ETI-OSA : OBANIKORO, BANKY W LOSES TO LP’S ATTAH TO CLINCH ETI-OSA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr Thaddeus Attah of the Labour Party (LP) as winner of the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
Prof Funmilayo Odukoya, who is the INEC Returning Officer, made the declaration on Sunday at the Collation Centre, Lagos State Model Nursery and Primary School, Marwa, Lekki 1.
Attah won with 24,075 votes, beating his counterparts, Mr Olubankole Wellington (Banky W) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who had 18,666 votes, and Mr Babajide Obanikoro of the APC, who had 16, 901 votes.
“That Thaddeus Attah of LP, having satisfied the requirement of the law is hereby declared winner and is returned elected; signed by me. Thank you so much,“ Odukoya said.
She said that other candidates received the following votes: Mr Oladehin Olufemi, African Democratic Congress, 1,422 votes; Mr Azeez Kabirat of New Nigeria Peoples Party, 414 votes, and Mr Olasunkanmi Ololade, Social Democratic Party, 207 votes.
Earlier, there was pandemonium between the party agents and INEC officers over the authenticity of the result, even before it was declared by the presiding officer.
The agents including APC and PDP refused to accept the announcement of results unless their complaints were addressed.
Speaking to the media, Mr Aderemi Adeshina, claimed that some voters were disenfranchised in some polling units in the LGA.
Adeshina also claimed that results recorded in some units after the elections were not transmitted through the BVAS machine.
“We will not accept the result until another election takes place in all the wards where we were disenfranchised,“ he said.
Reports has it that security agents including the police and army were on ground to ensure and maintain safety and peace.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has won the presidential election in Osun State. Atiku won in 20 local government areas with a total of 354,366 votes to defeat his closest rival, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 343,945 votes and won in 10 local governments.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, came third in the race with a total of 23,283 votes followed by Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) who scored 713 votes.
The total figures were announced by the INEC State Collation Officer, Folashade Ogunsola.
Mrs Ogunsola, a professor, said the total votes cast were 756,744.
She noted that a total of 733,203 votes were considered valid votes while a total of 23,541 votes were rejected.
Meanwhile, INEC has announced Ekiti State Presidential results where the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu won all the sixteen local government areas of the state.
Tinubu won in all 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to defeat his closest rivals, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
According to results announced at the Ekiti State Collation Centre on Sunday, Tinubu gathered a total of 201,486 votes to emerge the winner of the election.
The APC candidate was followed in second position by his PDP rival, Atiku who got 89,554 votes while Peter Obi of the Labour Party got 11,397 votes from Ekiti State.
Adeleke during the PDP campaigns in Osun Stste had said, “A vote for Atiku is a vote for new Nigeria, for true federalism, for economic restoration. A vote for the PDP is a continuation of the July 16 liberation from bad government.
“My people, extend ‘Imole’ to reach all legislative candidates and our presidential candidate. I urge you to complete the task you started last year July by ensuring the massive win for the PDP on Saturday.
“I however call for peaceful polls. I have directed security agencies to arrest hoodlums and thugs. I directed them to comb and empty all identifiable hideouts. Our government has zero tolerance for violence. Election is about choice and this should be done under peaceful conditions
AMUWO ODOFIN : SANUSI CAST HIS VOTES , TASK ELECTION OBSERVERS ON PATRIOTISM
The All Progressives Congress (APC), House of Representatives Candidate, Prince Lanre A. Sanusi (PLS) have been accredited about 12: 37pm and subsequently casted his votes in Amuwo Ododin LGA of Lagos State.
As the general elections progresses across the nation, PLS was seen in company of other voters at his Polling Unit 049, Ward B Festac Town, Lagos exercising his civic responsibility.
25th of February is slated for the Presidential, Senatorial and House of Representatives elections.
Speaking to the media , the Awori born Prince of Lagos State, Saturday, urged election observers to carry out their responsibility with the required sense of patriotism and fear of God.
PLS as he is fondly called advised the observers to refrain from any act capable of tarnishing the image of the country, especially the temptations being tools in the hands of partisan groups and organisations.
He said, “To civil society groups, including domestic and international election observer missions, I urge you to approach your assignment with patriotism and fear of God.
“Remember that elections will come and go, but Nigeria remains. You must resist the temptation to become willing tools at the hands of some domestic or international groups seeking to tarnish the reputation of our country.”
While assuring that the election was free and fair in Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, Sanusi commended security agencies for their contributions to the maintenance of peace.
“I wish at this crucial point in our history to commend our security agencies on supporting to deliver elections that are peaceful, fair and credible.
“I have strong confidence in the electoral process, and in the professionalism of our security agencies. In the past four years, we have witnessed innovative reforms by the Independent National Election Commission that are aimed at improving the efficiency and credibility of the Electoral process.
I would like to commend our security agencies for their undying commitments and loyalty to the country.
“Through your sacrifice and determination, you are working day and night to protect our democracy from enemies both internal and external. I would like to assure you of my unconditional support and cooperation,” PLS added.
“I want to thank the leadership of INEC and President Muhammadu Buhari for their courage and” patriotism.
Sanusi thanked Amuwo Odofin Constituents for their support and prayers for him so far and reiterated his confidence in winning the House of Representative elections. Promising to be responsive and responsible to his constituents.
In less than 12 hours, Nigerians will vote for the next president of the continent’s largest nation.
The nation has been presented with 18 presidential candidates; however, if campaign spreads and activities are any indication, the race is shaping up to be a four-horse race.
The candidates who have been campaigning across the country are Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
In this analysis by the main stream media firms we will examine the factors that will determine the outcome of the election in each state, taking into account the party structures and historical voting patterns of the states
The campaigns have been plagued by ethnic and religious tinges; for instance, the Labour Party candidate has been criticised for visiting churches, while Tinubu and Atiku have been criticised for making ethnically-tinged remarks.
For a candidate to win, he or she must obtain a simple majority of the votes cast and 25 percent of the vote in 24 states and the FCT, as stipulated by the constitution of 1999.
South East
The region has five states- Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu and Imo states and due to ethnic colouration, are expected to go to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, who is a former Governor of Anambra State. However, these states are traditional PDP voting states and the Labour party has no single governor in the region.
Poor turnout may be expected in the region due to the activities of the unknown gunmen and IPOB. It would be recalled that Simon Ekpa, the factional leader of the group, declared a sit-at-home order in those states.
Anambra State
In Anambra, Peter Obi is expected to perform well because of home advantage. In 2019, as the running mate to Atiku, they polled 524,738 votes representing 86.63% of the total votes. However, that may be a bit hard now because PDP has some strong senatorial candidates like Chris Uba, Stella Oduah and Mary Ekwunife. Also, the governor of the state, Charles Soludo openly opposed the candidacy of Obi, saying there is no path to victory for him. But that being said, Obi is expected to pick the state. Likely parties PDP, APGA/APC
Abia State
This traditional PDP voting state is faced with the obedient movement and the G5 governors’ influence. Governor Okiezie Ikpeazu is a member of the rebellious PDP governors that have refused to endorse the presidential candidate of the PDP, although the governor has refused to endorse anyone. The reason could be that the Obidient movement threatens his political structure, as voters may vote LP across the board, a decision that may affect his senatorial ambition and others in the PDP.
Also, there is former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu in Abia North, whose effort in the last election afforded the APC over 25% of the total votes. LP, PDP, APC That said, Obi is expected to win the state.
Ebonyi State
Ebonyi is also another state that Obi is expected to win, but he will have to battle with the structure of the APC, where governor Dave Umahi, for the very first time, is running on a platform that is not PDP.
The PDP is suffering from internal conflict in the state, but with strong National Assembly members and historic voting prowess, PDP cannot be totally written off. LP is expected to carry the state, but not with blown out margin In this order LP, APC, PDP
Enugu State
If Obi had not been in the race, this state would have been called for the PDP, but fortune is not smiling on the PDP in the state. The governor is a PDP member but also a member of the G5, and like all other G5 governors, he refused to campaign for Atiku. Even though Sen Chimaroke Nnamani is supporting Tinubu openly, the Labour Party is projected to win the state.
However, security remains a major concern in the state, considering that a Labour Party senatorial candidate was killed barely 72 hours before the election. LP, PDP, APC
Imo State
In Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodinama has a top job to deliver the state for the APC, a tall order considering the circumstances of his emergence as governor of the state through the Supreme Court. PDP won the state during the last presidential election with 65% of the total votes cast, while APC got 27.5 percent.
As in most other states, Labour Party can be considered a disruption in most southeast states, therefore, the party is expected to win this state. However, if Uzodinma keeps traditional APC voters, they may maintain second, but the second position is too close to call between APC and PDP, but the odd favours PDP. LP, APC/PDP
Northcentral
No one has won the presidential election without winning the Northcentral. Although the region does not boast of bloc votes like the Northwest, however, because of the diversity of the people there, it tells of the acceptability of a candidate.
The region is not homogeneous— not united by language, culture or religion; to show how competitive the region is, all the candidates are popular here. Another thing is that it appears PDP and Labour are going after the same sets of voters
Benue State
A number of polls have called the state for the Labour Party and the endorsement of Obi by Governor Samuel Ortom have been seen as significant. However, several factors make the state too close to call. While Ortom is the governor, however, other PDP bigwigs like former Governor Gabriel Suswan and Senator Abba Moro are on the ballot on Saturday as candidates of the PDP, including the governor himself. Even the national chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu is from the state. However, the anti-Fulani rhetoric of the Governor may present a challenge, as the PDP will have to market Atiku to voters. On the part of the APC, there is the factor of Father Hyacinth Alia that appears to be some sort of movement in the state; he has equally been campaigning for the candidate of the APC, Tinubu.
Even the daughter of former Senate President, David Mark is in the APC, and it is hard to underestimate her; she defeated her uncle in the last election when she contested on the platform of APGA. It could be any of the candidates: APC/PDP/LP
Plateau State
Labour Party candidate is expected to win Plateau State particularly due to the enthusiasm of the young people; however, there is a common thread when analysing supporters of LP, they are mostly urban youth and women. His ability to win the state depends on the work done in rural places outside the capital because the PDP is also strong in the state and there is the APC factor, where governor Simon Lalong is a senatorial candidate in Plateau South. The APC may get backlash due to the party’s Muslim/Muslim ticket. Even in the Muslim community, the votes will be between PDP and APC. LP but with a slim margin— APC/PDP
Nasarawa
This state is another clear example of LP and PDP chasing similar voters. In Nasarawa State, PDP will have to rely on party structure to deliver the state, as voters in Mararaba, Masaka and other places close to Abuja in Karu Local government area of the state may vote Obi. APC will rely on the National Chairman, Abdulahi Adamu, Governor Sule Abudulahi and Tanko Almakura to deliver the state for the ruling party. Because of the division in the opposition, APC is projected to take the state by a slim margin, while the second place is too close to call. APC, LP/PDP
Kogi State
In the last election, APC won Kogi State by a slim margin with 54.8% of the total votes cast; with the recent economic situation and the Naira scarcity, the state should have been a battle ground, however, there is the impact of Peter Obi in this election that may take youths that ordinarily would have voted Atiku and the PDP.
There are also concerns about electoral violence in the state and the incidents of bomb blasts in Okene. All these may discourage some voters in the state.
Natasha Apoti and some PDP bigwigs are expected to make waves for Atiku, but the APC may enjoy some enthusiasm in Kogi West— particularly in the Okun speaking part, who may sympathise with Tinubu. It will be a battle between Dino Melaye and James Faleke in Ijumu LG. Because of the Obi factor, APC may win the state. APC, PDP, LP
Niger State
Niger state, a state that is always mentioned at every presidential election, because any serious candidate must visit Abdulsalam Abubakar and Ibrahim Babangida at their hilltop mansions.
Niger State is currently a battleground between the APC and the PDP, where both held rallies with massive crowds. Ordinarily, APC would have been the favourite because of its structure in the state. In the last election, the state cleared every single elective position, and APC won with over 71% of the total votes cast in the election during the presidential election. And there is the incumbent governor of the State, Abubakar Sani of the APC. However, many believe that all is not well within the APC in the state. Umar Bago, the governorship candidate of the APC emerged despite not being the candidate of the governor. Although the governor claimed that he did not anoint any candidate for the primary, however, there were indications that the governor backed Mohammed Idris, the publisher of Blueprint newspaper, but was defeated.
The odds still favour the APC in the state, however, it is fair to state that it is too close to call. APC/PDP and LP.
Kwara State
The state will be facing the review of the “O to ge” movement that displaced the Saraki Dynasty in the state. The PDP, led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki is proposing “O su wa” a Yoruba phrase that means “we are tired”. The APC in the state has gone through internal combustion that broke it into three— APC, SDP and YPP.
Also, Saraki has intensified his campaign around the state on a ward to ward level, and the decision of his party to zone the governorship ticket to Kwara North, a zone that last produced a governor in 1992, may be a huge advantage for the party ahead of the election. Both SDP and YPP have fielded strong senatorial candidates that may affect the party in rural areas. All these factors favour the PDP, however, there is the factor of Tinubu’s name in the state. It is a household name. APC is projected to win, but after a strong battle. APC, PDP
FCT
Because of the cosmopolitan nature of the FCT, the LP candidate has been projected to win the FCT, a good call considering the factor on the ground, however, FCT has large rural components across the territory. LP will be getting votes from traditional PDP voters and first-timers. LP is expected to take the FCT but it will be hard to underestimate long-term senator, Philip Aduda of the PDP and Zakari Angulu of the APC, both running for senate seats. APC is expected to pull some numbers in Abuja South— Gwagwalada, Kwali, Abaji and Kuje, although Hassan Sokodabo, the PDP rep member in the constituency and urban voters in Gwagwalada may further hurt the APC.
That being said, LP is projected to win with a slim margin, the second position is too close to call.
South-South
South-south is another battle ground in this election that many would not have envisaged 12 months ago. The political map of Nigeria has tremendously changed in the last 12 months.
There are the G5 governors and the Obi factor. These two factors turned the zone into a battle ground. Ordinarily, PDP would have swept this region leaving the APC to fight for 25%. Edo State In 2019, APC polled 47% of the total votes cast, however, the fortune of the party has changed since then; it lost the governorship seat after the governor defected to PDP before the governorship election.
Now, the APC has been reduced to Edo North Senatorial district where Adams Oshiomhole is the senatorial candidate of the party. Unfortunately for the PDP, the party will have to share its fortune with the Labour Party, particularly among the youths. While Governor Godwin Obaseki is always quick to dismiss the movement, his prediction that the movement will fizzle out is yet to be seen.
Then, there is the internal crisis within the PDP where a group led by Dan Orbin receives orders from the Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. The State is hard to call, a candidate with less than 35% of the total votes cast may win the election. Ordinarily, APC should not be in consideration, but in a three-horse race, if APC keeps its traditional voters while LP and PDP share spoils—a surprise may not be far away. LP/PDP—Not ruling out APC completely.
Delta State
State of the vice presidential candidate of the PDP is one interesting state in this race. This state will go to the PDP because the party is obviously strong and there is more incentive for voters to turn out because of Okowa. Among the young people, the LP has significant sympathy. Also, there is the APC, where the party polled 26% of the total vote cast in the last election. But in the current cycle, it is hard to see how the APC can flip the state, particularly with its Muslim/Muslim ticket and the naira policy. Meanwhile, there is the reported cold war between Okowa and former Governor James Ibori over the governorship seat, however, not much movement has been observed from that quarters to suggest PDP losing the state. One question that remains- will the total vote cast in Delta State cross a million votes? PDP, APC/Labour
Akwa-Ibom State
Governor Emmanuel Udom is the Chairman of the Atiku Presidential campaign team, and he is expected to deliver the state. To do so, he will have to outmatch the Obidient movement, while keeping in mind former Governor Godswin Akpabio of the APC. In 2019, Akpabio was able to get 30% of the votes cast in Akwa-Ibom, but the recent crisis in the APC presents a challenge for him; however, there is a great deal of uncertainty hanging over the PDP, particularly as regards the governorship candidate. That said, the PDP is expected to win the state. PDP, LP, APC— it will be a close contest between LP and APC for the second position.
Bayelsa State
This state is going to be a strong battleground between the PDP and APC as some sort of a litmus test for the governorship election. Governor Diri Douye will have to use this election to establish his status in the state considering that he lost the governorship election in November 2019 against David Lyon; it took the intervention of the court for Douye to emerge. As it stands, Lyon and the minister of petroleum resources (State), Timipreye Sylva have already procured the N50 million nomination and expression of interest forms. Local politics will determine the outcome of this election, but odds favour the PDP to win the state, however, the race is too close to call.
Cross River State
Governor Ben Ayade will fancy his chance to for the first time deliver the state for the party; however, like most south-south states, Cross River has consistently voted PDP, and with Labour Party making waves among the young people, it is going to be an interesting battle. To exercise caution, it is best to declare that the state is too close to call.
Rivers State
There is a serious battle going on in Rivers, it is PDP vs PDP, so the question remains, who is going to reap from the division, is it APC or LP. Events in the past couple of weeks show that there is a deliberate attempt by Governor Nysome Wike to deliver the structure of the state to Tinubu, however, there are people still loyal to Atiku. Wike appears not to be taking chances against them. It would be recalled that a member of the House of Representatives, Chinyere Igwe was arrested by the police on Friday with about $500,000. But while this battle is ongoing, LP may take the state due to popular support. Therefore, Rivers is too close to call.
North West
This region has the highest block votes and the famous KKKK states (Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi and Katsina), that can alter the fortune of any candidate. Without Buhari not on the ticket, PDP, APC and NNPP are in serious battle to take the states.
Jigawa State
In Jigawa State, the battle is between Governor Abubakar Badaru and former Governor Sule Lamido. Whoever wins the battle will take the state. APC had to grapple with post primary election defections, and there is the entry of the NNPP into the picture. Although APC remains strong, it is hard to call. APC/PDP could take it to the wire— while NNPP will be close by Kano State Kano State has essentially turned into a two-horse race between APC and the NNPP, a rehearsal of the last governorship battle between Ganduje and Rabiu Kwankwaso’s inlaw. It will not be strange if the two parties get 1 million votes apiece.
NNPP is strong in Kano Central, while the APC is strong in North and South. PDP has not been able to cause enough stir in the state, even the decamping of former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau has not caused sufficient excitement. Too close to call, but odds favour Kwankwaso, however, it remains a tough battle.
Zamfara State
Every single power bloc in Zamfara seems to be in the same party, APC, except perhaps Gen Mohammed Gusau who remains in the PDP. The feelers from the state show that APC will probably win the state, but the margin is not that clear as the impact of the Naira redesign policy has to be put into consideration. APC is projected to win, PDP and NNPP are to follow closely.
Katsina State
It may sound crazy, but Katsina State may go with the PDP due to a number of factors, one is the anger over insecurity and economic hardship. Secondly, the crisis in the APC has led to the migration of several members of the party. The question is, is the president’s influence sufficient to get the win for the APC? Therefore, PDP may likely take the state, however, PDP is equally battling with its challenges, particularly the former Governor of the state, Ibrahim Shema, who has refused to endorse the governorship candidate of the PDP, in response, Governor Aminu Masari and the state decided to discontinue the N11 billion corruption case against him. PDP, APC, NNPP
Kebbi State
The situation in Katsina is similar to what is happening in Kebbi; former Governor Adamu Aleiro and former Senate Leader, Yahaya left the APC over ticket, and they were given the tickets in PDP. Although APC remains strong, the fight remains tough and therefore difficult to call. APC/PDP, NNPP
Kaduna State
Kaduna State is historically divided into North and South, and for the past two election cycles, APC has retained the North, while PDP is strong in the Southern part of Kaduna. With LP making strides in the South among Christians, this could further divide the votes of the PDP. This development tilts the election to APC. APC, PDP and LP/NNPP
Sokoto State
StateIf incumbency and ethnicity were the only factor in Sokoto, then PDP would be the obvious choice, but the local politics in Sokoto State, particularly the rivalry between Governor Aminu Tambuwal and his predecessor, Wamakko has turned the state into a battleground. This state could swing in any direction, therefore, the state is too close to call.
North East
The NorthEast geopolitical zone presents the battle between APC Vice Presidential candidate, Kassim Shettima and Atiku Abubakar.
Borno and Yobe.
These two states have similar voting patterns and are expected to go in the direction of the APC because of the influence of the vice presidential candidate, who is a Kanuri man. But the PDP is expected to do better in this election now that Buhari is not on the ballot. However, with Peter Obi trying to poach minority voters in Southern Borno, the PDP may be concerned.
It is yet to be seen how Muslim/Muslim ticket of the APC will cause dissatisfaction in those states, but the APC will win by a considerable margin. APC, PDP, LP/NNPP
Adamawa State
Adamawa State, the state of Atiku, should deliver a large margin for the PDP, unlike in 2019 where Buhari got substantial votes, this time around, APC may have to target the 25% requirement. The Labour Party will depend on Babachir Lawal to get Christian voters, however, the target will be 25%.
Bauchi and Gombe
In Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed has the popularity to deliver the state; Atiku is also popular in the state, and with Buhari out of the way and Yakubu Dogara seeking to punish Tinubu for the Muslim/Muslim ticket, PDP will definitely take Bauchi.
In Gombe State, it is a battle between Atiku Abubakar and the Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya of the APC. The state is too close to call.
Taraba State
This is one state many expect Peter Obi to win because of religious sentiment, however, the structure of the PDP and APC is strong in the state. The odds favour the PDP because of the internal crisis in the APC; however, it will be a close contest. It is LP, PDP, and APC.
AMUWO ODOFIN : INEC Defends Omission Of Labour Party’s Logo On Ballot Papers In Lagos
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has defended the omission of the Labour Party’s logo on ballot papers in Lagos State.
Push News 24 International reported on Thursday that the Lagos State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) had slammed INEC for allegedly omitting the party’s logo on ballot papers for the Senatorial and House of Representatives elections billed for Saturday.
The State LP Chairperson, Dayo Ekong, made this known on Thursday during a news conference in Ikeja, calling on INEC to reschedule the election until the party’s candidates were included on the ballots.
She said: “This malicious error was found out this morning in Lagos, by me and my team of executive members during the routine inspection of election materials.
“It was at inspection that it was discovered that the Labour Party was not listed for the election for Senate in and House of Representatives in Lagos State. This is unacceptable and a wicked way of disenfranchising Lagos electorates.
“It is unimaginable that for the elections slated for Saturday, Feb. 25, Lagos electorate will only vote for the Labour Party Presidential Candidate as INEC made no provision for the election of Party’s Senate and House of Representatives Candidates.
However, Push News 24 international understands that the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, while reacting to the allegation, told pressmen late Friday at the INEC media briefing in Abuja that “The commission has a record of obedience to court orders.”
He explained that the Labour Party had in a day served on the commission 70 processes on the nomination of candidates and in Lagos, on Federal Constituencies alone.
However, INEC accepted 13 out of 24 candidates for the nomination of federal constituencies in the state.
Yakubu, however, said the commission’s legal team has been tasked to look into the court order from the party and respond appropriately.
He said “So, we have already tasked our legal office to look at all the judgments we have been receiving and they have been coming virtually every day.
The party you are talking about in one day alone served on INEC 70 processes on the nomination of candidates and in Lagos, on Federal Constituencies alone, we accepted the nomination of candidates for 13 out of 24 Federal Constituencies from that party by court order. So, we will look at the court order and respond accordingly.”
The Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State on Thursday condemned INEC for omitting the party’s logo from the Federal House of Representatives ballot papers ahead of Saturday’s general elections.
The Media reports that INEC took delivery of sensitive materials for the presidential and national assembly elections scheduled for Saturday on Wednesday.
At a news conference in Ikeja, Lagos State LP Chairperson Pastor Dayo Ekong called on INEC to reschedule the election until the party’s candidates were included on the ballots.
According to her, as Nigerians prepare to go to the polls on Saturday to elect a new president and members of the Senate and House of Representatives, the LP is decrying the flagrant exclusion of the candidates of the Labour Party National Assembly from the ballot papers.
Ekong called out INEC to either correct what she described as an anomaly or reschedule the National Assembly elections.
“This malicious “error” was found out this morning in Lagos by me and my team of executive members during the routine inspection of election materials.
“It was at the time of inspection that it was discovered that the Labour Party was not listed for the election for the Senate and House of Representatives in Lagos State. This is unacceptable and a wicked way of disenfranchising Lagos electorates.
“It is unimaginable that for the elections slated for Saturday, Feb. 25, the Lagos electorate will only vote for the Labour Party presidential candidate as INEC made no provision for the election of the party’s Senate and House of Representatives candidates
“We cannot accept this as we do not believe that INEC made a mistake but rather, a deliberate, malicious and intentional act by INEC at disenfranchising our Supporters from exercising their civic rights which is unacceptable,” Ekong said.
She added that further checks on the INEC website revealed that the list of names of the members of the Lagos Labour Party National Assembly was not uploaded “even as the list and court orders for same were duly submitted to INEC and acknowledged.”
“You will all recall how we have severally pointed out the bias displayed by the current INEC REC in Lagos State towards our Party and his increasing attacks on our leaders that have constantly pointed out these biases in the past and current onslaught on our Party.
“Is this the result of the culmination of those attacks?
“We call on all stakeholders, foreign observers, lovers of democracy, and the international community to quickly wade in and call INEC to do the needful,” Ekong said.
NAN reports that the event was attended by the party’s governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, other candidates, and state executive committee members..
Denying the report which emanated from another media house, the party’s Spokesperson, Okey Ezeala described the reports as the handiwork of the People’s Democratic Party. According to a terse statement signed by Ezeala the party distanced itself from the report stating that there is no iota of truth in it describing the report as false.
Ezeala said that the malicious write up is occasioned by the PDP’s fright to accept tomorrow’s imminent defeat. According to the spokesman, “Senator Orji Uzor Kalu remains the candidate of our great party as both the party and his constituents are satisfied with his performance.”
On the allegation of anti-party activities and other offenses, the party labelled the accusations as entirely false, stating that Orji Kalu has always remained a committed member of the party and its progress.
The party’s Spokesperson added that there is no record of Orji Kalu campaigning against any of its candidates nor has the Senate Chief Whip campaigned for any other political candidate besides those of the APC.
The party urged its faithfuls and the general public to disregard the report and head to their various polling units to cast their votes for its candidates.
It would be recalled that some news carried a news report that Senator Kalu was sacked from the ruling party barely 24 hours from the Saturday general elections.
The letter was said to have been signed by the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, Paul Nwabuisi; State Secretary, Chief Chidi Avajah, and the State Chairman, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu.
It noted that Kalu, who had been at loggerheads with many APC chieftains in Abia, “has remained unrepentant and without remorse despite several warnings.”
APC explained that Kalu’s suspension came after “thorough investigations and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee set up by the Igbere Ward A in Bende Local Government of Abia State.”
The Abia APC leadership further stated that Kalu’s suspension was in consonance with Article 21B(i-v) of the APC Constitution, which he violated.
The letter read in part: “You are hereby suspended from the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the election in Enugu East Senatorial District.
Push News 24 International understands that INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu made this known at a media briefing on Friday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, the election in the senatorial district earlier slated for Saturday, February 25, 2023, has been moved to March 11, 2023.
Yakubu said the postponement in the district which covers four local government areas became necessary with the murder of the Labour Party (LP)’s senatorial candidate for the district, Oyibo Chukwu.
He said the Labour Party reached out to the electoral body to convey its intention to provide a replacement and go ahead with the poll at the new date.
Chukwu and his personal assistant were assassinated on Wednesday when hoodlums attacked them and set their vehicle ablaze in the Eke-Otu Amechi-Awkunanaw area of Enugu.
Nigeria holds presidential, legislative election Saturday Candidate for Senate killed in southeastern Enugu State Police say attackers also targeted other parties Race for presidency is tightest in recent history Biden calls for peaceful, transparent election
Recall that Push News 24 International reported that a Nigerian senatorial candidate from one opposition party and the driver of a campaign minibus belonging to another were killed in a series of coordinated attacks in southeastern Enugu State ahead of an election on Saturday, police said on Thursday.
Nigerians are due to elect their next president and lawmakers on Saturday against a chaotic backdrop of armed conflict in the northeast, high levels of crime and shortages of cash, fuel and electricity.
Enugu State police said suspected members of two Biafran separatist groups that have been banned by Nigerian authorities targeted vehicles from three political parties in simultaneous incidents at separate locations late on Wednesday.
They confirmed the death of Labour Party senatorial candidate Oyibo Chukwu, earlier reported by his party, and said the driver of a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) campaign minibus had also been killed in a separate attack.
In both cases, the attackers set vehicles ablaze with petrol bombs, burning to death their occupants, police said. Chukwu’s driver was also killed.
Police said a similar attempted attack on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party’s gubernatorial candidate in Enugu had been repelled.
The Enugu State police commissioner, Ahmed Ammani, in a statement urged citizens “not to succumb to the cowardly antics of the hoodlums, which is aimed at creating fear and to disrupt the electoral process”.
2023: APC Stalwart, Mustapha harps Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu for Nigerians.
By: Fashina Shakiru
Lagos APC former Gubernatorial aspirant, and technocrat, Abdul-Ahmed Mustapha has again urged Nigerians to vote the frontrunner of All Progressives Congress APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday Presidential elections and Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu respectively for gubernatorial election which has been scheduled to hold on March 11.
Mustapha said this in Lagos when he visited two Islamic worship centers; Ikwah Islamic Center and Alimuf Islamic Foundation. ” Come on Saturday by the grace of God, Nigerians both young and old go to the polls to elect the President Federal Republic of Nigeria”
He added that, every election has consequential effects. This is one of the most consequential elections of our time. It is going to indicate the direction this country is going and all hands most be on deck as this is not period for everyone to sit on fence. The consequences of not voting will be grave. For the first time, the voting system will be digitalised and be rest assured that your votes will be count.
A former permanent secretary, Lagos state civil service, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, said, given the candidates will have on the ballot papers; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Presidential candidate for All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Atiku, candidate for People’s Democratic party PDP and Mr Peter Obi’s Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate .
According to him, “It is crystal clear that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the capability to rule this country and his works speak for him, example is what he has done in Lagos. His framework is what hi successors are building on till today . Consequently, we are hoping by the grace of God that when he becomes the President come 25th February, he will be able to replicate in large measure all the good things he has done in Lagos state about education, infrastructural device, security, social development in Nigeria as whole.”
The Presidency has assured the nation and international community that the election will be conducted and peaceful. International organizations such as :International monetary fund, IMF, World Bank, United Nations UN, Canadian Government, British Government, and everyone looking at what is going to happening on Saturday. It will be very hard to jeopardize the election ‘undermine electoral process.’
Mustaph stressed further, we want to hold the power that be, keep to their words and give necessary support needed. We are holding our breathing taken a leap of faith and believing that all the necessary support that INEC needs to conduct creditable, free and fair elections that Will be bring joy and happiness to the populace and increase Nigerian Democratic credential in the committee of nation come February 25th go out in large numbers cast your votes for the right man of ideas, experience, to turn things around for the betterment of this country.
The man who has done it in the past, and in the future is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is man of destined and Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for him to continue the good work he has started and for our party, All Progressives Congress, APC to deliver the dividend of democracy and that is why we are out for the aspiration and hope that we are going out to the last day to canvass and mobilise our support to make people come out enmass on Saturday and votes for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mustaph emphasised.
Commenting, Imam Abdul Hakeem Lawal advised people come out peacefully and vote wisely. This election is not about religion but competency, he added.
“People that can turn around this country because suffering too much. There is no point anyone disturbing peace of this nation. Although, we are facing many problems, concerning scarcity of fuel and new currency notes, this is man made. Everybody in Nigeria knows this and we are going to vote whoever we want to votes for and perseverance is the key and we use our PVC to votes for the right person.”
Responding to this, Fadilat Sheikh Abdul Kabir Hamzat Olademeji,Founder /Chief missioner, Alimuf Istajabah Inter Foundation Nigeria, said “I am very glad that Mr Abdul-Ahmed Mustapha visit our center while admonished Muslim brothers and sisters and citizens of this country to come out and cast their votes for Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be our next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come on Saturday 25th , February.
