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Presidency: Tinubu lead in Southwest, Northwest, North-Central, Obi in Southeast

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Following the close of votings in Saturday’s presidential election, confidence and excitement bubbled in the camp of the All Progressives Congress (APC) last night as results of the presidential and National Assembly elections began to trickle into public domain and the collation centres of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nationwide.

Early returns from polling units in the six South West states of Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo showed that the APC presidential candidate was ahead of the pack while Labour Party’s Peter Obi was dominant in the South East.

Obi also made some inroads in Lagos State and former strongholds of the PDP in Edo and Delta.

At press time yesterday, the Labour Party presidential candidate had also won nine of the 13 polling units at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.

But his performance in the North was abysmal where the APC and the PDP were sharing the votes in the three geo-political zones in the North. The APC was doing well in Yobe and Sokoto State at press time.

Some of the results yet to be confirmed by INEC are as follows:

Lagos State

Ajeromi/Ifelodun LGA

APC – 21,102

LP – 12,417

PDP – 3,750

Amuwo-Odofin LGA

APC – 21,387

LP – 12,583

PDP – 3,836

Alimosho LGA

APC – 56,172

LP – 32,992

PDP – 10,071

Ikeja LGA

APC – 45,586

LP – 26,725

PDP – 7,847

Ikorodu LGA

APC – 64,956

LP – 38118

PDP – 11,057

Yobe State:

Potiskum LGA

APC – 25,845 PDP – 6,787 LP – 0

Yunusari LGA

APC – 15,177 PDP – 3,839 LP – 0

Nguru LGA

APC – 15,962 PDP – 4,033 LP – 0

Yusufari LGA

APC – 14,197 PDP – 3,591 LP – 0

Bade LGA

APC -7,667 PDP – 1,982 LP – 0

Bursari LGA:

APC – 3,815 PDP – 986 LP – 0

Damaturu LG

APC- 8,957 PDP – 2,316 LP – 0

Fika LGA:

APC – 9470 PDP – 2,432 LP – 0

Fune LGA:

APC – 10, 677 PDP – 2,760 LP – 0

Geidam LGA:

APC – 6,601 PDP – 1,709 LP – 0

Sokoto State:

Shagari LGA APC – 8,869

NNPP – 2,995 PDP – 7,891

LP – 0

Sokoto North LGA

APC – 21,239 NNPP – 7,167

PDP – 18,886

Sokoto South LGA

APC – 23,637 NNPP – 7,971

PDP – 21,020

Result from Sen. Kashim Shettima’s Lamisula/Jabbamari polling unit 023, Maiduguri

APC = 126 votes

PDP = 23 votes

Labour Party = 0 vote

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu’s Polling Unit 022 Aliyu Mustapha College Yola, Adamawa

APC: 140 PDP: 68 LP: 11

The elections were generally peaceful although INEC and the security agencies reported violence and disruptions in some states.

The commission said fresh elections would be held where necessary while the police arrested some people said to have breached the peace.

Five persons were confirmed dead before and during the exercise.

The APC flag bearer said after voting in Ikeja, Lagos that he was “too confident” of victory.

President Muhammadu Buhari, First Lady Aisha, Tinubu’s running mate Kashim Shettima, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai were no less confident.

Buhari declared in his home town, Daura, Katsina State after casting his vote that the “APC will win from Daura to Lagos.”

Aisha said: “We are certain by God’s grace that APC will win,” while Lawan said: “Here, the President will win, the Senatorial candidate, that’s myself, will win, the member of the House of Representatives by the grace of God will also win.”

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El-Rufai said his prayer was for Tinubu to emerge victorious.

Buhari said: “I am very impressed because I have seen how the people turned out. I am very impressed and very happy. Well, the candidate I voted for I have already mentioned him in many states in Nasarawa, Katsina and Sokoto.

“All over the places I mentioned my favourite candidate, Asiwaju Tinubu, and I believe my constituency will elect him 100 per cent.”

Asked how he felt that for the first time since 2003 he was not on the ballot paper, the President said: “It is very exciting. I look at those who are competing and some of them are so agitated and they didn’t know that I tried three times and ended up in the Supreme Court three times.

“The fourth time I said ‘God dey’ and God sent technology, Permanent Voters Card. So, no fraudulent person can claim anything.”

Mrs. Buhari said she voted for the candidates of the APC, expressing optimism that the party would win the presidential and legislative elections.

We’ll recalibrate economy, says Tinubu

Soon after casting his vote at Unit 085, Ward 3, Ikeja Local Government Area before a large gathering of journalists and observers, Tinubu said he would recalibrate the economy if he won the election.

His words: “Economic problem is not peculiar to Nigeria. We will recalibrate the system and set Nigeria on the path of recovery.”

He lauded Buhari for laying a foundation that could be built upon.

Tinubu described the President as a dedicated and committed leader who has tried his best for the country.

He said: “My vision; you could see Lagos, the infrastructural development, taming of the Atlantic Ocean. You bring the private sector for collaboration.

“I have articulated my agenda. I am striving to become a leader of APC through this election. I will change the APC philosophy.”

Tinubu described himself as the best candidate, adding that he has demonstrated uncanny courage and never allowed the social media abuses to distract him.

He said: “I will dance again. I have visited more states, held more rallies and town hall meetings than others.

“Talking is display of energy. I have done more talking to the people, answered more questions than any candidate.

“I disclosed that I had a knee injury. I am fitter than most of them. I trek kilometres in a day. I don’t sleep until 2.30 am, 3.00am, reading. What do you do to be well? Keeping fit; keep your brain alert; be aware of what is happening around the world.”

Tinubu added:”When they have nothing to say; they lack knowledge and exposure. I have proved them wrong. I keep dancing as a therapy.”

We’ll win, unite the nation – Shettima

His running mate, Shettima, also spoke to reporters after voting at polling unit 023, Lawan Bukar, Lamisula Ward, Maiduguri, expressing optimism about APC’s victory.

He said: “I believe by the Grace of God, the candidate that will emerge as president is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. But winning is one part of the job; the longer journey is foundational unity and progress for our country.

“God will grant him the wisdom and the courage to unite this nation. This is our wish. These are our prayers.”

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Speaking on the delay that preceded his voting, Shettima said: “I do not want to pass judgment because it is too early, and as a political leader, I must have the patience…

“I do not believe in such. To administer 176,000 polling units is not an easy task. We have to give INEC the benefit of the doubt. We believe it is too early to start saying things that would create panic.

“Nigerians are essentially one people with a command destiny. They need a leader like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed who has generosity of spirit, maturity, exposure and experience to lead the country.

“We are democrats. We believe in democracy and we are going to win this election.”

Lawan: These elections are significant

Senator Lawan said the Ninth National Assembly contributed largely to the success of the elections with the amendment of the Electoral Law that “gives INEC sufficient latitude to introduce more technology for the election process.”

He added: “It is one of our legacies that the ninth National Assembly will really be proud of and Mr. President himself will be proud that here we are at this juncture in our democracy journey that we have an Electoral Act that has all the safeguards so far that will make the vote of every citizen who cast his vote to count.

“This election, for me, will be the fifth election consecutively into the Senate by the grace of God, and I am very confident we will win this election.

“Here, the President will win; the Senatorial candidate, that’s myself, will win; the member of the House of Representatives, by the grace of God, will also win.

“And we are going to continue to work with our President by the time Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu becomes the President. He will inherit the ninth National Assembly. He will work with us for at least two weeks because our tenure ends on the 11th of June, 2023.

“I want to say that we are going to give him full cooperation like we have given President Buhari over the last three and a half years. And when the 10th National Assembly will be in place and the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be in office.

“I want to believe that he will have a National Assembly that will be fully, totally and completely supportive to the cause of building Nigeria for Nigerians.”

My prayer is that Tinubu is declared President-elect in couple of days – El-Rufai

Governor El-Rufai of Kaduna State said his prayer was for Tinubu to come out victorious despite attempts in some quarters to scuttle the elections.

He said: “So far, as at the time I came here, everything has been going on smoothly. There have only been three incidents. Last night a rice mill was attacked by people suspected to be PDP thugs. The Police is investigating.

“This morning, we got report of one incident in Southern Kaduna where BVAS and ballot boxes were snatched, and in Soba where two ballot boxes were also snatched.

“Of course, these are no incidents at all because whether you snatch ballot boxes or BVAS or not, it doesn’t matter; the technology has gone beyond the primitive rigging system that political actors are used to.

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“So, I must commend INEC for this improvement. So far, everything appears orderly across the state. All the reports we are getting are positive.

“My only concern is low voter turnout. People are not coming out to vote. And I want to appeal to everyone to please come out and vote, because you have once in four years opportunity to pick your leaders and you should take it seriously.”

I’ll win, says Atiku

The PPP flag bearer Atiku Abubakar was equally optimistic about his chances.

Shortly after voting at Ajiya 02, in Gwadabawa Ward, Yola North Local Government of Adamawa State, he told reporters that the process was seamless and he was sure of succeeding Buhari on May 29.

Kwankwaso: I’ll accept outcome of election
Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP said he was willing to accept the outcome of the result.

He said: “I will win the election by the special Grace of Allah. We must demonstrate a high sense of political tolerance to ensure peaceful conduct of future exercise.

“I’m satisfied with INEC and the voting exercise, and I’m positive to win my unit and LG. I’ll accept the final result of the election.”

Best elections I’ve ever witnessed – IGP

Inspector General of Police Usman Baba described yesterday’s elections as the best he has ever witnessed in country.

Baba who spoke while monitoring the elections in Abuja said the polls were generally peaceful and “the response of the people has been encouraging. “

He added: “The provision of security is good. This is one of the best electoral processes I have ever seen.

“We have done well so far and we are waiting for INEC officials to move to the collation centre. We are on top of the situation.

“It is not true that we have blast in Maiduguri, we have blast in Borno State. We have made adequate security arrangement over there. We have five injured and small damages.”

FCT PDP chairman, pregnant woman, five others die in election-day tragedy

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Chairman in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Abuja, Sunday Zakka yesterday died from the multiple injuries he received in a car crash.

His driver and orderly also died in the accident.

One person similarly lost his life during the disruption of election in Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State while a motorcyclist was shot dead in Jalingo, Taraba State by security men when he allegedly failed to stop at a stop and search check point.

Family sources said Zakka’s car crashed on Friday night off Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport- Kuje Road, Abuja while returning to his Kuje residence in preparation for yesterday’s elections.

The victim of the Dekina violence was identified simply as Akaihaba.

He was shot dead while allegedly trying to snatch ballot boxes at Agwudoko area of Anyigba, Dekina LG.

Police spokesman in Taraba State Usman Abdullahi said: “This morning during a patrol, they stopped someone on a motorcycle. He took to his heels and so they shot at him.”

The pregnant woman, Ruth Osah, was felled by a stray bullet from the gun of a local vigilance group member, Mark Orduize, who was thereafter lynched by angry youths.

The incident at Ubimini community in Emohua LG of Rivers State yesterday forced the non-conduct of the elections in the area.

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Soldiers’ Killings: Army transfers surrendered Delta monarch to Abuja

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The Army has reportedly flown the Ovie of Ewu kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Clement Ikolo,  who surrendered himself to the Police in Asaba on Thursday to Abuja.

 

The Delta State Police Command handed over the king, who the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, declared wanted with seven others over the killing of 17 soldiers at Okuama on Friday morning.

 

The Commanding Officer Commanding Officer, 63 Brigade,  Nigeria Army, Asaba, the Delta State Police Commissioner,  and other senior military officers escorted the monarch to the Asaba International Airport.

 

The monarch was reported to have boarded an Air Peace airline, and the plane departed Asaba Airport tarmac at about 9.10 am to Abuja.

 

 

 

 

 

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Don’t condemn or curse Nigeria in your sermons — this is a beautiful land, Tinubu urges clerics

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President Bola Tinubu has appealed to religious leaders to desist from laying curses on the nation in their sermons.

The president spoke on Thursday while breaking the Ramadan fast with traditional rulers and religious leaders at the presidential villa.

Tinubu harped on the significant role of religious leaders in shaping public opinion and promoting unity in the country.

The president asked the clerics to be constructive in their criticisms of government officials, saying his administration is determined to address Nigeria’s challenges.

 

“The love of the nation is in your hands. Pray for our country. Educate our children. The sermons we preach to the members of our churches and mosques are important,” Tinubu said.

 

“Do not condemn your own nation. As a Yoruba man and as our fathers will say: ‘no matter how slippery the bottom of your child is, you must leave the beads there’.

 

“Leave the beads there. This is your country, do not condemn it in sermons, and do not abuse the nation. Leadership is meant for changes.”

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Tinubu said instead of condemning the country, “bad” leaders should be shown the exit during elections.

 

“Yes, this leader is bad, fine. Wait until the next election to change him, but do not condemn your country. Do not curse Nigeria. This is a beautiful land,” Tinubu said.

 

Also speaking, Kashim Shettima, vice-president, advised religious leaders to continue to “build bridges that transcend ethnic and religious divides”.

 

“The president means well for the nation, and he has continued to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership,” he said.

 

”For many years, fuel subsidy was an albatross. The president took a bold decision from day one, and he hit the ground running. Now the economy is turning the corner.”

 

Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, said the monarchs are in support of Tinubu’s administration.

 

“You are not alone, Mr. President. The prices of food items and goods are gradually coming down. You are doing your best on security, and we cannot allow you to do it alone. We will join hands to support your vision for the betterment of our nation,” Ogunwusi said.

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Ahmed Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, who spoke for the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said Ramadan is a period of reflection, empathy, and unity.

 

“I am happy to see representatives of Muslim and Christian communities in this room. I pray God Almighty blesses the president for him to do more to take the country to the Promised Land,” he said.

Samson Fatokun, general secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), commended Tinubu for fostering unity in the country.

 

”We are encouraged that your administration has shown great determination in tackling the challenges of kidnapping and banditry and bringing to justice the perpetrators of this dastardly act,” he said.

”We shall continue to show our support to your administration so that you can execute your noble intention for the nation.”

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Tompolo rejects Tinubu’s wish for low-key birthday, buys out frontpage of dailies

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Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has rejected President Bola Tinubu’s wish for a low-key birthday celebration by buying the frontpages of a slew of national newspapers to celebrate the 72nd birthday of President.

Tompolo is the chairperson of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, an oil pipeline surveillance firm that tackles crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

 

Last Sunday, the presidency announced that Tinubu will not celebrate his 72nd birthday on March 29 “in deference to the challenging times” in the country.

The presidency said the president “does not want any of his associates and numerous well-wishers across the country to organise any celebratory event on his behalf or in his name”.

Tinubu also “enjoins friends and associates who may wish to place goodwill advertorials to kindly donate the money to charity organisations of their choice in his name”.


However, on Friday, Tompolo placed birthday messages for Tinubu on the frontpages of at least eight national dailies.

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TheCable understands that a frontpage newspaper advert of the size Tompolo splurged on costs an average of N10 million.

 

This is not the first time the Tantita boss will use the frontpage of dailies to celebrate Tinubu.

In October 2023, after the supreme court affirmed Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election, Tompolo bought the frontpages of several dailies to celebrate the judgment.

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