GRPolitics
Buhari wins seven states, Atiku four, PDP rejects results
By: Oliseama Okwuchukwu
The Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday started the announcement of the results of Saturday’s presidential election.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC had announced the result in 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The states are Ondo, Ekiti, Gombe, Kwara, Kogi, Yobe, Abia, Osun, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Enugu and the Federal Capital Territory.
The results were announced by the returning officers of the states at the National Collation Centre in Abuja.
The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, President Muhammadu Buhari, won in Ekiti, Nasarawa, Yobe, Kwara, Kogi and Gombe, while his closest rival, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, won in Ondo, Abia, Ebonyi and the FCT.
However, some results declared by collation officers in states which have not been taken to the national collation centre in Abuja reveal that Buhari is in strong lead. The states where Buhari is leading in this category include Bauchi, Lagos, Ogun and Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna while Atiku has won in Adamawa and Plateau states.
Buhari wins in Kwara with 308,984 votes
In Kwara State, Buhari won the election having scored 308,984 votes, as announced by INEC.
The result was announced on Monday at the National Collation Centre, Abuja, by Prof. Abdullahi Bala, of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, who is the Collation Officer for the election in Kwara.
Bala, while announcing the result, said Atiku scored 138,984 votes.
He said Prof. Kingsley Moghalu of the Young Progressives Party secured 140 votes; Ositelu Babatunde of Accord (A) got 149 votes; while Ibrahim Hassan of the African Peoples Alliance scored 1,010 votes.
Bala gave the number of total registered voters in the state as 1,401,895; total accredited voters 489,482; Total valid votes 459,676, total votes cast at 486,254 and rejected votes to be 26,578.
Atiku floors Buhari in Adamawa
However, Atiku was declared the winner of the election in his home state of Adamawa.
Declaring the result on Monday in Yola, the Presidential Election Returning Officer for Adamawa, Prof. Andrew Yakubu, said Abubakar scored 410,266 votes to defeat the APC candidate who scored 378,078 votes.
Yakubu said the total number of registered voters in the state was 1,959,322, while 874,920 voters were accredited
The Presidential election results are from the 21 local government areas of Adamawa.
The PDP won in 11 LGAs, while the APC had 10.
INEC announces Buhari winner in Ekiti
INEC however announced Buhari of the APC as winner of Saturday’s election in Ekiti.
The result was announced at the National Collation Centre, Abuja, by Prof. Idowu Olayinka, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, who is the Collation Officer for the election in the state.
Olayinka said Buhari polled 219, 231 votes to beat Atiku, who scored 154,032 votes. Felix Nicholas of Peoples Coalition Party was third with 2,299 votes.
According to him, Moghalu of YPP scored 68 votes, Mr Da-Sliva Ayo of Save Nigeria Congress polled 339 votes, and Omoyele Sowere of the African Action Congress got 400 votes.
Other scores, Olayinka said, were 406 votes for the African Democratic Congress and 88 votes for Durotoye Olufela of Alliance for New Nigeria.
He said that total registered voters in Ekiti was 899,919, but that 395,741 were accredited, while total votes cast in the poll was 393,709, with 12, 577 rejected.
Olayinka noted that the number of political parties on the ballot paper was responsible for the high number of voided votes in the election.
Buhari defeats Atiku in Ogun
Also in Ogun State, Prof. Joseph Adeola-Fuwape, the state Collation Officer for the Presidential election, declared Buhari as the winner of the poll.
Adeola-Fuwape, who announced the result at the INEC headquarters in Abeokuta on Monday, said Buhari scored 281,762 votes, while his closest rival scored 194,655 votes.
Adeola-Fuwape, who is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, said the total number of registered voters was 2,336, 887 while the total number of accredited voters was 613,397.
Adeola-Fuwape added that the number of valid votes was 564, 256 while 41,682 votes were rejected.
He also said the total number of votes cast was 605, 938.
He said Buhari won in 14 of the 20 council areas in the state while Atiku won in six council areas.
Buhari wins in Sokoto
INEC has also declared Buhari as the winner of the presidential election in Sokoto State with a margin of 138,729 votes.
Announcing the results at the Sultan Muhammadu Maccido Institute for Qur’an and General Studies, Prof. Mohammed Yahuza, the state returning officer for the presidential election, stated that Buhari polled 490,333 votes ahead of Atiku who scored 351,604.
Significantly, Buhari recorded massive win at Wamakko, Sokoto South, Wurno, Sokoto North, Gwadabawa and Tambuwal Local Government Areas of the state.
The PDP, however, put up a good showing in Silame, Isa, Tureta and Gudu Local Government Areas, out of the entire 23 LGAs in the state.
Out of the total 1,895,256 registered voters in the state, 950,107 were accredited for the election.
Out of this number, 925,940 voted; 871,891 were valid votes cast, and 54,049 recorded as voided votes.
Buhari triumphs over Atiku in Gombe
Buhari also won the election in Gombe State after polling 403,961 votes out of 580,649 total votes cast in the state.
The result was announced on Monday at INEC National Collation Centre in Abuja, by the State Returning Officer, Prof. Kyari Mohammed.
Mohammed, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, said Atiku scored 138,484 votes in the state.
He said that out of the 1,385,191 total registered voters in the state, 604,240 were accredited. The number of valid votes was 554,203, while 26,446 were rejected.
Mohammed said election was cancelled in 13 polling units in two Local Government Areas with 7,090 registered voters in the affected areas.
The cancelled polling units include 11 in Balanga LGA with 6,308 voters and two polling units with 782 registered voters in Duku LGA.
Atiku sweeps Ebonyi
INEC has declared Atiku winner in the presidential poll held in Ebonyi State on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the APC in the state had, however, rejected the result and vowed to challenge it through appropriate channels.
The Presidential Election Collation Officer in the state, Prof. Chukwuemeka Eze, supervised the declaration of the results by INEC’s collation officers in the 13 local government areas in the state at the commission’s headquarters in Abakaliki.
Eze said Atiku garnered 258, 575 votes as against Buhari’s 90, 726 votes.
According to the results declared, Atiku won in 12 LGAs leaving Buhari with victory in Ikwo council.
Reacting to the result, Chairman of the APC in the state, Mr Eze Nwachukwu, called for the cancellation of the election citing intimidation, electoral violence and over-voting, allegedly committed by the ruling party in the state as reasons.
INEC declares Buhari as winner in Kogi
However, INEC announced Buhari as the winner of the election in Kogi State.
The result was announced at the National Collation Centre (ICC) Abuja, by Prof. Michael Adikwu, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, who is the Collation Officer for the election in the state.
Adikwu announced that Buhari polled 285,894 votes to defeat the PDP candidate, Atiku, who scored 218,207 votes.
Dr Obadiah Mailafia of the African Democratic Congress came third with 4,369 votes.
He said the number of registered voters in Kogi was 1,640,449 but that 570,773 were accredited, while votes cast were 553,496 with 32,480 rejected.
Adikwu noted that there were cases of violence in 15 out of 21 Local Government Areas in the state, which led to cancellation of 89, 101 votes.
Buhari defeats Atiku in Bauchi
President Buhari of the APC has won the presidential election in Bauchi State.
According to results announced by the Local Government Collation Officers in Bauchi on Monday, Buhari polled 798,438 to defeat Atiku.
The State Collation Officer who is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, Prof. Alhassan Ghali, said Atiku got 209,313 votes in the election.
The APC candidate won in 19 of the 20 local governments in the state while the PDP won in only Bogoro LGA.
The last result from Katagum LGA arrived at the collation centre at about 9.20 pm after a long wait.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ibrahim Abdullahi, thanked party agents and observers for their patience.
However, the result will be officially declared in Abuja later today (Tuesday).
Buhari floors Atiku in Lagos
Buhari has also polled 580,825 votes to defeat his closest rival, Atiku of the PDP in Lagos State.
According to Prof. Felix Salako, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, who was the INEC state collation officer, Atiku scored 448,015 to come second at the end of the state final collation of the Presidential election results from the 20 LGAs of the state.
Salako, who collated the results of the 20 LGAs, said the state had 6,313,507 registered voters out of which 1, 196, 490 were accredited for voting.
The LGA collation officers properly presented the results one after the other as they arrived at the collation centre before they were accepted by Salako.
According to him, the valid votes are 1,089,567, total rejected votes (67,023) while votes cast stand at 1,157, 590 in the presidential election.
Reeling out the results of each political parties, he said Accord polled 5, 948 votes, AAC, 8, 910; ADC, 2915; ADP, 1,262; and ANN polled 6,946.
The professor added that APA had 1,495 votes, DPP polled 1,372 votes, PCP got 8,458, and SNC scored 1766.
The other political parties that participated in the poll had less than 1000 votes each.
According to him, Form 6OE will be pasted at the collation centre after duly signed by the party agents.
Party agents took turns to sign the collated results for onward transmission to Abuja for the final collation.
Atiku wins Plateau with 548, 665 votes
Meanwhile, Atiku has won Saturday’s presidential election in Plateau State after scoring 548,665 votes.
Atiku defeated his closest opponent, Buhari, of the APC, who scored 468, 555 votes.
Prof. Richard Kimbir, the Collation Officer for the election in the state, declared the results on Monday in Jos.
Kambir, who is the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, said Atiku won in 11 local government areas to defeat Buhari who won in six LGAs.
Atiku thrashes Buhari in Enugu
However, Atiku was announced as the winner of Saturday’s presidential election in Enugu State.
The result was announced at the National Collation Centre, Abuja, by Prof. Joseph Ehaneku, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, who is the Collation Officer for the election in the state.
Ehaneku announced that Atiku polled 355,553 votes to defeat Buhari, who scored 54,423 votes.
He said that total registered voters in Abia were 1,935,168 but that 452,765 were accredited, while total votes cast in the polls were 451,014 with 30,049 rejected.
Buhari records landslide victory in Yobe
But Buhari was declared winner of the election in Yobe State.
Prof. Abubakar Musa, the State Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Wukari , Taraba State, announcing the result, said Buhari scored 497,914 votes in the state.
Musa said that Atiku scored 50,763 votes from the 559.365 valid votes cast in the state.
He said that the state had 1,365,913 registered voters, 601,059 accredited voters for the election, 586,137 total votes cast and 26,772 rejected votes.
INEC declares Buhari winner in Jigawa
Buhari has also been declared winner in Jigawa State.
Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, Vice-Chancellor of Usman Danfodio University Sokoto, who is the State Collation Officer for the election, announced the result in Dutse on Monday.
He said that Buhari, who sought for re -election on the platform of the APC scored 794,738 to defeat his closest rival, Atiku who got 289,895 votes.
Zuru explained that a total of 1,106,244 votes were valid, 43,678 rejected and 1,149,922, the total number of votes cast during the exercise.
INEC declares Buhari winner in Kaduna
Buhari has won in Kaduna State with 993,482 votes.
Prof. Bello Shehu, the Returning Officer announced the result on Monday in Kaduna.
Shehu said Atiku scored 613,318 votes in the poll.
He said the APC won in 14 local government areas of the state, while the PDP won in nine local government areas.
INEC announces Atiku winner in Abia
Meanwhile, INEC has announced Atiku as winner of the election Abia State.
The result was announced at the National Collation Centre (ICC) Abuja, by Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, the Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi, who was the Collation Officer for the election in the state.
Nwajiuba announced that Atiku polled 219,698 votes to defeat Buhari, who scored 85,048 votes.
Similarly, Mr Donald Duke of the SDP was announced as coming third with 472 votes.
He said the number of registered voters in Abia was 1,793,861 but 361,561 were accredited, while votes cast in the polls were 344,471 with 21,180 rejected.
Nwajiuba noted that 98 polling units across seven Local Government Areas of the state were affected, while the number of registered voters affected was 59,825.
GRPolitics
Breaking: ‘Welcome home,’ Gov Mbah Receives Edeoga Back to PDP
…‘You’re Enugu people’s choice,’ Edeoga tells governor
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Wednesday, welcomed the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 governorship election, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, back into the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, fold, commending the ex-opposition flagbearer for demonstrating that politics is not a do-or-die affair.
Mbah said that Edeoga’s return to the PDP was in line with the party’s principle of reconciliation and making the people, not personal ambition, the focus of governance, urging him and his supporters to feel very much at home.
This was even as the former gubernatorial candidate endorsed Mbah as the popular choice of the people of Enugu State, stressing that he had fully aligned with that choice.
Receiving Edoega in his office, in the company of party leaders led by the state party chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, Mbah said, “Welcome back home. The symbolism of your action is a mark of the enduring bond that runs in our party. I am indeed very delighted to have you back to rejoin your family.
“What we are witnessing today is a result of fence-mending consistent with the philosophy of our party – the imperatives of reconciliation.
“It is also a demonstration on your part that politics is not a do-or-die affair; that what we are currently doing in Enugu State appeals to you and you believe that it is working for the interest of the people and you have taken that decision to say, ‘Look, let us join hands together and serve our people.’
“I commend you greatly for making such a courageous bold step. The lesson for us is quite profound, as it shows that the common denominator even when we express our aspirations on different political platforms, is all about the people and making them the centerpiece of our ambitions.
“So, we will embrace you with our arms wide open. You are going to be treated as a member of PDP, which we know you are indeed. We look forward to working with you in the service of our people.”
Edeoga, on his part, commended Governor Mbah for making his return possible, describing it as a paradigm shift from politics of animosity and winner takes all to politics of empathy and people-centred development.
“I thank Your Excellency for overseeing the process that has culminated in my return to the PDP and my visit to your office. It is easy to downplay what has happened. But something like this has not happened in the annals of politics in Enugu State. I commend your wisdom, I commend your empathy, I commend your mental sagacity.
“What has happened here today will effect a paradigm shift in the way politics is played in Enugu State. It will no longer be winner takes all or politics being seen as a hostile or brutal activity. It has restored politics as just a contest of ideas and visions. These contesting visions were thrown open to the public and the people of Enugu State have made their choice, which I completely align myself with.
“Politics should be played without bitterness; it should be played without animosity and as much humanely as possible. Once the victor has emerged, the next thing is governance. The governance is ongoing and it is going very well. When it is time for politics, people are free to pursue their dreams. For now, it is time for governance.
“Anyone, who feels annoyed or deeply angered that Edeoga has taken this step of faith, I believe with time, they will align with the superior wisdom of those who are their leaders. Leadership comes with responsibilities and one of these responsibilities is to take a step of faith.
“Again, thank you for making my return to the PDP possible. I recommit myself to the ideals of PDP. As much as possible, I will work to ensure that PDP becomes victorious going forward,” he said.
GRPolitics
Minister Commends Guards Brigade for Exceptional Service in Securing the Seat of Government
The Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has expressed profound appreciation for the unwavering commitment and exemplary efforts of the Commander, officers, and personnel of the Guards Brigade in safeguarding the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
In his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2024 West African Social Activity (WASA 2024) held in Abuja, the Minister stated, “Your loyalty, sacrifice, and dedication in executing your Presidential security duties, coordinating ceremonial parades, and managing operational challenges are commendable. Your proactive approach in addressing security threats has ensured the safety of the Presidency as well as that of citizens, visitors, and diplomats alike. I urge you to continue embodying compassion and empathy in your operations, striving for excellence in all your responsibilities.”
The Minister highlighted that the WASA event serves as a vibrant testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, as showcased by the personnel and families of the Guards Brigade. “The traditional dances and local delicacies on display tonight not only enhance our appreciation of our diverse cultures but also play a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage and distinct identity,” he added.
In conclusion, the Minister called upon the Guards Brigade to uphold the trust placed in them by consistently meeting the challenges of their duties and ensuring that the flag of the Nigerian Armed Forces continues to fly high.
Earlier, Major General Adebisi Onosayan, Commander of the Guards Brigade, delivered a welcome address expressing gratitude to the President for his unwavering support of the Brigade’s operations, training, and welfare. “Thank you, Your Excellency. I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for their relentless guidance and support. We pledge our unwavering loyalty and readiness to contribute effectively to the security of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings,” he emphasized.
General Onosayan further noted that the 2024 WASA highlights the social diversity, cultural identity, values, beliefs, and rich heritage of the Nigerian people, resonating with the ethos of the Nigerian Army. “This event provides an opportunity to showcase various cultural dances, traditional cuisines, languages, attire, and ethnic groups of our great nation in a relaxed atmosphere,” he stated, adding that today’s event marks the Brigade’s Grand Finale.
GRPolitics
Matawalle Commends President Tinubu for Positive Economic Reforms
…Matawalle urges critics to be positive in their narratives
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his robust economic policies and reforms, which are yielding significant positive results for the nation. According to Matawalle, these initiatives are contributing to a turnaround in the economy that will benefits all Nigerians.
In the light of ongoing criticism, particularly from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, according to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director information & PR at the Ministry, Matawalle urged critics to be positive in their narratives and called on citizens to remain steadfast in their support for the President and to reject divisive narratives.
“It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr. President, who is diligently working hard to revitalize our economy through a series of effective policies, programs, and reforms,” he stated.
Matawalle specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s tax reforms as a pivotal element in the country’s economic turnaround. He explained that these reforms are designed to create a more equitable tax system, which will enhance revenue generation for the government while easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.
“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” Matawalle elaborated.
He further noted that the tax reforms aim to simplify the tax administration process, making it easier for individuals and businesses to comply. This will foster a more business-friendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, which are essential for driving economic progress.
Matawalle also highlighted several key achievements across various sectors, particularly noting improvements in national security. He emphasized that President Tinubu has made substantial strides in enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military through the provision of modern hardware and equipment. Additionally, he assured that military personnel have received timely payment of their allowances and salary increases, which has significantly boosted their morale.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognize the positive changes taking place,” Matawalle concluded.
Samsung Expands Accessibility with Local Language Integration on Galaxy S25, A56, A36, and A26 Devices
Breaking: ‘Welcome home,’ Gov Mbah Receives Edeoga Back to PDP
NUJ at 70: Private Broadcast Members Congratulate Union
LASG Acquires New Outboard Engines For Optimum Boat Performance
Elon Musk builds Hotel in Mars, Sets to launch soon at $5million per night – Photos
