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Tag: election

  • Occupy Nigeria Members Protest Over 2019 Presidential Election

    Occupy Nigeria Members Protest Over 2019 Presidential Election

    Members of a coalition of civil society groups, Occupy Nigeria, have protested against what they describe as the anomalies in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    The group held a sit-in on Monday at Unity Fountain in Abuja, where they condemned the incidents in Lagos, Imo, Kogi, Kano, and other states.

    “We are set to demand the correction of the electoral anomalies carried out in the just-concluded presidential election, which were visibly marred by outright rigging and extreme violence that reduced the process to an affair of a balance of terror rather than an election,” a co-convener of the group, Okpanachi Jacob, said in a statement.

    He decried that the situation has left Nigerians in the affected areas short-changed, in the quest for electing their leaders.

    Jacob alleged that there were many odd sides in the exercise, stressing that they do not reflect the true wishes of the Nigerian voting populace.

    According to him, the journey towards conducting credible elections in the country is in jeopardy as the whole system is retrogressing into resignation.

    The co-convener said, “It is imperative to note that 2019 elections have made a detour from the ongoing process of restoring integrity to the electoral process and thus, requires immediate redress so as to earn the confidence of Nigerians.”

    He, however, demanded that voting must be conducted for the disenfranchised electorate in the exercise while INEC should open its back end servers to stakeholders, in the spirit of transparency.

    Jacob asked the Federal Government to withdraw all military personnel in areas where there was no visible crisis and order them to stay out of elections.

    He also called for fresh elections in areas where card readers were not used on February 23, as earlier asserted by the INEC as void.

  • Police arrest 10 suspects for alleged electoral offences in Niger

    Police arrest 10 suspects for alleged electoral offences in Niger

    The Niger Police Command has arrested 10 suspects over alleged electoral offences during the Saturday, Feb. 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections in different of parts of the state.

    Alhaji Sabo Ibrahim, the State Commissioner of Police, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Friday.

    Sabo said that the offences ranged from ballot snatching, unlawful possession of Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), destruction of ballot papers and disruption of peaceful conduct at polling units.

    He explained that the suspects were arrested at Lapai, Mokwa and Bida Local Government Areas of the State.

    He said that all the suspects and exhibits were transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja, for continuous investigation and prosecution.

    The commissioner warned politicians against political violence during and after the Governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state.

    Ibrahim said that the command was committed to providing peaceful political atmosphere before, during and after the elections.

    “We have sufficient personnel to be deployed to all polling units to provide adequate security during the voting exercise.

    “Police will arrest and charge to court any politician or youth caught with dangerous weapons and perpetrating violence before during and after elections.

    “We are fully prepared and committed to crisis-free gubernatorial elections in Niger State,” he said.

    The commissioner said that already the police had put in place robust security measures in ensuring that the elections go peacefully in the state without threat to lives and property.

    “I want to specifically advise parents to monitor the conduct of their children so as not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs in the forthcoming elections.

    “This will not be tolerated as various security measures are already in place to guarantee peaceful political atmosphere for the implementation of the electoral process without hindrance.

    “I wish to also solicit the cooperation of the public through the provision of timely and useful information to all divisions of the command to help us respond to distress calls on time,’’ he said.

  • Those who predicted war have been put to shame – Oshiomhole

    Those who predicted war have been put to shame – Oshiomhole

    Those who predicted anarchy for Nigeria ahead of the 2019 presidential election have been put to shame, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the National Chairman, All Progressives Congress(APC), has said.

    Oshiomhole made this known while fielding questions from State House correspondents after a congratulatory visit to President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa.

    He said that by extending his hands of fellowship to everyone and congratulating those who contested with him, Buhari had proved he was a statesman who showed humility even in victory.

    “And I think for those analysts who have been active since 1999, this is easily the most keenly contested election.

    “My joy is that first, in the campaign, given the security issues in Nigeria, there was no incident of terrorist attack except the last day or so; maybe in Yobe or somewhere, I say to God be the glory.

    “The second is that people who have predicted that Nigerians are going to fight; they are going to war and is like we were preparing for second world war; I am sure again, they have been put to shame.

    “ I know that Nigerians believe in their country; we appreciate our friends but those friends will never accept us as citizens of their country; the only country where you cannot be deported.

    “The only country you don’t need visa to stay no matter what you do or who you are is Nigeria; it is the only one can truly call our own; even for those who have multiple passports, the only one the only country they can truly call their own is Nigeria.’’

    The national chairman congratulated the people of Nigeria for the enthusiasm they showed in spite of the postponement of the election.

    He said the observers both local and foreign attested that the election was free and fair election, adding that however, that the election was not perfect.

    “What I can say is that there measurable improvement over the past elections.

    “But let me also say to be honest; as much as we want to be magnanimous in victory, there are a couple of things that happened that show that Nigerian people know who to reward and they know the appropriate time to punish those who are extremely arrogant.

    “Those who came to the Senate with less than a hundred thousand votes and began to hold the country to ransom, their own people have recalled them.

    “While we are saying we will impeach them, their people said no, they will rather bury them; politically now, they are out; it shows the power of democracy; it is a leveler; it is an equaliser.

    “You cannot be bigger than the people; I think a couple of lessons have been learnt; that this game is for people who are humble; the game is for those who believe in the people; this game is a leveler; there are no dynasties; the people are the sovereign.

    “When they lend you the power, remember it is only loaned to you; and it will expire and it will require renewal and if you don’t behave; they will not renew it,’’ he said.

    Oshiomhole said he was delighted that Nigerians had renewed overwhelmingly the mandate of Mr President as he even had more votes than in the previous election.

    He scolded hose who spread fake stories through the social media and clergies who made fake prophesies about the election.

  • We won’t recognise Buhari as president beyond May 29 – Opposition parties

    Opposition political parties under the aegis of the Coalition of United Political Parties have vowed not to recognise Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s President beyond May 29, 2019.

    They said they would ensure, within civil means, that Buhari did not enjoy what they called a stolen mandate based on his declaration as the winner of last Saturday’s presidential election.

    The coalition’s national spokesman, Imo Ugochinyere, made the political parties’ position known in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Ugochinyere urged Nigerians to continue to support opposition parties in their quest to retrieve the mandate for the rightful owner.

    He said, “The opposition rejects the cooked and panel beaten figures and will not recognise General Muhammadu Buhari as the carrier of legitimate mandate beyond May 29, 2019.

    Describing Buhari’s victory as pyrrhic, Ugochinyere claimed that there is evidence nationwide that the 2019 presidential election was a clear departure from the electoral gains made in 2015.

    He said it was glaring that the ruling All Progressives Congress massively stole votes and suppressed votes of the opposition to such an extent that the election is the worst since Nigeria’s return to democracy 1999.

  • Celebrate Buhari’s victory at home, Police advises Plateau residents

    Celebrate Buhari’s victory at home, Police advises Plateau residents

    The Police Command in Plateau has advised the residents to celebrate the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in last Saturday’s general polls in their homes.
    DSP Terna Tyopev, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, gave the advice in a statement he issued on Wednesday in Jos.
    Tyopev warned that the command would not tolerate any form of street procession in the name celebration in any part of the state.
    The PPRO said anyone caught doing so would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
    “Mr. Isaac Akinmoyede, the Commissioner of Police in charge of this command has called on the good people of Plateau who are celebrating the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in last Saturday’s election to restrict the celebration to their homes.
    “The command will not tolerate any kind of street procession in any part of the state in that regard.
    “So, members of the public are advised to be law-abiding and go about their lawful businesses without fear as security agencies are out only to maintain law and order,” he stated.
    Tyopev further called on the residents of the state to cooperate with the police and other security agencies to ensure safety of lives and properties.

  • Obaseki congratulates Buhari, says president’s 2nd term will promote good governance

    Obaseki congratulates Buhari, says president’s 2nd term will promote good governance

    Governance

    By Joy Odigie

    Benin, Feb. 27, 2019 (NAN) Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election, saying the president’s second term would provide the grounds for good governance.

    Obaseki stated this in a congratulatory message to president, signed by Mr Crusoe Osagie, his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, in Benin, on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari was declared winner of the Feb. 23, presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Edo, I congratulate our President-elect Muhammadu Buhari, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on your well-deserved victory.

    “I salute the renewed resolve of Nigerians to cast their ballot for uprightness and honesty, exemplified by your leadership and for endorsing the people-centred programmes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under your guidance.”

    According to the governor, another four years of Buhari leadership will ensure the completion of ongoing infrastructural projects.

    He noted that the president’s leadership would also boost the country’s image among the comity of nations.

  • Nigerian celebrities, Joke Silva, Desmond Elliot, others congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari

    Veteran actor Joke Silva

    President Nigerian celebrities, Joke Silva, Desmond Elliot and some others have congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election to office.

    President Buhari was on Tuesday declared the winner of the just concluded presidential elections following his re-election bid on the platform of the All Progressive Congress(APC) with a total of 15,191,847 votes, beating other contenders.

    Celebrities have taken to their social media platforms to express their satisfaction with the new turn of events.

    Actress, Joke Silva put up a post on her official Instagram, @ajokesilva.

    She wrote, “Congratulations. Well done. League of extraordinary gentlemen. Now hit the ground running. Consolidate.

    “Four years is a short time. Power needs to be sorted, without it we are going nowhere fast. God be with you, guide you and give you wisdom.”

    Actor and politician, Desmond Elliot, who is a member of the Lagos state house of Assembly also expressed his joy.

    He wrote, “Congratulations!!! May this new administration take us to greater heights as we consolidate and build a firm foundation may we speedily begin to reap the fruits of our labour as a nation.

    “Congratulations Mr President, congratulations APC, congratulations Nigerians.”

    Similarly, actor, Ali Nuhu wrote, “Hail my President PMB! Congratulations to all BUHARISTS , despite the mockery and the hate speech we finally won. Our gratitude goes to Allah.

    Meanwhile , Singer Banky W who contested for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives, Eti Osa Constituency, under the Modern Democratic Party (MDP) and lost out, in a viral video expressed appreciation to his supporters.

    He also enjoined the youths not to give up their dreams adding that his loss in the just concluded election was not the end of his political career but the beginning.

    “Hope we look back at what we accomplished in just three months and he shows us what we can do with the next four years. I hope we realize that winning in some parts of Eti-osa is proof that we can do this anywhere.

    “I hope we know it’s failure only when we stop trying . And battles are only lost when you stop fighting

    “The real MDP logo is a ladder, I hope we are not tired yet of climbing . I hope we remember all we said all along, that no matter the outcome, Election Day was never our finish line, it was only our starting point.

    “I hope we made our generation proud, we were greatly outnumbered but we stood out in the crowd . The movement must now begin where the campaign ends.

    “This was never a three month race, it is a lifelong commitment…may we still fix Nigeria, one community at a time,” Banky W said.

  • President Buhari receives Certificate of Return from INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday in Abuja presented a Certificate of Return to President Muhammadu Buhari, winner of the Feb. 23 Presidential election.

    The certificate was presented to the President by the Returning Officer of the election, who is also the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

    Yakubu first invited the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who in turn invited the President-Elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to sign and collect the Certificate of Return.

    INEC had earlier today (Wednesday) declared President Buhari, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the 2019 presidential election.

    Speaking at the event, the president assured Nigerians that they would soon see “a country moving to the `Next Level’ as the APC-led administration consolidates on its achievements”.

    President Buhari also pledged to continue to engage all parties as his administration would be operating an open government for the general progress of the country.

    He, however, vowed to continue the fight against corruption, saying accumulation of public wealth would not be tolerated.

    The president, who thanked God for the electoral victory, also reiterated his call on all APC supporters not to gloat or humiliate the opposition, saying “victory is enough reward for your efforts”.

    Personalities at the event included APC State Governors, Cabinet Ministers, Security Chiefs, Heads of Para-Military agencies, Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi.

    Others were the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ahmed Rufa’I, presidential aides and political appointees as well as the chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole.

    The National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and family members of both the President and the Vice-President also witnessed the event.

  • Buhari’s re-election collective victory for Nigerians, says Moughalu

    Chief George Muoghalu, the National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari as “a collective victory” for Nigeria and Nigerians.
    Moughalu made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Wednesday, while thanking Nigerians for voting massively for Buhari in Saturday’s poll.
    He expressed the hope that Buhari would consolidate on his first term achievements in the coming years, having appreciaited the high expectations of the citizenry.
    He said: “My reaction to Buhari’s re-election is that of excitement and to thank Nigerians for the confidence they reposed in him.
    “I am happy that Nigerians have renewed the mandate given to APC to manage the affairs of this country for the next four years.
    “I assure Nigerians that we will not disappoint them, I have had the privilege of touring this country with the president, I saw his passion, his commitment and love for the country.”
    Muoghalu, a member of APC Board of Trustees, commended the South-east for polling a higher number of votes for the party in 2019 than they did in 2015.
    He expressed optimism that the next dispensation would ensure greater inclusiveness for all sections of the country.
    He therefore appealed to Nigerians to continue to support and pray for the present administration.
    Moughalu said: “This time, the South-East voted for Buhari in 2019 than they did in 2015. That is a demonstration that we want to be part of national politics and position ourselves for the future.
    “Nigeria is our common goal and should be our individual and collective aspirations, let us continue to support and pray for the president.
    “In politics, only one person will emerge winner, the president has extended the olive branch, let us embrace it.
    “Let us support the president, I am not saying that the opposition should be blocked out, because a robust and vibrant opposition will make Nigerian a benefit more.
    “The opposition only lost a contest, they did not lose Nigeria or the future because four years is just around the corner.”
    The APC chieftain, therefore, urged the Peoples Democratic Party to accept the result of the presidential poll as a true reflection of the people’s will.
    He also admonished the party to continue to play the role of a responsible opposition for the overall development of the country.

  • Celebration in Maiduguri over Buhari’s re-election

    Hundreds of jubilant youths took to the streets of Maiduguri, the Borno capital, to celebrate the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari in the Feb. 23 presidential election.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the youths on Wednesday defied the prevailing curfew in the metropolis and trooped to the streets, beating drums and singing party solidarity songs to celebrate the victory of Buhari in the election.

    The youths said they keenly watched the announcement of the presidential election result by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, saying that as soon as the result was announced at 4.37 a.m. on Wednesday, they became fulfilled.

    The INEC boss declared Buhari re-elected, having polled 15,191,847 votes, winning in 19 states, to defeat other 72 candidates, including Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 11,255,978 votes and won 17 states and the FCT.

    A cross section of the jubilant Maiduguri residents told NAN that Buhari’s re-election is a victory for Nigerians and democracy.

    Mustapha Shehu, a resident, said that the celebration was to show their happiness over the re-election of Buhari as president for a second term.

    Shehu said that the outcome of the election as announced by INEC demonstrated the popular wishes of the people.

    “The declaration of Buhari as the winner by INEC is true reflection of the choice we made in the election.

    “We voted for Buhari in appreciation and support of what he has done and we want him to continue with the good work to move the country forward,” he said.

    Amal Yusuf and Ahmed Umar, also expressed joy over the development and hoped that the president would scale up counter insurgency campaign to end Boko Haram insurgency and restore peace to the Northeast region.

    Also, Alhaji Aliyu Dalori, the Chairman of the APC in the state, said the re-election of Buhari would enable him to consolidate on the gains recorded in the counter insurgency campaign, rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced communities, as well as peace building process in the region.

    Dalori said: “President Buhari has demonstrated greater commitment to defeat Boko Haram insurgents, resettlement of displaced communities and restoration of peace in the region.

    “In 2015; many local government areas were annexed by Boko Haram, under Buhari’s stewardship, all these areas were liberated and people resettled in those communities.

    “Election was also conducted in places hitherto under the insurgents’ control.”

    Dalori noted that the Buhari administration had achieved great feat in the provision of livelihood and adopted sound programmes to address the humanitarian crisis in the Northeast region, as well as fight corruption, reinvigorate agriculture and transform the nation’s economy.

    While commending the electorate over their vote for Buhari and other candidates of the APC, the Chairman lauded INEC over the conduct of free, fair and credible election.