC’s integrity remains questionable. So, it’s up to INEC to use this last opportunity of governorship elections to save it’s face from shame.

At Polling Unit: 042 Tudun wada/Kabong Ward, Rukuba Road. Number of registered voters is 3144, accredited voters were just 500 in number.

Meanwhile, initial hitches were experienced at Rabin  polling unit, Du when configured BVAS still carries February 25th, 2023 date when the Presidential polls held.

The Returning Officer said the error must have emanated during the configuration of the BVAS. He returned the BVAS for proper configuration.

3:06pm

Bode George Condemns Voter Suppression in Lagos

Segun James

As violence and voter suppression are reported in parts of Lagos during the ongoing governorship election, former national Deputy Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George,  has described the election as a sham.

He faulted the conduct of the election, saying reports of snatching of ballot boxes, intimidation and harassments of voters is disappointing.

George made the remark after voting at his Cameron Road, Ikoyi, voting unit, insisting that the election was a sham.

He said, “The attitude of the APC is very disappointing. If you continue like this when things happen, don’t complain.

He said  where he voted was peaceful but the reports he had received so far showed, there were ballot snatching and harassments of voters.

He mentioned Surulere, Ikeja, Somolu, Oshodi and Kosofe as areas where voters suppression were allegedly committed.

“What is all this? They forget that the international community is watching. What kind of nation do we want to be in the eye of the comity of nations? 

“What I found was a general voters’ apathy. How would the outside world look at us because we can’t exist alone. We will wait and see the final outcome.

“If this kind of attitude becomes a norm, it means we can’t do simple things right,” he added.

The PDP chieftain said the presence of military personnel should be to ensure that the process was orderly, saying “they are to ensure that people vote freely without any encumbrance.”

2:54pm

Zamfara PDP Cries out over Arrest, Harassment of Party Leaders

The People’s Democratic Party, Zamfara State chapter, has decried the harassment and arrest of its members by the police.

The PDP, through its Publicity Secretary, raised the alarm following the arrest of some key members of the party by the police while elections are still in progress.

The PDP noted that the hatchet job by the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) was targeted at frustrating the leaders of the party and as well threatening party members in order to ensure that the election process is not free and fair.

The party said: “It is unfortunate that the Zamfara State government is using the police to intimidate and harass members of the opposition across the state. 

“There is nowhere in the country where party members are being harassed like this.

“Zamfara State government should stop intimidating our members. They have perfected so many evil plans to disrupt the process and suppress voters, but the people stood against them and their plans.

“Now they have resorted to the use of the police to arrest our leaders across the state. We are not in military era.

“We have confirmed so far that in Mafara LGA, our party leaders like Captain Mairiga and Alhaji Aliyu E.S were arrested this morning.

“While in Anka LGA, the police have arrested Mustapha Ibrahim Mayanci, Mustapha Ibrahim Danliti Mayanci, Abubakar Usman Mayanci, and Sama’ila Mayanci among others.

“We call on the Inspector General of Police, the Director DSS, and international election observers to watch the happenings in Zamfara very closely.

“We are hopeful of winning the election in Zamfara, as our candidate Dauda Lawal is in the early lead from the results collated so far.”

2:46pm

Polls: Makinde, Wife Cast Votes in Ibadan

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan 

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and his wife, Tamunominini, joined millions of voters in the state to cast their votes at the governorship and state House of Assembly elections.

The governor, who voted at Ward 11, Unit 01, Abayomi Iwo Road in Ibadan North East Local Government, said that he was impressed with the peaceful conduct of the election so far.

His wife, Tamunominini, voted at Unit 08 Army Barracks, Iwo Road, also in Ibadan North East Local Government of the state.

Makinde had arrived the voting point at 10:40 am, and cast his vote at about 10:48am.

He had earlier been verified and accredited with the BVAS machine.

The governor, while speaking with journalists after casting his ballot, described the voting process as peaceful and commended the security agencies for doing a good job.

He called on the people to come out in good number to exercise their civic rights, urging those who were yet to cast their votes to be patient.

He expressed confidence that the people of the state would vote for him again.

According to him, “In my own unit here, everything is going peacefully. The INEC officials came early. You yourselves can see that people are out here exercising their civic rights, and from the security aspect, it has been so far so good.

“Let me also use this opportunity to tell people to come out. You know they were saying there will be security challenges, but as you can see, there are no security challenges. Our people are here voting peacefully.

“I believe our people will vote Omituntun 2.0.” 

2:32pm

Guber, Assembly Election Better Than Feb 25 Poll, Says Tambuwal

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has appreciated the general conduct of the March 18 Governorship and State Assembly elections in the state.

Tambuwal made the commendation shortly after he cast his vote at Community Girls’ Secondary School, Tambuwal, in Sokoto on Saturday.

According to the governor, the exercise is truly and generally secure and free of rancor.

“There is a lot of improvement when compared with the Feb. 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should keep to its promise of ensuring all-inclusive election across the country.

“We were highly disappointed with the way INEC conducted the last elections in which the process experienced a lot of irregularities.

“Comparing with the current elections, the situation is highly different from the report we are receiving so far across the state,” he said.

Tambuwal further added that if the situation was sustained to the end, the will of the people would truly prevail at the end of the exercise.

“The election materials arrived most of the polling units in time and so far no issue of BVAS malpractice.

“However, government needs to ensure the recruitment of more security personnel to address shortage of manpower in the country,” he added. (NAN)

2:22pm

Residents Unleash Dogs on Thugs at Lagos Polling Units

*Police shoot suspected thug

Rebecca Ejifoma

Ago Palace in Lagos is currently under tension as residents unleashed their dogs to chase away political thugs suspected to be loyal to the ruling All Progressive Party (APC),.

Also, police has shot one of the suspected thugs. 

THISDAY gathered that the Ago Palace residents stood their ground to vote for the candidates of their choice. 

While a police van filled with armed officers was seen driving off, the thug shot was left behind gasping for breath on the ground. 

2:10pm

Former Osun Governor Gboyega Oyetola, casting his vote during the House of Assembly election, at his polling unit, Ward 01,
unit 10, Boripe Local Government, Irágbìjí, Saturday

2:00pm

Osinbajo, Abiodun, Adebutu, Others Vote, Laud Process

James Sowole  in Abeokuta

The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other stakeholders  have commended the organisation and process of the ongoing Governorship and House of Assembly election in Ogun State, describing it as improvement on the February 25, presidential and National Assembly elections.

The stakeholders, spoke shortly after casting their votes at their various units in Ogun State.

Osinbajo, who voted at VP Unit 14 Ward 1, Ikenne Local Government,  described the process as very excellent in his own unit.

He said, “My own polling booth here is excellent and i think everything is peaceful and the whole process has been conducted very well and i just hope and pray that this is how it is being carried out across the nation. It has been very pleasant experience that i was able to cast my votes and also so many of us have been able to cast our votes.”

Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress, APC, voted at his Unit 3 Ward 1 in Regun area of Iperu town few minutes after 11.am while Oladipupo Adebutu voted at 10.59am at Ward 5, polling unit 4, Wesley Primary School Iperu.

Iperu is the home town of governor Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Adebutu, who is the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and main challenger of Gov. Abiodun in the governorship race.

Adebutu described the turnout of voters as impressive and expressed the hope that their expressed wishes would count at the end of the day.

Also, the Gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun state, Biyi Otegbeye, voted at about 10:01am at the State hospital, Ilaro, Ward 1, Unit 1, in Egbado South Local Government area of the state.

Otegbeye while speaking with journalists, commended the electoral process,  saying that, it is an improvement on what was obtained during the last presidential election.

“To the glory of God, everything looks peaceful. Everybody is orderly and I can see the excitement and enthusiasm on people to cast their votes.

“The electoral officers are on duty, they are cautious and everything seems to be going on smoothly at this particular time.

“What I can see at this stage is that it is much more better than what we experienced during the Presidential election.

Otegbeye said he was however, optimistic of victory for himself and his party at the poll.

”I am expecting an overwhelming victory for myself and my party, the ADC”, he added

Also speaking, the newly elected senator for Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, commended the Saturday’s election process  as a great improvement on the what obtained on February 25.

Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo was conspicuously, absent at his Ward 6 Unit 22, Totoro Abeokuta North Local Government. 

A media aide to the former president, Kehinde Akinyemi, said Obasanjo, has not been in Abeokuta, for over 10 days.

1:46pm

Sokoto PDP Guber Candidate Votes, Confident of Victory

The Governorship Candidate of PDP in Sokoto State, Mallam Saidu Umar has described the l governorship election as a seamless exercise. He made this known while exercising his franchise at Ubandoma Polling Unit 020, Sabon-titi, Kofar Atiku area of Sokoto. 

Umar, while briefing newsmen immediately after casting his ballot, said “so far voting has been going on calmly, and peacefully in the area, and within the metropolitan areas.”

Commenting on the recently held Presidential and National Assembly elections, Mallam Umar described today’s leg of the election as relatively better than the previous one.

However, the PDP candidate said he remains upbeat about victory, when asked about his expectation at the end of the exercise.

 “The PDP, God willing, is optimistic of victory in the election”, he said 

He called on eligible voters to come out and vote, and also safeguard their votes.

1:36pm

Soludo Lauds INEC for Early Commencement of Voting in Anambra

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for early commencement of the voting process in the state.

Soludo gave the commendation shortly after voting at Polling Unit 002 Ovuiyi Umueze, Isuofia, Aguata Council Area at 11:30 am

“From the information available to me, I have sampled views across the state and it seems to be going on fairly well in terms of deployment of logistics and early commencement of election. 

“I think there is a great improvement compared to the previous election in terms of the arrival and deployment of materials. It seems to be going on well, relatively peaceful,” Soludo declared. 

The governor, who expressed optimism that the will of the people will prevail, also said that the turnout of voters is low compared to the previous election and encouraged Anambra residents to step out and exercise their civic obligations by voting.

“Anyone who is in the queue before 2:00 pm, will be allowed to vote and your vote will count. We expect the finishing, collation and announcement of results to end with a flourish,” the governor concluded.

1:35pm

Tambuwal Votes, Confident of PDP’s Victory

By Onuminya Innocent In Sokoto

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State has voted at his polling unit.

Tambuwal who voted at his 033 polling unit,  Kofar AJia Government Girls Day Secondary  School, Tambuwal, a 11:30am was confident of the victory of PDP’s candidate Sa’aidu Umar.

He maintained that last month’s presidential and national assembly elections fell short of international electoral standard.

“Look at last election, no national assembly seat was declared in the state. How can 9 federal house of representatives and 3 senate seats be declared inconclusive?” he asked.

He noted that PDP was popular among the people of Sokoto state, stressing the people of the state will massively vote for the party.

He however commended INEC for improving on last election, noting that INEC officials arrived polling units early on Saturday compared to last election.

He urged l people of the state to come out en mass to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice, saying this election will define their future.

12:59pm

Emenike Votes, Confident of Victory, Lauds INEC for Improved Voting ProcessEmmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia                          

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Ikechi Emenike, has expressed confidence in emerging victorious in the governorship contest.

“I’m confident of victory. You can see the mood of voters. We are looking forward to victory by the grace of God by tomorrow,” he said.

Emenike, who cast his vote in polling unit 11 Umukabia Okpuala at exactly 10:13a.m, told journalists that he was happy with the arrangements put on ground by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the voting process was going on smoothly.     

“You can see that the BVAS is working well and I’m sure you can see that quite a lot of people are desirous to vote,” he said.    

He advised the electorcal umpire “to ensure transparency and fairness to everybody”.       

Meanwhile, the governorship and state assembly election has shown remarkable improvement on the part of INEC as deployment of election materials was done on time.

In most polling units monitored at Umuahia North and Umuahia South Local Governments that make up the capital city, voting started on or before 9.00am.

However, the enthusiasm of voters which manifested in the huge turnout of voters very early on voting day during the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly polls was lacking this time around.

A senior citizen, Chief Orji Ukaonu, said that people have a sense of disappointment over the outcome of the presidential poll and it has dampened their enthusiasm for the governorship and state assembly elections.

“People were driven by the enthusiasm generated by the candidacy of Peter Obi and they trooped out in large numbers to their polling units as early as 6.30am.

“But after the result was announced, people were disappointed and unhappy. You can see the effect today as electoral officers are telling ones waiting for voters instead of the other way around,” he said.

But a party agent, who gave his name simply as Ukoha, said that it was expected that large number of voters would still turn out to vote “if they hear that the voting process is no more rigorous as it was during the presidential election”.

12:55pm

Buhari Votes, Says APC Will Triumph in Governorship, Assembly Polls

.Asks electorate to vote according to their conscience 

.Osinbajo lauds voting process

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

President Muhammadu Buhari has predicted victory for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s Governorship and State of Assembly elections across the country.

According to him, Nigerians know the party “means what it says, and says what it means.’’

Speaking with newsmen on Saturday after casting his vote at Ward A, Sarkin Yara Polling Unit, 003 in his country home Daura in Katsina state, the President said “I am sure we are going to win, again’’.

According to him: “Nigerians trust us because we mean what we say and say what we mean. We have maintained that trust. We told Nigerians that we will work for them, and we have done our best in education and health facilities, and Nigerians appreciate our efforts”.

The President urged the electorate to follow their conscience in choosing right leaders, both state executives and legislatures, admonishing that the era of vote buying had been diminished. 

“I am aware that the money is not there like before for people to sway voters, like they used to do. And if they bring out money now, the people should pocket it, and still vote their conscience,’’ he said. 

President Buhari noted that he was not surprised at the results of the Presidential elections on February 25, 2023, which saw Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerging as President-elect, since the APC campaigns were thorough, and detailed. 

The President noted that the APC followed the constitutional procedure for the entire electoral process, choosing a party Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, who had served as a two-term Governor in Nasarawa State, and legislator in the Senate, with an experience that will secure the electoral value and relevance of the party. 

 On deepening of democratic culture and rising awareness among Nigerians, President Buhari said the media had played a major role in empowering people with information on their rights, and providing a platform for voters to challenge leaders on  promises and records. 

His words: “The media is doing very well in creating awareness and enabling the right conversation. You can hear the tough questions for leaders during interviews on TV, radio and other platforms, and the journalists always press for answers”.

Meanwhile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo Osinbajo, on Saturday voted at the Egunrege Polling Unit 14, Ward 1 in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the election.

Osinbajo and his wife arrived the polling unit, got accredited and proceeded to cast their votes at exactly 10:34 am. 

Speaking afterwards with journalists, the Vice President said “from here at my own polling unit, it is excellent. The whole process has been conducted very well and I just hope and pray that this is how it is being carried out across the nation.

“It has been a very pleasant experience. I am glad that I am able to cast my votes and so many others who want to cast their votes have been able to do so,” he added.

12:53pm

Obi Votes, Laments Vote Buying, Apathy

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has voted at his Amatutu polling unit in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Obi, who cast his vote at about 11.20am, lamented that Nigeria has returned to the era of transactional politics, saying that the ongoing election is witnessing vote buying.

Obi also lamented the low turnout of voters in the state. 

He said this may be because the people have lost interest in the system.

12:36am

No Police Presence in Most  Zamfara Polling Units, PDP Alleges

The Zamfara State Peoples Democratic Party has said that there is zero police presence in most of the polling units across the state.

The party in a statement through the Dauda Lawal Media Office, Saturday in Gusau, stated that elections were yet to commence in many polling units in the state.

The governorship elections were expected to commence early Saturday.

Though in some states, concerns heightened over alleged moves by governors to rig the elections by all means possible.

The statement read: “It is worrisome the situation in Zamfara State at the moment, because elections are yet to commence in most of the polling units across the state.

“The Police that is expected to provide security for INEC officials, election materials, and voters are nowhere to be found.

“The Zamfara State PDP is worried and believes that this is a plan by the state government to resort to extra-judicial means to compromise the process.

“There is already information of thugs attacking voters in Gummi, Zurmi, Bungudu, Mafara, and Shinkafi Local Government Areas.

“We call on the Inspector General of Police to call the Zamfara state commissioner of police to order. The police should be neutral, not partisan.

“It is only the security operatives that can thwart the plan to further compromise the electoral officers, thus making the falsification of results much easier than it was in the previous exercise.”

12:20pm

Low Turnout as Enugu Residents Elect Gov, State Assembly Members

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

Residents of Enugu State appear to have lost hope and interest in the conduct of elections given the low turnout of voters that is currently being experienced at the ongoing governorship and state assembly elections. 

This is unlike the last Presidential and National Assembly elections during which residents of the State trooped out in large numbers to vote, despite threats of sit at home. 

Recall that in some polling units where voting materials did not arrive on time, voters waited for several hours just to exercise their rights. 

However, while voting materials arrived on time today and voting commenced early enough, it was noticed in some of the polling units visited that the turnout was poor. 

At the Central Primary School Ugwuaji and Afor Market Square Polling units, accreditation and voting started at 9am. But only a few voters turnout out. The story is the same across some polling units across the state. 

It was also noticed that unlike in the last election when residents stayed back in their numbers to count their votes, most of them were leaving as soon as they cast their votes. 

At the Central Primary School Ugwuaji and Afor Market Square, party agents who spoke to this reporter said that the low turnout being experienced was as a result of the outcome of the last presidential and national assembly election.

“The outcome of the presidential election, particularly, was not what the citizens expected, one of them said. ” And that is why most of them have decided to stay back since their votes will not count,”. 

Some of those who voted in the last election but didn’t turn up for the state elections also told this reporter that they had lost hope and trust in the capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to conduct free and fair polls. 

As at the time of this report, voting was still ongoing and no violence has been recorded yet. 

11:27am

Heavy Security as Voting Commences in Lagos

Segun James 

Amidst heavy security, voting has commenced in Lagos.

The President -elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was one of the early voters as he voted at his Alausa, Ikeja polling unit at about 09.40 am.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has just voted.

THISDAY Correspondent, who visited Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Agege-Motor Road, Oshodi, Mushin and Lagos Island noticed heavy security presence, made up of men of the Nigerian Army at known flashpoints along the axis.

The soldiers were moving in armoured trucks.

11:23am

Tinubu Votes Amid Heavy Security

President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu voted at 9.35 a.m. at Unit 085, Ward 03, Alausa, Ikeja amid tight security in the Governorship/National Assembly elections on Saturday.

Tinubu was accompanied by his wife, Oluremi  and the Lagos Market leader, Chief Folashade Ojo.

Mr Dele Alake, his Media Spokesman, told journalists after he voted that the president-elect will not be able to grant interviews till later in the evening.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that barriers were used to demarcate the unit into sections and designated areas for voters, journalists and security operatives which is different from the previous situation.

NAN recalls that during the Presidential and National Assembly elections on Feb. 25, hundreds of journalists and party supporters struggled to capture Tinubu’s arrival and voting.

INEC officials were early and had completely set up before 8 a.m.

At exactly 8.30 a.m, Miss Adebola Adeniyi, the Assistant Presiding Officer III, made announcement, showed empty ballot boxes and the BVAS Machine and read out the election guidelines.

She said 324 voters registered in the unit.

A combined team of Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, DSS, FRSC and Nigeria Immigration Service were on ground.

The heads of the various security organisations, including the commissioner of police inspected and patrolled the area before the arrival and departure of the president-elect. (NAN)

11:16am

Large Turnout, Tight Security as Plateau Goes to Poll
 
Electoral officers in most polling units across Plateau conducted peaceful accreditations of voters and voting amid huge turnout of voters on Saturday for the state governorship and House of Assembly elections.
However, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that voters’ turnout was poor in Jos North Local Government when accreditations and voting had begun in other polling stations.
Some polling units in Kugiya, Bukuru and Dadin Kowa, in Jos-South began accreditations and votings immediately it was official time for the exercise.
The residents in Jos obeyed the restriction directive as most streets in the metropolis were deserted, no traffic and shops were locked up during the elections.
Most voters commended the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for arriving in polling stations promptly.
Voting began as scheduled in polling units 028 (Gut), 024 (Shaka) and 017 (Air force Primary School) all in old Airport Road amid tight security
Polling units in Kugiya, Bukuru Lowcost and Dadinkowa were set up before 8 a.m. awaiting the official time of 8.30 a.m. to begin accreditations.
The Presiding Officer in charge of polling unit 032, in Bukuru Lowcost , Mr Okoi Nsa, said that he and his team arrived as early as 7.15 a.m. to set up the place.
Similarly, the Presiding Officer in charge of polling unit 048, Dadinkowa, Miss Blessing Edoh, said that she was at the station as early as 6.30 a.m. to forestall a repeat of the incidence that occurred during the presidential and national assembly elections.
In polling units 043 and 006 at Kugiya, Jos South, as the polling units were set and the officers in charge were seen addressing the electorate before the commencement of the voting exercise.
Some of the electorate who spoke with NAN expressed satisfaction on the prompt arrival of the INEC officials, noting that this would enable the electorate to cast their votes within the stipulated time.
Mrs Garos Pam, an electorate, commended the INEC officials for coming out early as this has enabled her to cast her vote in good time.
Another voter, Mr Moses Bitrus, said that because the exercise commenced in time, he spent less than 10 minutes to cast his vote.
Miss Jummai Dalyop, said that the process this time was less cumbersome as compared to that of the presidential elections.
Another electorate, Mrs Joy Jacob said that this process would enable every eligible3 voter to cast their vote as the officials arrived early and the process was better.(NAN)

11:13am

Awka Records Poor Voters Turnout

Turnout of voters in most polling units in Awka and environs for the March 18 State House of assembly election was very low, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Correspondent of NAN who visited some polling units within Awka township reports that electoral officials arrived before 8a.m. in most of the units.
The polling units visited include Awka South Aroma 1, PU. 002, Aroma 2, 008, Aroma 3, PU.007, Amudo Hall 2, PU 009, Ukwuorji 5, PU. 006, and Ogbugbankwa PU. 011.
Also at Adabebe Amawbia Polling units 1 and 2 Polling, Agu Awka 09 polling units 005 and 0012, the turnout was low, there were presence of security operatives and party agents.
Pastor Emeka Okoli, a voter at Aroma Awka 1 told NAN that the poor turnout  was due to the poor handling of the Feb. 25 presidential and national assembly elections.
“As you can see many people are not here now, by this time during the last election, more than 150 people were already here.
“For people to show up in their numbers in future elections, INEC must make sure they stick to the rules”, he said.(NAN)

11:10am

APC, PDP Agents Kick as Materials Arrive Bauchi Ward Late

Agents of All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Saturday, decried late arrival of INEC officials and materials at Haruna Memorial Primary School ward 029,
The ward is in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi state.
Speaking with newsmen, Mouktar Gidado, the PDP observer at the polling unit said he arrived at the venue exactly at 8am when election materials should have arrived.
“However, I don’t know why the materials arrived at 9:20am and voting has not yet commenced though the electoral officers are on ground now.
“I want to appeal to INEC that there should be a departure from late arrival of election materials. It is 9:30am and voters are still waiting”, he said.
Gidado, who is also the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State , said apart from the late arrival of election materials, everything was going on smoothly at the polling unit.
Also speaking, Abdullahi Gidado, the All Progressives Congress (APC) party agent at the polling unit, decried the late arrival of election materials.
He said some voters wanted to return home but he convinced them to stay.
“We have been waiting since 8am and they arrived at 9:20am. We hope that the election will commence soon as they have already set up the polling unit.
“Apart from the fact that INEC officials arrived late, there is no other issue here,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as at 10am, election had not commenced at the polling unit. (NAN)

11:08am

Voting Starts Early in Nasarawa

Election officials arrived early for the Governorship  and State Houses of Assembly elections in Motor Park 001 and 002 Polling Units Gudi, Akwanga Local Government Area (LGA), Nasarawa State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  the polling units visited by its Correspondent, accreditation  and voting began simultaneously at exactly 9:08am.
NAN also reports that Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) arrived most polling units around 8:30am and set up the place for voting.
Security agencies such as Nigeria Police, Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were present at the polling units to ensure security and to check vote buying. (NAN).

11:02am

Materials Arrive, Voting Commences Early In Eket

Electoral materials  arrived early in polling units in some parts of Eket Local Government Area of the state for governorship and House Assembly elections.
Mr Solomon Daudo, Polling Officer said that electoral materials arrived at Unit 18 one of the wards in Ward 4 Urban, Primary School Atai Ndon at7:20 a.m on Saturday
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wards 4 Urban comprises five units which are units 3, 4, 17, 18 and 19.
Daudo said that everything was in place, as they were waiting for INEC authorisation to  commence the  election.
Mrs Dorathy Imoh, the polling officer said that electoral materials arrived polling units at 7:30 a.m.
She also that the security officers and party agents of different political parties were all on ground.
Mr Joseph Ekaette, Senior Polling Officer, (SPO) said electoral materials arrived Registration Area Technical Support (RATECH) centre Ikot Ibiok last night and distributed the materials before 7:30 a.m.
NAN reports that voting later commenced by 8:30 a.m. (NAN)

10:58am

Large Voter Turn-Out in Kano Amidst Tight Security
 
A huge turnout of voters is being witnessed in the Governorship and House of Assembly elections in Kano as people troop out to exercise their franchise.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that voters, especially in parts of Municipal and Nasarawa Local Government Areas thronged their polling units as early as 7 a.m.
The election personnel and materials also arrived as early as 8 a.m. to various polling centres especially at the Emir’s Palace, Kwalli Police Station, School For Arabic Studies and the Old Kano State Library.
Other polling units that witnessed the development were those located in Gidan Makama Primary School, Unguwar Gini Comprehensive Health Centre, Magwan Primary School and Government Junior Secondary School, Race Course.
Similarly, security was tight in all the areas visited with military personnel, the Police, Civil Defence, FRSC and other operatives manning major streets and screening people as they approached the polling stations. There was also compliance to the order restricting movement of unauthorized vehicles in the city with the streets virtually deserted.
Shops, shopping malls, restaurants and other places of human endeavour remained closed in compliance with the police order.
NAN also observed that voter turnout was impressive as people came out early to cast their votes under a conducive atmosphere. (NAN)

10:55am

Large Turnout of Voters in Mafa, Zulum’s Hometown

 
There is large turnout of voters in Mafa, hometown of Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, as accreditation and voting in the March 18 governorship/state assembly elections start.
Mafa is the headquarters of Mafa Local Government Area of Borno, about 35km from Maiduguri.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent monitoring the exercise ine Mafa, reports that accreditation and voting started on time in most polling units in the town.
Some of the voters who spoke to NAN said the turnout was unprecedented compared to the last election because of improved mobilisation.
Bulama Abubakar, said after casting his vote that ”we trooped out to cast our votes in support of our son, Prof. Zulum because he is seeking reelection.”
He commended the early arrival of officials and election materials at many polling units in the town which he said was a big improvement to the Feb. 25 presidential and National Assembly elections.
Also, Aisha Modu and Mustafa Lawan, said the large turnout was in solidarity for their son.
NAN correspondent who also monitored the exercise in Jere Local Government Area, however, reports that many voters were still waiting for arrival of officials and materials in some polling units in the area.
“It is already 9.30 a.m. but we are still waiting for the officials to come,” said Abubakar Ibrahim, a voter at a polling unit in Mairi ward of Jere LGA. (NAN)

10:49am

Police Arrest Armed Thugs in Anambra

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five persons suspected to be thugs, mobilized to disrupt elections in the state.

According to a short text message from the command’s spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, the men were arrested in Ihiala, with four pump action rifles recovered from them.

Ikenga said: “Five armed thugs were arrested in Ihiala and four pump actions recovered.”

CP Aderemi Adeoye, who is heading the command’s personnel on election duty, was also quoted to have said that thuggery will not be allowed during the election. 

10:09am

Go Out and Vote, Adeleke Calls on Osun Residents

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called on residents of the state to go out and cast their vote, assuring them of safety and security.

Speaking early Saturday morning at his country home in Ede, the governor said:

“You are still at home? Come out now and use your PVC as a democrat. It is safe outside. Exercise your right to vote and be voted for.

“Don’t be scared to abandon your right to vote. Security agencies are in top form to ensure that your vote and my vote count. I have issued relevant directives to service commanders to secure lives and properties as we all vote today.

“I need you good people of Osun State to vote massively. If you love democracy and good governance, stand up now and face your polling units.”

10:03am

High Turn-out of Voters in Osogbo Metropolis

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

There is high turn-out of voters in the governorship and state Assembly elections in Osogbo metropolis in Osun State, while security personnel are also present to maintain law and order.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Musbaudeed Ayodele Kusamotu, who spoke with THISDAY, urged the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free and fair polls.

He advised voters to be mature in the course of the exercise and avoid trouble.

Voting is already in progress in some wards with security personnel on ground to provide adequate security for voters.

Some of the wards visited are wards 3 unit 8 in Osogbo Local Government, wards 3 unit 3 Agana in Olorunda Local Government, Ward 1 Ataoja A, unit, polling unit 3 and ward 4 Fagbewesa, Osogbo.

9:42am

Low Turnout of Voters in Anambra

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

There is a low turnout of voters in Anambra State in 5oday Assembly election, compared to the large number of people that thronged polling centres for the Presidential election three weeks ago.

Polling centres visited in Awka, the state capital, showed near empty units as staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, sat idly.

At Aroma junction 1, polling unit 008, Awka South Local Government Area, as at 9:20pm, only six persons had been able to vote, despite the commencement of voting at 8:30am, and the swiftness of the BVAS machines.

A voter, Mrs Chika Ndu told our correspondent that: “People are not coming out because they feel their votes may not count because of what happened last three weeks.

“It will take a level of enlightenment for people to accept to come out, because they believe their votes will not count.

“I cannot believe that this same place where I found it difficult to cast my vote last three weeks, I can just come in and in less than three minutes, I had cast my vote.”

Another respondent, a journalist, Mr Damian Egwuonwu, said: “I think it is early, people will still come out.”

9:35am

Polling Units Open Early in Minna 

* Agents absent in centres visited 

* Poor voter turnout

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC opened the various polling units in Minna the Niger state as early as 8am.

However party agents were absent at the polling units visited as at 8:45am, resulting in polling not commencing.

At Umoru Audi primary school, polling officials arrived at 8am to set up for the election with only about 10 voters around.

 All party agents were absent at the unit, so polling could not start .

“We are waiting for the agents, even if we have one agent we will start, Aliyu, a polling official said.

In other areas,  polling started at 8.30am but with few voters on the queue.

THISDAY observed non compliance with restriction of movements ordered by the police.

9:31am

Voting Commences in Anambra

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Voting has started in Anambra State for the House of Assembly elections.

Polling centres visited by THISDAY within Awka, the state capital showed that as early as 8:30am, most of the centres visited had started voting.

The state Resident Electoral Commissioner Mrs Elizabeth Agwu had in a press conference on Friday said that the commission was ready, and that voting would start early.

Observation also showed that the BVAS had been very swift in capturing voters.

8:47am

Accreditation, Voting Commence in Sokoto

By Onuminya Innocent In Sokoto

Voters in Sokoto State came out as early as 6am in  to queue at polling units as they awaited the arrival of electoral officials.

Accreditation and voting commenced at 8am

at Gwiwa extension, behind Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, College of Administration .

A voter Murtala Yakubu told  our correspondent that he was eager to elect who will pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years.

8:42am

INEC Disowns Fake ID for Security Personnel on Election Duty
 
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distanced itself from a fake identify card for security personnel on election duty.
The commission did this in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, in Abuja.
Okoye said INEC’s attention had been drawn to an identity card for security personnel bearing the name and logo of the Commission with the inscription “Complete Access” boldly written in red at the bottom of it.
“We wish to state categorically that the identity card did not emanate from the Commission. Identity cards for security personnel on election duty were issued by the security agencies and not the Commission.
“Anyone bearing an identity card allegedly issued by the Commission for security personnel can only be on illegal duty. Such a person is liable to arrest and prosecution.
“The public Is alerted to this diabolical action of some misdirected elements and to report any such person to the security agencies,” Okoye said.(NAN)

7:03am

Tension As 28 States Elect Governors

•Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Oyo, Sokoto, Delta, Rivers, Benue, Plateau are battle grounds

•993 state assembly seats also to be filled today

•INEC promises uploading of results from polling units to Result Viewing Portal real time

Ahamefula Ogbu

Voters in 28 states across Nigeria will today file out to elect governors who will run their affairs for the next four years, effective May 29.

There will also be voting into 993 state assembly seats across the 36 states of the federation in this rescheduled governorship and state houses of assembly elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), after a slipshod performance at the Presidential and National Assembly elections on February 25, largely due to failure to transmit and collate results electronically as assured, promised an improved performance today.

INEC’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu vowed that today’s polls will be free and fair.

Yakubu urged parties and candidates to speak to their agents and supporters to see the elections as a contest and not war and to “refrain from acts of violence that may mar the elections or compromise the security of our personnel, observers, the media and service providers.”

By yesterday morning, INEC had concluded the distribution of sensitive materials for the governorship and house of assembly elections to all the wards.

INEC Promises to Upload Results Real Time

Yesterday, INEC gave an insight into how polling unit results will be transmitted during today’s governorship elections.

The Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Festus Okoye, while speaking on Arise News said “the law as of today prescribes a dual mode of either transmission of results or transfer of results.”

He said when polls closed at the level of the various units, the Presiding Officer who superintended the polling unit would enter the scores of the various political parties in form EC8A which is the polling unit level result.

“The PO will sign that particular result sheet and stamp it, the PU agent or party agent if available will also countersign and copies will be given to them and the police.

“That original result is what will be scanned and uploaded to our INEC Result Viewing Portal for public viewing. Not only that, the accreditation data that has arisen from that polling unit will also be uploaded, but the physical result and the BVAS itself will also be taken to the Registration Area Collation centre,” said Okoye.

According to him, the Collation Officer will have the benefit of seeing the original results and the BVAS itself and have the benefit of looking at the accreditation data as transmitted, and the result sheet as transmitted from the polling unit.

“That is the dual mode which the law has prescribed for the commission and that is the mode that we’re going to use for the purpose of this election,” said Okoye.

Speaking on real-time IREV delivery on Saturday, Okoye said results would be transmitted as soon as the polls closed from various polling units.

“The commission is determined to improve on its previous performance. What we have done is to learn valuable lessons from previous elections that we conducted, and we’re going to put those lessons into our planning purposes and processes, and into our deployment purposes,” Okoye said.

On INEC’s readiness, he said, “In all the states of the federation, both the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines and all the sensitive election materials have left the Central Bank and the various state offices of the federation.

“We want to ensure that all polling units open on time. Secondly, we made sure that we reconfigured all the BVAS that will be used for this particular election in terms of making sure that the BVAS perform optimally and also making sure that some of the challenges we had in the previous elections do not reoccur.”

Police Pledge Tight Security

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, is deploying over 400,000 officers and men for today’s operation.

Baba, who urged voters to come out and vote without fear, promised tight security.

He has also ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12 am to 6 pm on Saturday in all states where elections will be conducted.

Baba said those on essential services such as officials of INEC, electoral observers, accredited media and observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, amongst others are exempted from the restriction.

He noted that the directive excludes the Federal Capital Territory, as no election is being conducted therein.

The IGP reiterated the ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.

State-established and owned security outfits/organizations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management.

The IGP has also extended additional human and logistic support to police commands and formations across the country for effective election security management today.

The additional support includes the deployment of personnel, operational vehicles, non-lethal weapons, personal protective equipment (body armour), and anti-riot equipment among others.

Gubernatorial Battlegrounds

Abia State

It’s a three-horse race in God’s own State. Incumbent Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of the PDP is pushing for his former Chief of Staff, Okey Ahiwe to succeed him.

This appears to be in danger because of Ikpeazu’s poor performance in the last eight years.

The bad situation is at a boiling point in this state. Teachers and civil servants are owed backlog of salaries, pensioners not paid, tertiary institutions losing accreditation, and all forms of development arrested, while political office holders and their families flourish.

This anger of the masses has already claimed the ambition of the Ikpeazu who desired to retire to the Senate but was trounced at the polls.

The PDP has Alex Otti of the LP and Ikechi Emmenike of the APC to contend with. The LP has upset the apple cart in several states and Otti who is riding the crest of the euphoria appears set to clinch the prize in Abia State. Emmenike of the APC will no doubt give him a good fight. It’s too close to call here.

Enugu State

The state parades an array of strong contestants with front runners being Peter Mbah of PDP, Chijioke Edeoga of Labour Party and Frank Nweke of APGA.

Mbah enjoys a broad spectrum of support from political bigwigs in the state and with the state treasury at his disposal, being the candidate of the sitting governor and the state being a PDP state for long, Mbah who also parades a personal war chest will give a good fight.

However, Edeoga of the Labour Party might ride on the back of the tsunami sweeping through the political space, added to the sympathy of having their senatorial candidate murdered, to clinch the coveted seat, especially as the Labour Party is wearing the messianic toga now.

Frank Nweke, who even some “Obidients” favour because of his past records, is also a strong contender which also makes the state a battleground, especially as the state is known for its violent disposition of some old politicians. Allegations of arms stockpiling is already rife and it will be a tough fight between PDP struggling to retain the state and LP/APGA bent on wresting it from them.

Kano State

This is an APC state with a gladiator in the person of Rabiu Kwankwaso that has moved to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of APC, though none of them is on the ballot.

While Kwankwaso who swept the presidential ballot in Kano is supporting Abba Yusuf, Ganduje is backing Yusuf Gawuna.

The candidates of the governor and Kwankwaso are not only contesting but there is an ego war of who has the bragging rights over the state. Kano State is too close to call. The prize can go either way.

Benue State

There is a marked departure from the past as a Catholic Priest, Father Hyacinth Alia, contesting under the APC, survived all intrigues to hold on to the ticket, while Herman Hembe latching on to the Labour Party’s acceptance to struggle to be elected governor to succeed Samuel Ortom, one of the G5 governors that bloodied the nose of their party over power shift to the South.

Ortom, who lost his senatorial election, would strive to ensure his candidate of the PDP, Titus Uba wins, so there won’t be a double loss of his seat and that of his successor. Allegations of arming youths to steal mandates are rife in Benue. It’s a three-horse race here and too close to call.

Ebonyi State

Since Governor Dave Umahi moved over to the APC on account of complaints of inequity in PDP, Ebonyi was suddenly racked by spates of violence and the governor is one to ram through his wish on issues of interest.

So, it is expected that he may, against all odds, do everything he can to deliver Mr. Francis Nwifuru to succeed him.

Umahi however has Chief Francis Odii of the PDP to contend with in a predominantly PDP State before Umahi jumped ship.

On the shadows to spring surprises might be Labour Party’s candidate, Chief Edward Nkwegu who is riding on the back of Peter Obi and his Obidients. As usual, violence will make or mar the outcome of the contest. Nwifuru of the APC may pick this ticket.

Rivers State

Old rivalries have been rekindled as former governor Rotimi Amaechi and incumbent Governor Nyesom Wike have squared up again with their support for candidates of their parties and brickbats are flying, often leaving issues to attack personalities.

Wike is pushing Similaye Fubara for his party, PDP, which he had campaigned vigorously against in the presidential election over the sharing of party positions, while Amaechi came back in full force leading the campaigns for APC, which fortune had dwindled with exit of many members over choice of candidates, with his candidate, Tonye Cole.

The presidential election saw a lot of violence when their direct interests were not at stake, and this signposts what will happen today. Candidates were attacked with dynamites and guns during campaigns so worse would be expected today as Wike will struggle to break the jinx of Rivers State governors not being able to determine their successors.

Senator Magnus Abe of Social Democratic Party (SDP) is also in the race and can make the contest to go anyplace.

Oyo State

It is going to be a straight battle between incumbent Seyi Makinde of PDP and Teslim Folarin of APC.

Makinde, being a G5 member that dared the party, is not enjoying the backing of some of Oyo PDP big wigs.

Even with being an incumbent, with some of the parties collapsing their structure for him, Makinde still does not have that edge. Folarin is looking good for the Oyo State governorship.

Plateau State

With Governor Simon Lalong’s failure to grab his senatorial seat, his quest to determine who takes over from him has become a serious agenda.

So far, his candidate, Dr. Nantwe Yilwada of the APC has Caleb Muftwang of PDP and Yohanna Margif of Labour Party to slug it out with, given their performances during the presidential elections. Margif has been bogged down by court orders which were cleared a few days ago.

With the backing of the incumbent governor, APC will strive to retain the state which has been a core PDP state till Lalong took it to APC.

Also, the general acceptance of the Labour Party in Plateau and the performance of its presidential candidate in the last election may throw up some upsets in favour of the Labour Party. Muftwang looks determined to return Plateau to the PDP. But anything can still happen in Plateau State today.

Lagos State

The loss of Lagos by the APC to little known LP in the Presidential election threw up a gamut of variables which sent strategists hurrying back to the drawing board.

Whereas Lagos was seen as tug of war between the APC and their usual PDP, what could be a rib excised from PDP ended up causing an upset that has made the poster boy of Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to start losing sleep due to the possibility of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the LP upstaging him.

This factor has seen a flurry of activities in churches, football stunts and visits to places that ordinarily would not be contemplated.

Later statements by Rhodes-Vivour that he was going to open the account books of Lagos for people to see how funds of the state had been applied will definitely lead to a do or die contest. Moreso, when it comes with the threat that may smear reputations. The heat is already on in the state with threats of Oro cult and warnings to non-Yorubas not to rock the boat.

Delta State

As for Delta State, apart from being the sitting Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa was also Atiku’s running mate, and the least expected from him was to deliver maximum votes in the Presidential election. However, he managed to garner 161,600 votes, trailing the LP by a distance.

Okowa will be fighting today to take his preferred candidate, Sheriff Oborevwori, to the Delta State Government House, Asaba.

Apart from the rising popularity of the Labour Party, Okowa also has the candidate of the APC and Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege to contend with.

With PDP chieftains, including the former governor of the state, James Ibori, and Senator James Manager both working at cross purposes with the Okowa administration, it would be interesting to see which of the parties have the last laugh today. It’s a three-horse here.

Sokoto State

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State may have won the North-west state for Atiku and his PDP in the February 25 presidential election. Yet, a dark cloud of uncertainty hangs over the governorship election. Today’s voting will be a keenly contested poll between Saidu Umar of the PDP and the APC’s Ahmad Aliyu. The race is too close to call in Sokoto State.

Kaduna State

In Kaduna State, Governor Nasir el-rufai will require a miracle to determine his successor.

El-rufai and the APC were badly trounced in the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections by the PDP, making today’s election a tough one for his favoured Ubah Sani. Isah Ashiru of the PDP will give el-rufai’s man a good run for his money. Victory can go either way. The race is too close to call in Kaduna State.