Tinubu’s Victory: Emergence of True Democrat, Says Gov Ganduje
Breaking! Tinubu Declared Winner Of 2023 General Election Amid Heavy Objections
By Izunna Okafor
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate for the 2023 general election, Bola Tinubu, the winner of the 2023 Nigeria’s presidential election.
The declaration was made in the early hours of Wednesday, barely four days after the keenly contested election, despite objections by many Nigerians and opposition parties who insist with evidences that the electoral process was marred by many irregularities, and therefore called for the suspension of further the results collation and a repeat of the election.
According to INEC during the result declaration, Tinubu garnered 8,794,726 million votes, ahead of main opposition challenger Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who polled a total of 6,984,520 million votes, while Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) followed far behind with a total of 6,101,533 million votes.
Nigerian electoral law says a candidate can win by getting more votes than their rivals, provided they get 25% of the vote in at least two-thirds of the 36 states and the federal capital Abuja, which Tinubu did.
According to the INEC, Tinubu also scored over 25 per cent of the votes cast in 30 states, more than the 24 states constitutionally required. The Commission declared that Mr Tinubu won the election in Rivers, Borno, Jigawa, Zamfara, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo and Ogun states; Atiku won in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, Gombe, Yobe, Bauchi, Adamawa and Taraba states. He also won in Osun, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states; while Mr Obi won in Edo, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, FCT, Plateau, Imo, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Anambra, Abia and Enugu states.
Mr Rabbiu Kwankwaso won in only Kano State
The INEC Chairman, Yakubu said a Certificate of Return for the President and Vice President will be presented by 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the National Collation Centre, Abuja.
Recall that the opposition parties rejected the results as the product of a flawed process, which suffered multiple technical difficulties owing to the introduction of new technology by INEC, and on Tuesday called on its chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, to resign.
“The results being declared at the National Collation centre have been heavily doctored and manipulated and do not reflect the wishes of Nigerians expressed at the polls,” they said in a joint statement.
The INEC, however rejected the charge, and maintained that “There are laid down procedures for aggrieved parties or candidates to follow when they are dissatisfied about the outcome of an election.”
The election was said to have been marred by violence in places, although not yet on the scale of previous ones.
The INEC had promised to upload results from each polling unit to its website but most units were unable to do so immediately, and thousands of results had yet to be uploaded.
That meant results had to be collated manually inside ward and local government counting centres as in previous polls, which observer missions also criticised as the result of poor planning.
Tinubu asked voters to elect him on his track record during his two terms as Lagos state governor at the turn of the century, during which he reduced violent crime, improved the city’s traffic jams and cleaned up rubbish.
The 70-year old has, however, sometimes appeared frail in public, slurring his speech and answering questions with platitudes, and skipping several campaign events, leaving some to doubt how effective he would be.
On the other hand, Obi’s campaign attracted young people and urban, more educated voters fed up with corrupt politics of the past, the two parties that have represented it since the end of military rule in 1999 and old men who have tended to dominate them.
Ebonyi: LP Candidate, Okorie, Urge INEC To Suspend Senatorial Election Owing To Irregularities
From Mba Nnenna – Abakaliki
Labour Party, LP, Senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South, Hon Linus Okorie, has urged INEC to cancel Saturday’s election.
Hon. Okorie disclosed this at a Joint press conference, Monday, at INEC headquarters, Abakaliki.
Okorie contested the same senatorial position with Gov. David Umahi of APC, both representing Ebonyi south senatorial zone, while Umahi was officially declared winner of the election.
Hon. Okorie while alleged that Umahi was desperate and knew his political imprisonment was near if he lost the election. He therefore called for suspension of the senatorial election held Saturday in some areas.
“I request the suspension of return of senatorial election conducted in the district on February 25, 2023, pending the suspension of elections in areas where Election did not hold or were undermined by the provisions of the electoral act 2022; and other irregularities, as enumerated below;
“Elections were not conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, in the following units even though voters waited all day as provided by law. They are Ogboukoro Play Ground (023) Enuagu; Ogbuoma Play Ground (024) Enuagu ward. Both units are in Onicha LGA.
“Election in the following polling units was disrupted and the Commission has failed to continue the election on Sunday, February 26, 2023, as earlier announced by it.
“Enuagu ward (11-13-05); Ugwuodida Borehole (017) with the registration of
(ii) Nwankopa Market Square (022) with the registration of Isionicha ward (11-13-07); Ezebe Play Ground (004) with the registration of Old Nworie Umubo (005)
(iii) Ufuokweke Town Hall (007) with a registration of Amaofu Town Hall Umubo (010) with a registration of
(v) Umubo Community Primary School with the registration of Ofuokam Town Hall Umubo ((012); with the registration of
Eke Achiugo market square (014); with a registration of Amanator Civic Centre (016) with a registration of Amanator Ward (11-13-03), etc.
“I call for the suspension of the return of the Ebonyi South Senatorial election held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, pending full compliance with the provisions of section 24 of the electoral act 2022, especially section 24(3) in the wards and polling units enumerated above.
I also call for the re-collation of the polling unit results across the 5 local government areas of the senatorial district before any return can be made,” he added.
Meanwhile, other Candidates including the Senator for Ebonyi South Zone and PDP senatorial candidate, Sen Micheal Nnachi, accused Governor David Umahi of meddling with the future of the people with his ‘treachery’ in the election.
He however added that they are confident in what the REC said about going back to verify all the results there.
Umahi Reacts To Killing Of Traditional Rulers Council Chair
…Ask CP To Fish out Perpetrators & Sponsors
From Mba Nnenna – Abakaliki
Governor David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi state has described the murder of Eze Igboke Ewa as disturbing news.
His Majesty, Eze Igboke Ewa was the traditional ruler of Ezza North, Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council, Ezza north & Chairman, all Traditional Rulers of Ezza Nation, Ebonyi state.
Umahi, while briefing news men Tuesday in Abakaliki, said the late traditional ruler’s son alleged that Eze Igboke was killed by gunmen.
“Only last night, I got a very ugly and disturbing news about the murder of his Majesty, Eze Igboke Ewa in Ezza north, who is incidentally the Chairman of traditional rulers council Ezza north.
“The son called me and said that gunmen had killed him and they were also looking for his children. He called me from where he was hiding in the bush. I immediately had to send the police, Army and SSS to take over their compound and rescue them.
According to Umahi, the late traditional ruler’s son alleged that his father was killed by candidate of opposition party, since he was supporting another party candidate.
The governor however directed the Commissioner of police to fish out the perpetrators and their sponsors, adding that no life is worth been wasted because of political office.
Benue: Alia Congratulates APC National Assembly Elect As Party Wins 2 Senate, 10 House Of Reps Seats
From Msurshima Andrew, Makurdi
The Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), in Benue state, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has congratulated all National Assembly members elected on the platform of the party in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections.
This was coming after the party won two out of three senatorial seats and also swept 10 out of 11 house of representative seats in the state.
Those who emerged victorious include, Senator-elect for Benue North East, Emmanuel Udende; Senator- elect for Benue North West, Titus Zam, House of Representatives-elect for Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo, Solomon Wombo; Kwande/Ushongo, Terseer Ugbor; Vandeikya/Konshisha, Sesoo Ikpa Gboko; Gboko/Tarka, Regina Akume; Buruku, Sekav Iortyom; Makurdi/Guma, Dickson Tarkighir; Gwer/Gwer-West, Asema Achado; Otukpo/Ohimini, Blessing Onuh; Ado-Ogbadibo-Okpokwu, Philip Agbese; and Oju/Obi, David Ogewu.
In a congratulatory message signed by the Director of Communications, Alia/Ode Campaign organization, Kula Tersoo, Rev Alia said their victory should be dedicated to the suffering Benue electorates who spoke so loud, in clear terms and in unison using the ballot.
He expressed gratitude to the people of Benue for clearly depicting overwhelming love for the party.
He further appreciated the leader of the party in the state, Sen. George Akume, the state working committee of the party, the campaign council of the party in the state, major stakeholders at all levels, party faithfuls and support groups who were the representative of the party in all the polling units of the state.
“To the Benue people, I thank you immensely for listening to our messages and showing us love in this first round of elections.
“The journey for liberation of people and restoring the lost glories of our dear state has just started. We have started with a big bang and we must sustain the momentum.
“It is my firm belief that what you did last Saturday was a dress rehearsal. Together, let us do it again. Let the main show happen on the 11th March 2023.
“My assurance to you once more is that, I have firmly placed my hands on the plough and I am well prepared, I am ready. Nothing will make me to look back,” he said.
2023 Election Results: We Will Make Our Position Known Soon – Benue PDP
From Msurshima Andrew, Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in Benue state, has expressed dissatisfaction with the results of the Saturday presidential and national Assembly elections in the state.
The party which noted that the election was marred with widespread irregularities said they are still studying the results and would make their position known soon.
The PDP sateted this in a statement signed by the PDP State Publicity Secretary and Deputy Director Media and Publicity, for the 2023 State Campaign Management Committee, Bemgba Iortyom, in Makurdi.
It said, “The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in Benue State views the results from last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections with dissatisfaction owing to reported cases of widespread irregularities across the state.
“The party’s agents in various polling units in the state have furnished its Situation Centre with reports of serial malpractices and breaches of the Electoral Act during and after the course of voting.”
The PDP said it has directed its Legal Department to study those reports pursuant to it adopting a position as will protect its interests and guarantee the rights of its members to having their votes count in a free and fair election.
“This position the party will make known very soon,” the party said.
Ebonyi: Ikwo Chair, Others Lauds Peaceful Conduct of Election
From Mba Nnenna- Abakaliki
The Executive Chairman, Ikwo Local Government Area, Ebonyi state, Barr. Sunday Nwankwo have commended the peaceful conduct of the election.
Barr. Nwankwo disclosed this at his polling unit, Echi Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi state, shortly after casting his vote.
Electorates from other polling units within the state; Mr Ekuma Emmanuel, Coordinator, Ikwo East Development Center, Vincent Ekuma, Paulinus Nwankwo, and Nwonu Sunday also affirmed that the election have been hitch free, orderly, and one of the best, adding that the turnout of electorates are impressive.
In Echi Alike polling unit, the PDP agents complained of restrictions and intimidations from APC supporters. But, Chairman Ikwo LGA, Barr. Sunday Nwankwo said he’s not aware of such. He equally commended the INEC staffs, saying they are improving daily.
2023, INEC And Threat To Peace To Our Dear Rivers State: A Clarion Call On Us All To Rise Now To Defend Our State
This moment, I stand firmly with us in this challenging period where some persons are determined to undermine and reverse the positive Revolutionary Infrastructural Developments, conceived, commenced and completed by our Bro, the Workaholic Gov. Wike.
My heart melted when minutes ago, I listened to the Professor in charge of Rivers State Election Results Collation Centre, announcing suspension of his duty to announce the results submitted to him because of threat to his life and that of his family.
I call on all Rivers State Citizens to unite now to defeat this attempt to undermine the Peace and Progress of our Dear State.
There is no doubt that in recent time, the Progress and Infrastructural Developments of our State have been the envy of so many other States
I therefore plead with us all, that we must unite now to protect our Rivers State, before, during and after these General Elections. We have no other Rivers State to call our own. Please!
GOD ALMIGHTY bless our Rivers State. Amen.
Compatriot (Engr) Igbini Odafe Emmanuel.
National President,
Vanguard for Transparent Leadership and Democracy (VATLAD)
Suspend protests: Ohanaeze youths beg
By Abdulateef Bamgbose
Amid the tension in the country over the presidential election results being announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has appealed for calm.
There is anger in several parts of the country, with voters alleging that the result being announced was different from the outcome at the various polling units.
In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, the National President of the Igbo group, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike urged the youths to remain calm and not take actions that could inflame the nation.
He said the remarks credited to Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, wherein he urged his supporters to remain calm, was reassuring.
Okwu said it was better to explore legal options “than take actions than would set the entire country ablaze.
“We have it on good authority that some people are already waiting for an opportunity to hide under protests and attack some individuals and loot their properties.
“I implore our people not to give such people the chance to carry out their well-orchestrated evil. I’m passionately begging the youths to please remain calm.
“We can feel the anger and the pulse of the masses, but legal options still remain the best way to go. May we not create room for criminals who would hijack such protests.”
He, however, urged the INEC to set up a panel and review all the controversial results in order to assuage the feelings of the citizens.
2023: Tinubu Follows Closely As Obi Wins Anambra State
By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi, has been declared the winner of the Saturday, February 25, presidential election in Anambra State.
Obi polled a total number of 584, 621 votes according to the results announced on Tuesday afternoon by the State Returning Officer, Prof. Nena Oti, at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation, Awka.
Obi was closely followed by the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Party (APC), Bola Tinubu, who polled a total of 5,111 votes; while the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar polled 9036 votes. The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Presidential candidate, Prof. Peter Umeadi, scored 7,388 votes, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso took the fifth position with 1,967 votes.
According to Prof. Oti, the total number of valid votes is 613,861, while the total number of rejected votes is 10,751, which gave a total sum of 624,612 vote casts.
Peter Obi won in all the 21 Local Government Area of the state.

