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SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2023

2:10pm

Former Osun Governor Gboyega Oyetola, casting his vote throughout the Home of Meeting election, at his polling unit, Ward 01,
unit 10, Boripe Native Authorities, Irágbìjí, Saturday

2:00pm

Osinbajo, Abiodun, Adebutu, Others Vote, Laud Course of

James Sowole  in Abeokuta

The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Get together (PDP) and different stakeholders  have recommended the organisation and strategy of the continuing Governorship and Home of Meeting election in Ogun State, describing it as enchancment on the February 25, presidential and Nationwide Meeting elections.

The stakeholders, spoke shortly after casting their votes at their varied items in Ogun State.

Osinbajo, who voted at VP Unit 14 Ward 1, Ikenne Native Authorities,  described the method as very glorious in his personal unit.

He mentioned, “My very own polling sales space right here is superb and i believe all the things is peaceable and the entire course of has been carried out very nicely and that i simply hope and pray that that is how it’s being carried out throughout the nation. It has been very nice expertise that i used to be capable of forged my votes and in addition so many people have been capable of forged our votes.”

Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress, APC, voted at his Unit 3 Ward 1 in Regun space of Iperu city jiffy after 11.am whereas Oladipupo Adebutu voted at 10.59am at Ward 5, polling unit 4, Wesley Main College Iperu.

Iperu is the house city of governor Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Adebutu, who’s the governorship candidate of the Individuals’s Democratic Get together (PDP) and important challenger of Gov. Abiodun within the governorship race.

Adebutu described the turnout of voters as spectacular and expressed the hope that their expressed needs would depend on the finish of the day.

Additionally, the Gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun state, Biyi Otegbeye, voted at about 10:01am on the State hospital, Ilaro, Ward 1, Unit 1, in Egbado South Native Authorities space of the state.

Otegbeye whereas talking with journalists, recommended the electoral course of,  saying that, it’s an enchancment on what was obtained over the last presidential election.

“To the glory of God, all the things appears to be like peaceable. All people is orderly and I can see the joy and enthusiasm on individuals to forged their votes.

“The electoral officers are on obligation, they’re cautious and all the things appears to be occurring easily at this specific time.

“What I can see at this stage is that it’s far more higher than what we skilled throughout the Presidential election.

Otegbeye mentioned he was nevertheless, optimistic of victory for himself and his social gathering on the ballot.

”I’m anticipating an amazing victory for myself and my social gathering, the ADC”, he added

Additionally talking, the newly elected senator for Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, recommended the Saturday’s election course of  as an amazing enchancment on the what obtained on February 25.

In the meantime, former President Olusegun Obasanjo was conspicuously, absent at his Ward 6 Unit 22, Totoro Abeokuta North Native Authorities. 

A media aide to the previous president, Kehinde Akinyemi, mentioned Obasanjo, has not been in Abeokuta, for over 10 days.

1:46pm

Sokoto PDP Guber Candidate Votes, Assured of Victory

The Governorship Candidate of PDP in Sokoto State, Mallam Saidu Umar has described the l governorship election as a seamless train. He made this recognized whereas exercising his franchise at Ubandoma Polling Unit 020, Sabon-titi, Kofar Atiku space of Sokoto. 

Umar, whereas briefing newsmen instantly after casting his poll, mentioned “up to now voting has been occurring calmly, and peacefully within the space, and throughout the metropolitan areas.”

Commenting on the not too long ago held Presidential and Nationwide Meeting elections, Mallam Umar described right this moment’s leg of the election as comparatively higher than the earlier one.

Nevertheless, the PDP candidate mentioned he stays upbeat about victory, when requested about his expectation on the finish of the train.

 “The PDP, God prepared, is optimistic of victory within the election”, he mentioned 

He referred to as on eligible voters to come back out and vote, and in addition safeguard their votes.

1:36pm

Soludo Lauds INEC for Early Graduation of Voting in Anambra

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has recommended the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) for early graduation of the voting course of within the state.

Soludo gave the commendation shortly after voting at Polling Unit 002 Ovuiyi Umueze, Isuofia, Aguata Council Space at 11:30 am

“From the data accessible to me, I’ve sampled views throughout the state and it appears to be occurring pretty nicely by way of deployment of logistics and early graduation of election. 

“I believe there’s a nice enchancment in comparison with the earlier election by way of the arrival and deployment of supplies. It appears to be occurring nicely, comparatively peaceable,” Soludo declared. 

The governor, who expressed optimism that the desire of the individuals will prevail, additionally mentioned that the turnout of voters is low in comparison with the earlier election and inspired Anambra residents to step out and train their civic obligations by voting.

“Anybody who’s within the queue earlier than 2:00 pm, shall be allowed to vote and your vote will depend. We anticipate the ending, collation and announcement of outcomes to finish with a flourish,” the governor concluded.

1:35pm

Tambuwal Votes, Assured of PDP’s Victory

By Onuminya Harmless In Sokoto

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State has voted at his polling unit.

Tambuwal who voted at his 033 polling unit,  Kofar AJia Authorities Ladies Day Secondary  College, Tambuwal, a 11:30am was assured of the victory of PDP’s candidate Sa’aidu Umar.

He maintained that final month’s presidential and nationwide meeting elections fell wanting worldwide electoral commonplace.

“Take a look at final election, no nationwide meeting seat was declared within the state. How can 9 federal home of representatives and three senate seats be declared inconclusive?” he requested.

He famous that PDP was widespread among the many individuals of Sokoto state, stressing the individuals of the state will massively vote for the social gathering.

He nevertheless recommended INEC for bettering on final election, noting that INEC officers arrived polling items early on Saturday in comparison with final election.

He urged l individuals of the state to come back out en mass to forged their votes for the candidate of their alternative, saying this election will outline their future.

12:59pm

Emenike Votes, Assured of Victory, Lauds INEC for Improved Voting ProcessEmmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia                          

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Ikechi Emenike, has expressed confidence in rising victorious within the governorship contest.

“I’m assured of victory. You’ll be able to see the temper of voters. We’re wanting ahead to victory by the grace of God by tomorrow,” he mentioned.

Emenike, who forged his vote in polling unit 11 Umukabia Okpuala at precisely 10:13a.m, instructed journalists that he was pleased with the preparations placed on floor by the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) because the voting course of was occurring easily.     

“You’ll be able to see that the BVAS is working nicely and I’m positive you possibly can see that fairly lots of people are wanting to vote,” he mentioned.    

He suggested the electorcal umpire “to make sure transparency and equity to all people”.       

In the meantime, the governorship and state meeting election has proven outstanding enchancment on the a part of INEC as deployment of election supplies was performed on time.

In most polling items monitored at Umuahia North and Umuahia South Native Governments that make up the capital metropolis, voting began on or earlier than 9.00am.

Nevertheless, the passion of voters which manifested within the enormous turnout of voters very early on voting day throughout the February 25 Presidential and Nationwide Meeting polls was missing this time round.

A senior citizen, Chief Orji Ukaonu, mentioned that individuals have a way of disappointment over the end result of the presidential ballot and it has dampened their enthusiasm for the governorship and state meeting elections.

“Individuals had been pushed by the passion generated by the candidacy of Peter Obi and so they trooped out in massive numbers to their polling items as early as 6.30am.

“However after the end result was introduced, individuals had been dissatisfied and sad. You’ll be able to see the impact right this moment as electoral officers are telling ones ready for voters as a substitute of the opposite method round,” he mentioned.

However a celebration agent, who gave his identify merely as Ukoha, mentioned that it was anticipated that enormous variety of voters would nonetheless end up to vote “in the event that they hear that the voting course of isn’t any extra rigorous because it was throughout the presidential election”.

12:55pm

Buhari Votes, Says APC Will Triumph in Governorship, Meeting Polls

.Asks citizens to vote in accordance with their conscience 

.Osinbajo lauds voting course of

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

President Muhammadu Buhari has predicted victory for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s Governorship and State of Meeting elections throughout the nation.

In accordance with him, Nigerians know the social gathering “means what it says, and says what it means.’’

Talking with newsmen on Saturday after casting his vote at Ward A, Sarkin Yara Polling Unit, 003 in his nation residence Daura in Katsina state, the President mentioned “I’m positive we’re going to win, once more’’.

In accordance with him: “Nigerians belief us as a result of we imply what we are saying and say what we imply. Now we have maintained that belief. We instructed Nigerians that we are going to work for them, and we now have performed our greatest in schooling and well being amenities, and Nigerians respect our efforts”.

The President urged the citizens to comply with their conscience in selecting proper leaders, each state executives and legislatures, admonishing that the period of vote shopping for had been diminished. 

“I’m conscious that the cash is just not there like earlier than for individuals to sway voters, like they used to do. And if they carry out cash now, the individuals ought to pocket it, and nonetheless vote their conscience,’’ he mentioned. 

President Buhari famous that he was not stunned on the outcomes of the Presidential elections on February 25, 2023, which noticed Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu rising as President-elect, because the APC campaigns had been thorough, and detailed. 

The President famous that the APC adopted the constitutional process for your complete electoral course of, selecting a celebration Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, who had served as a two-term Governor in Nasarawa State, and legislator within the Senate, with an expertise that may safe the electoral worth and relevance of the social gathering. 

 On deepening of democratic tradition and rising consciousness amongst Nigerians, President Buhari mentioned the media had performed a significant position in empowering individuals with info on their rights, and offering a platform for voters to problem leaders on  guarantees and information. 

His phrases: “The media is doing very nicely in creating consciousness and enabling the suitable dialog. You’ll be able to hear the robust questions for leaders throughout interviews on TV, radio and different platforms, and the journalists at all times press for solutions”.

In the meantime, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his spouse, Dolapo Osinbajo, on Saturday voted on the Egunrege Polling Unit 14, Ward 1 in Ikenne Native Authorities Space of Ogun State, expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the election.

Osinbajo and his spouse arrived the polling unit, bought accredited and proceeded to forged their votes at precisely 10:34 am. 

Talking afterwards with journalists, the Vice President mentioned “from right here at my very own polling unit, it’s glorious. The entire course of has been carried out very nicely and I simply hope and pray that that is how it’s being carried out throughout the nation.

“It has been a really nice expertise. I’m glad that I’m able to forged my votes and so many others who need to forged their votes have been in a position to take action,” he added.

12:53pm

Obi Votes, Laments Vote Shopping for, Apathy

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The presidential candidate of the Labour Get together (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has voted at his Amatutu polling unit in Agulu, Anaocha Native Authorities Space of Anambra State.

Obi, who forged his vote at about 11.20am, lamented that Nigeria has returned to the period of transactional politics, saying that the continuing election is witnessing vote shopping for.

Obi additionally lamented the low turnout of voters within the state. 

He mentioned this can be as a result of the individuals have misplaced curiosity within the system.

12:36am

No Police Presence in Most  Zamfara Polling Models, PDP Alleges

The Zamfara State Peoples Democratic Get together has mentioned that there’s zero police presence in a lot of the polling items throughout the state.

The social gathering in an announcement by the Dauda Lawal Media Workplace, Saturday in Gusau, said that elections had been but to start in lots of polling items within the state.

The governorship elections had been anticipated to start early Saturday.

Although in some states, considerations heightened over alleged strikes by governors to rig the elections by all means attainable.

The assertion learn: “It’s worrisome the state of affairs in Zamfara State in the mean time, as a result of elections are but to start in a lot of the polling items throughout the state.

“The Police that’s anticipated to supply safety for INEC officers, election supplies, and voters are nowhere to be discovered.

“The Zamfara State PDP is frightened and believes that it is a plan by the state authorities to resort to extra-judicial means to compromise the method.

“There’s already info of thugs attacking voters in Gummi, Zurmi, Bungudu, Mafara, and Shinkafi Native Authorities Areas.

“We name on the Inspector Normal of Police to name the Zamfara state commissioner of police to order. The police must be impartial, not partisan.

“It is just the safety operatives that may thwart the plan to additional compromise the electoral officers, thus making the falsification of outcomes a lot simpler than it was within the earlier train.”

12:20pm

Low Turnout as Enugu Residents Elect Gov, State Meeting Members

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

Residents of Enugu State seem to have misplaced hope and curiosity within the conduct of elections given the low turnout of voters that’s at present being skilled on the ongoing governorship and state meeting elections. 

That is not like the final Presidential and Nationwide Meeting elections throughout which residents of the State trooped out in massive numbers to vote, regardless of threats of sit at residence. 

Recall that in some polling items the place voting supplies didn’t arrive on time, voters waited for a number of hours simply to train their rights. 

Nevertheless, whereas voting supplies arrived on time right this moment and voting commenced early sufficient, it was seen in among the polling items visited that the turnout was poor. 

On the Central Main College Ugwuaji and Afor Market Sq. Polling items, accreditation and voting began at 9am. However just a few voters turnout out. The story is identical throughout some polling items throughout the state. 

It was additionally seen that not like within the final election when residents stayed again of their numbers to depend their votes, most of them had been leaving as quickly as they forged their votes. 

On the Central Main College Ugwuaji and Afor Market Sq., social gathering brokers who spoke to this reporter mentioned that the low turnout being skilled was because of the end result of the final presidential and nationwide meeting election.

“The result of the presidential election, notably, was not what the residents anticipated, certainly one of them mentioned. ” And that’s the reason most of them have determined to remain again since their votes is not going to depend,”. 

A few of those that voted within the final election however didn’t flip up for the state elections additionally instructed this reporter that that they had misplaced hope and belief within the capability of the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee, INEC to conduct free and truthful polls. 

As on the time of this report, voting was nonetheless ongoing and no violence has been recorded but. 

11:27am

Heavy Safety as Voting Commences in Lagos

Segun James 

Amidst heavy safety, voting has commenced in Lagos.

The President -elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was one of many early voters as he voted at his Alausa, Ikeja polling unit at about 09.40 am.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has simply voted.

THISDAY Correspondent, who visited Awolowo Manner, Ikeja, Agege-Motor Highway, Oshodi, Mushin and Lagos Island seen heavy safety presence, made up of males of the Nigerian Military at recognized flashpoints alongside the axis.

The troopers had been shifting in armoured vans.

11:23am

Tinubu Votes Amid Heavy Safety

President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu voted at 9.35 a.m. at Unit 085, Ward 03, Alausa, Ikeja amid tight safety within the Governorship/Nationwide Meeting elections on Saturday.

Tinubu was accompanied by his spouse, Oluremi  and the Lagos Market chief, Chief Folashade Ojo.

Mr Dele Alake, his Media Spokesman, instructed journalists after he voted that the president-elect will be unable to grant interviews until later within the night.

The Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) experiences that obstacles had been used to demarcate the unit into sections and designated areas for voters, journalists and safety operatives which is completely different from the earlier state of affairs.

NAN remembers that throughout the Presidential and Nationwide Meeting elections on Feb. 25, lots of of journalists and social gathering supporters struggled to seize Tinubu’s arrival and voting.

INEC officers had been early and had utterly arrange earlier than 8 a.m.

At precisely 8.30 a.m, Miss Adebola Adeniyi, the Assistant Presiding Officer III, made announcement, confirmed empty poll packing containers and the BVAS Machine and skim out the election pointers.

She mentioned 324 voters registered within the unit.

A mixed group of Police, Nigeria Safety and Civil Defence Corps, DSS, FRSC and Nigeria Immigration Service had been on floor.

The heads of the varied safety organisations, together with the commissioner of police inspected and patrolled the realm earlier than the arrival and departure of the president-elect. (NAN)

11:16am

Massive Turnout, Tight Safety as Plateau Goes to Ballot
 
Electoral officers in most polling items throughout Plateau carried out peaceable accreditations of voters and voting amid enormous turnout of voters on Saturday for the state governorship and Home of Meeting elections.
Nevertheless, the Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) experiences that voters’ turnout was poor in Jos North Native Authorities when accreditations and voting had begun in different polling stations.
Some polling items in Kugiya, Bukuru and Dadin Kowa, in Jos-South started accreditations and votings instantly it was official time for the train.
The residents in Jos obeyed the restriction directive as most streets within the metropolis had been abandoned, no visitors and outlets had been locked up throughout the elections.
Most voters recommended the officers of the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) for arriving in polling stations promptly.
Voting started as scheduled in polling items 028 (Intestine), 024 (Shaka) and 017 (Air pressure Main College) all in outdated Airport Highway amid tight safety
Polling items in Kugiya, Bukuru Lowcost and Dadinkowa had been arrange earlier than 8 a.m. awaiting the official time of 8.30 a.m. to start accreditations.
The Presiding Officer accountable for polling unit 032, in Bukuru Lowcost , Mr Okoi Nsa, mentioned that he and his group arrived as early as 7.15 a.m. to arrange the place.
Equally, the Presiding Officer accountable for polling unit 048, Dadinkowa, Miss Blessing Edoh, mentioned that she was on the station as early as 6.30 a.m. to forestall a repeat of the incidence that occurred throughout the presidential and nationwide meeting elections.
In polling items 043 and 006 at Kugiya, Jos South, because the polling items had been set and the officers in cost had been seen addressing the citizens earlier than the graduation of the voting train.
A number of the citizens who spoke with NAN expressed satisfaction on the immediate arrival of the INEC officers, noting that this may allow the citizens to forged their votes throughout the stipulated time.
Mrs Garos Pam, an citizens, recommended the INEC officers for popping out early as this has enabled her to forged her vote in good time.
One other voter, Mr Moses Bitrus, mentioned that as a result of the train commenced in time, he spent lower than 10 minutes to forged his vote.
Miss Jummai Dalyop, mentioned that the method this time was much less cumbersome as in comparison with that of the presidential elections.
One other citizens, Mrs Pleasure Jacob mentioned that this course of would allow each eligible3 voter to forged their vote because the officers arrived early and the method was higher.(NAN)

11:13am

Awka Information Poor Voters Turnout

Turnout of voters in most polling items in Awka and environs for the March 18 State Home of meeting election was very low, the Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) experiences.
Correspondent of NAN who visited some polling items inside Awka township experiences that electoral officers arrived earlier than 8a.m. in a lot of the items.
The polling items visited embrace Awka South Aroma 1, PU. 002, Aroma 2, 008, Aroma 3, PU.007, Amudo Corridor 2, PU 009, Ukwuorji 5, PU. 006, and Ogbugbankwa PU. 011.
Additionally at Adabebe Amawbia Polling items 1 and a pair of Polling, Agu Awka 09 polling items 005 and 0012, the turnout was low, there have been presence of safety operatives and social gathering brokers.
Pastor Emeka Okoli, a voter at Aroma Awka 1 instructed NAN that the poor turnout  was as a result of poor dealing with of the Feb. 25 presidential and nationwide meeting elections.
“As you possibly can see many individuals are usually not right here now, by this time over the last election, greater than 150 individuals had been already right here.
“For individuals to point out up of their numbers in future elections, INEC should ensure that they stick with the foundations”, he mentioned.(NAN)

11:10am

APC, PDP Brokers Kick as Supplies Arrive Bauchi Ward Late

Brokers of All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Get together (PDP), on Saturday, decried late arrival of INEC officers and supplies at Haruna Memorial Main College ward 029,
The ward is in Alkaleri Native Authorities Space of Bauchi state.
Talking with newsmen, Mouktar Gidado, the PDP observer on the polling unit mentioned he arrived on the venue precisely at 8am when election supplies ought to have arrived.
“Nevertheless, I don’t know why the supplies arrived at 9:20am and voting has not but commenced although the electoral officers are on floor now.
“I need to enchantment to INEC that there must be a departure from late arrival of election supplies. It’s 9:30am and voters are nonetheless ready”, he mentioned.
Gidado, who can be the Particular Adviser on Media and Publicity to Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State , mentioned aside from the late arrival of election supplies, all the things was occurring easily on the polling unit.
Additionally talking, Abdullahi Gidado, the All Progressives Congress (APC) social gathering agent on the polling unit, decried the late arrival of election supplies.
He mentioned some voters wished to return residence however he satisfied them to remain.
“Now we have been ready since 8am and so they arrived at 9:20am. We hope that the election will start quickly as they’ve already arrange the polling unit.
“Aside from the truth that INEC officers arrived late, there isn’t a different problem right here,” he mentioned.
The Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) experiences that as at 10am, election had not commenced on the polling unit. (NAN)

11:08am

Voting Begins Early in Nasarawa

Election officers arrived early for the Governorship  and State Homes of Meeting elections in Motor Park 001 and 002 Polling Models Gudi, Akwanga Native Authorities Space (LGA), Nasarawa State.
The Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) experiences that  the polling items visited by its Correspondent, accreditation  and voting started concurrently at precisely 9:08am.
NAN additionally experiences that Officers of the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) arrived most polling items round 8:30am and arrange the place for voting.
Safety companies akin to Nigeria Police, Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Safety and Civil Defence Corps had been current on the polling items to make sure safety and to verify vote shopping for. (NAN).

11:02am

Supplies Arrive, Voting Commences Early In Eket

Electoral supplies  arrived early in polling items in some components of Eket Native Authorities Space of the state for governorship and Home Meeting elections.
Mr Solomon Daudo, Polling Officer mentioned that electoral supplies arrived at Unit 18 one of many wards in Ward 4 City, Main College Atai Ndon at7:20 a.m on Saturday
The Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) experiences that Wards 4 City contains 5 items which are items 3, 4, 17, 18 and 19.
Daudo mentioned that all the things was in place, as they had been ready for INEC authorisation to  start the  election.
Mrs Dorathy Imoh, the polling officer mentioned that electoral supplies arrived polling items at 7:30 a.m.
She additionally that the safety officers and social gathering brokers of various political events had been all on floor.
Mr Joseph Ekaette, Senior Polling Officer, (SPO) mentioned electoral supplies arrived Registration Space Technical Assist (RATECH) centre Ikot Ibiok final evening and distributed the supplies earlier than 7:30 a.m.
NAN experiences that voting later commenced by 8:30 a.m. (NAN)

10:58am

Massive Voter Flip-Out in Kano Amidst Tight Safety
 
An enormous turnout of voters is being witnessed within the Governorship and Home of Meeting elections in Kano as individuals troop out to train their franchise.
The Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) experiences that voters, particularly in components of Municipal and Nasarawa Native Authorities Areas thronged their polling items as early as 7 a.m.
The election personnel and supplies additionally arrived as early as 8 a.m. to numerous polling centres particularly on the Emir’s Palace, Kwalli Police Station, College For Arabic Research and the Previous Kano State Library.
Different polling items that witnessed the event had been these situated in Gidan Makama Main College, Unguwar Gini Complete Well being Centre, Magwan Main College and Authorities Junior Secondary College, Race Course.
Equally, safety was tight in all of the areas visited with navy personnel, the Police, Civil Defence, FRSC and different operatives manning main streets and screening individuals as they approached the polling stations. There was additionally compliance to the order limiting motion of unauthorized autos within the metropolis with the streets just about abandoned.
Retailers, buying malls, eating places and different locations of human endeavour remained closed in compliance with the police order.
NAN additionally noticed that voter turnout was spectacular as individuals got here out early to forged their votes below a conducive ambiance. (NAN)

10:55am

Massive Turnout of Voters in Mafa, Zulum’s Hometown

 
There’s massive turnout of voters in Mafa, hometown of Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, as accreditation and voting within the March 18 governorship/state meeting elections begin.
Mafa is the headquarters of Mafa Native Authorities Space of Borno, about 35km from Maiduguri.
The Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent monitoring the train ine Mafa, experiences that accreditation and voting began on time in most polling items within the city.
A number of the voters who spoke to NAN mentioned the turnout was unprecedented in comparison with the final election due to improved mobilisation.
Bulama Abubakar, mentioned after casting his vote that ”we trooped out to forged our votes in assist of our son, Prof. Zulum as a result of he’s searching for reelection.”
He recommended the early arrival of officers and election supplies at many polling items within the city which he mentioned was an enormous enchancment to the Feb. 25 presidential and Nationwide Meeting elections.
Additionally, Aisha Modu and Mustafa Lawan, mentioned the big turnout was in solidarity for his or her son.
NAN correspondent who additionally monitored the train in Jere Native Authorities Space, nevertheless, experiences that many citizens had been nonetheless ready for arrival of officers and supplies in some polling items within the space.
“It’s already 9.30 a.m. however we’re nonetheless ready for the officers to come back,” mentioned Abubakar Ibrahim, a voter at a polling unit in Mairi ward of Jere LGA. (NAN)

10:49am

Police Arrest Armed Thugs in Anambra

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested 5 individuals suspected to be thugs, mobilized to disrupt elections within the state.

In accordance with a brief textual content message from the command’s spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, the boys had been arrested in Ihiala, with 4 pump motion rifles recovered from them.

Ikenga mentioned: “5 armed thugs had been arrested in Ihiala and 4 pump actions recovered.”

CP Aderemi Adeoye, who’s heading the command’s personnel on election obligation, was additionally quoted to have mentioned that thuggery is not going to be allowed throughout the election. 

10:09am

Go Out and Vote, Adeleke Calls on Osun Residents

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has referred to as on residents of the state to exit and forged their vote, assuring them of security and safety.

Talking early Saturday morning at his nation residence in Ede, the governor mentioned:

“You’re nonetheless at residence? Come out now and use your PVC as a democrat. It’s secure outdoors. Train your proper to vote and be voted for.

“Don’t be scared to desert your proper to vote. Safety companies are in prime type to make sure that your vote and my vote depend. I’ve issued related directives to service commanders to safe lives and properties as all of us vote right this moment.

“I want you good individuals of Osun State to vote massively. Should you love democracy and good governance, arise now and face your polling items.”

10:03am

Excessive Flip-out of Voters in Osogbo Metropolis

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

There’s excessive turn-out of voters within the governorship and state Meeting elections in Osogbo metropolis in Osun State, whereas safety personnel are additionally current to keep up regulation and order.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) within the state, Musbaudeed Ayodele Kusamotu, who spoke with THISDAY, urged the Impartial Electoral Fee (INEC) to make sure free and truthful polls.

He suggested voters to be mature in the midst of the train and keep away from bother.

Voting is already in progress in some wards with safety personnel on floor to supply sufficient safety for voters.

A number of the wards visited are wards 3 unit 8 in Osogbo Native Authorities, wards 3 unit 3 Agana in Olorunda Native Authorities, Ward 1 Ataoja A, unit, polling unit 3 and ward 4 Fagbewesa, Osogbo.

9:42am

Low Turnout of Voters in Anambra

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

There’s a low turnout of voters in Anambra State in 5oday Meeting election, in comparison with the big variety of people who thronged polling centres for the Presidential election three weeks in the past.

Polling centres visited in Awka, the state capital, confirmed close to empty items as employees of the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee, INEC, sat idly.

At Aroma junction 1, polling unit 008, Awka South Native Authorities Space, as at 9:20pm, solely six individuals had been capable of vote, regardless of the graduation of voting at 8:30am, and the swiftness of the BVAS machines.

A voter, Mrs Chika Ndu instructed our correspondent that: “Individuals are not popping out as a result of they really feel their votes might not depend due to what occurred final three weeks.

“It’s going to take a degree of enlightenment for individuals to just accept to come back out, as a result of they imagine their votes is not going to depend.

“I can’t imagine that this identical place the place I discovered it troublesome to forged my vote final three weeks, I can simply are available and in lower than three minutes, I had forged my vote.”

One other respondent, a journalist, Mr Damian Egwuonwu, mentioned: “I believe it’s early, individuals will nonetheless come out.”

9:35am

Polling Models Open Early in Minna 

* Brokers absent in centres visited 

* Poor voter turnout

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Officers of the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee INEC opened the varied polling items in Minna the Niger state as early as 8am.

Nevertheless social gathering brokers had been absent on the polling items visited as at 8:45am, leading to polling not commencing.

At Umoru Audi main faculty, polling officers arrived at 8am to arrange for the election with solely about 10 voters round.

 All social gathering brokers had been absent on the unit, so polling couldn’t begin .

“We’re ready for the brokers, even when we now have one agent we’ll begin, Aliyu, a polling official mentioned.

In different areas,  polling began at 8.30am however with few voters on the queue.

THISDAY noticed non compliance with restriction of actions ordered by the police.

9:31am

Voting Commences in Anambra

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Voting has began in Anambra State for the Home of Meeting elections.

Polling centres visited by THISDAY inside Awka, the state capital confirmed that as early as 8:30am, a lot of the centres visited had began voting.

The state Resident Electoral Commissioner Mrs Elizabeth Agwu had in a press convention on Friday mentioned that the fee was prepared, and that voting would begin early.

Commentary additionally confirmed that the BVAS had been very swift in capturing voters.

8:47am

Accreditation, Voting Start in Sokoto

By Onuminya Harmless In Sokoto

Voters in Sokoto State got here out as early as 6am in  to queue at polling items as they awaited the arrival of electoral officers.

Accreditation and voting commenced at 8am

at Gwiwa extension, behind Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Faculty of Administration .

A voter Murtala Yakubu instructed  our correspondent that he was desperate to elect who will pilot the affairs of the state for the subsequent 4 years.

8:42am

INEC Disowns Pretend ID for Safety Personnel on Election Obligation
 
The Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) has distanced itself from a pretend establish card for safety personnel on election obligation.
The fee did this in an announcement by its Nationwide Commissioner and Chairman, Data and Voter Schooling Committee, Festus Okoye, in Abuja.
Okoye mentioned INEC’s consideration had been drawn to an id card for safety personnel bearing the identify and emblem of the Fee with the inscription “Full Entry” boldly written in pink on the backside of it.
“We want to state categorically that the id card didn’t emanate from the Fee. Identification playing cards for safety personnel on election obligation had been issued by the safety companies and never the Fee.
“Anybody bearing an id card allegedly issued by the Fee for safety personnel can solely be on unlawful obligation. Such an individual is liable to arrest and prosecution.
“The general public Is alerted to this diabolical motion of some misdirected components and to report any such particular person to the safety companies,” Okoye mentioned.(NAN)

7:03am

Stress As 28 States Elect Governors

•Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Oyo, Sokoto, Delta, Rivers, Benue, Plateau are battle grounds

•993 state meeting seats additionally to be crammed right this moment

•INEC guarantees importing of outcomes from polling items to Consequence Viewing Portal actual time

Ahamefula Ogbu

Voters in 28 states throughout Nigeria will right this moment file out to elect governors who will run their affairs for the subsequent 4 years, efficient Might 29.

There can even be voting into 993 state meeting seats throughout the 36 states of the federation on this rescheduled governorship and state homes of meeting elections.

The Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC), after a slipshod efficiency on the Presidential and Nationwide Meeting elections on February 25, largely on account of failure to transmit and collate outcomes electronically as assured, promised an improved efficiency right this moment.

INEC’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu vowed that right this moment’s polls shall be free and truthful.

Yakubu urged events and candidates to talk to their brokers and supporters to see the elections as a contest and never struggle and to “chorus from acts of violence which will mar the elections or compromise the safety of our personnel, observers, the media and repair suppliers.”

By yesterday morning, INEC had concluded the distribution of delicate supplies for the governorship and home of meeting elections to all of the wards.

INEC Guarantees to Add Outcomes Actual Time

Yesterday, INEC gave an perception into how polling unit outcomes shall be transmitted throughout right this moment’s governorship elections.

The Chairman, Data and Voter Schooling Committee of INEC, Festus Okoye, whereas talking on Come up Information mentioned “the regulation as of right this moment prescribes a twin mode of both transmission of outcomes or switch of outcomes.”

He mentioned when polls closed on the degree of the varied items, the Presiding Officer who superintended the polling unit would enter the scores of the varied political events in type EC8A which is the polling unit degree end result.

“The PO will signal that exact end result sheet and stamp it, the PU agent or social gathering agent if accessible can even countersign and copies shall be given to them and the police.

“That authentic result’s what shall be scanned and uploaded to our INEC Consequence Viewing Portal for public viewing. Not solely that, the accreditation information that has arisen from that polling unit can even be uploaded, however the bodily end result and the BVAS itself can even be taken to the Registration Space Collation centre,” mentioned Okoye.

In accordance with him, the Collation Officer will benefit from seeing the unique outcomes and the BVAS itself and benefit from wanting on the accreditation information as transmitted, and the end result sheet as transmitted from the polling unit.

“That’s the twin mode which the regulation has prescribed for the fee and that’s the mode that we’re going to make use of for the aim of this election,” mentioned Okoye.

Talking on real-time IREV supply on Saturday, Okoye mentioned outcomes could be transmitted as quickly because the polls closed from varied polling items.

“The fee is decided to enhance on its earlier efficiency. What we now have performed is to be taught invaluable classes from earlier elections that we carried out, and we’re going to place these classes into our planning functions and processes, and into our deployment functions,” Okoye mentioned.

On INEC’s readiness, he mentioned, “In all of the states of the federation, each the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines and all of the delicate election supplies have left the Central Financial institution and the varied state workplaces of the federation.

“We need to make sure that all polling items open on time. Secondly, we made positive that we reconfigured all of the BVAS that shall be used for this specific election by way of ensuring that the BVAS carry out optimally and in addition ensuring that among the challenges we had within the earlier elections don’t reoccur.”

Police Pledge Tight Safety

The Inspector-Normal of Police, Usman Baba, is deploying over 400,000 officers and males for right this moment’s operation.

Baba, who urged voters to come back out and vote with out concern, promised tight safety.

He has additionally ordered the restriction of all types of vehicular motion on roads, waterways, and different types of transportation, from 12 am to six pm on Saturday in all states the place elections shall be carried out.

Baba mentioned these on important providers akin to officers of INEC, electoral observers, accredited media and observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, amongst others are exempted from the restriction.

He famous that the directive excludes the Federal Capital Territory, as no election is being carried out therein.

The IGP reiterated the ban on all safety aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling cubicles and collation centres throughout the election.

State-established and owned safety outfits/organizations, quasi-security items, and privately-owned guard and safety outfits are additionally barred from collaborating in election safety administration.

The IGP has additionally prolonged further human and logistic assist to police instructions and formations throughout the nation for efficient election safety administration right this moment.

The extra assist consists of the deployment of personnel, operational autos, non-lethal weapons, private protecting tools (physique armour), and anti-riot tools amongst others.

Gubernatorial Battlegrounds

Abia State

It’s a three-horse race in God’s personal State. Incumbent Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of the PDP is pushing for his former Chief of Workers, Okey Ahiwe to succeed him.

This seems to be at risk due to Ikpeazu’s poor efficiency within the final eight years.

The dangerous state of affairs is at a boiling level on this state. Lecturers and civil servants are owed backlog of salaries, pensioners not paid, tertiary establishments dropping accreditation, and all types of improvement arrested, whereas political workplace holders and their households flourish.

This anger of the plenty has already claimed the ambition of the Ikpeazu who desired to retire to the Senate however was trounced on the polls.

The PDP has Alex Otti of the LP and Ikechi Emmenike of the APC to cope with. The LP has upset the apple cart in a number of states and Otti who’s using the crest of the euphoria seems set to clinch the prize in Abia State. Emmenike of the APC will little question give him an excellent struggle. It’s too near name right here.

Enugu State

The state parades an array of robust contestants with entrance runners being Peter Mbah of PDP, Chijioke Edeoga of Labour Get together and Frank Nweke of APGA.

Mbah enjoys a broad spectrum of assist from political bigwigs within the state and with the state treasury at his disposal, being the candidate of the sitting governor and the state being a PDP state for lengthy, Mbah who additionally parades a private struggle chest will give an excellent struggle.

Nevertheless, Edeoga of the Labour Get together would possibly experience on the again of the tsunami sweeping by the political area, added to the sympathy of getting their senatorial candidate murdered, to clinch the coveted seat, particularly because the Labour Get together is sporting the messianic toga now.

Frank Nweke, who even some “Obidients” favour due to his previous information, can be a powerful contender which additionally makes the state a battleground, particularly because the state is thought for its violent disposition of some outdated politicians. Allegations of arms stockpiling is already rife and will probably be a tricky struggle between PDP struggling to retain the state and LP/APGA bent on wresting it from them.

Kano State

That is an APC state with a gladiator within the particular person of Rabiu Kwankwaso that has moved to the New Nigeria Peoples Get together (NNPP) and Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of APC, although none of them is on the poll.

Whereas Kwankwaso who swept the presidential poll in Kano is supporting Abba Yusuf, Ganduje is backing Yusuf Gawuna.

The candidates of the governor and Kwankwaso are usually not solely contesting however there may be an ego struggle of who has the bragging rights over the state. Kano State is simply too near name. The prize can go both method.

Benue State

There’s a marked departure from the previous as a Catholic Priest, Father Hyacinth Alia, contesting below the APC, survived all intrigues to carry on to the ticket, whereas Herman Hembe latching on to the Labour Get together’s acceptance to wrestle to be elected governor to succeed Samuel Ortom, one of many G5 governors that bloodied the nostril of their social gathering over energy shift to the South.

Ortom, who misplaced his senatorial election, would attempt to make sure his candidate of the PDP, Titus Uba wins, so there gained’t be a double lack of his seat and that of his successor. Allegations of arming youths to steal mandates are rife in Benue. It’s a three-horse race right here and too near name.

Ebonyi State

Since Governor Dave Umahi moved over to the APC on account of complaints of inequity in PDP, Ebonyi was all of a sudden racked by spates of violence and the governor is one to ram by his want on problems with curiosity.

So, it’s anticipated that he might, in opposition to all odds, do all the things he can to ship Mr. Francis Nwifuru to succeed him.

Umahi nevertheless has Chief Francis Odii of the PDP to cope with in a predominantly PDP State earlier than Umahi jumped ship.

On the shadows to spring surprises is perhaps Labour Get together’s candidate, Chief Edward Nkwegu who’s using on the again of Peter Obi and his Obidients. As traditional, violence will make or mar the end result of the competition. Nwifuru of the APC might decide this ticket.

Rivers State

Previous rivalries have been rekindled as former governor Rotimi Amaechi and incumbent Governor Nyesom Wike have squared up once more with their assist for candidates of their events and brickbats are flying, typically leaving points to assault personalities.

Wike is pushing Similaye Fubara for his social gathering, PDP, which he had campaigned vigorously in opposition to within the presidential election over the sharing of social gathering positions, whereas Amaechi got here again in full pressure main the campaigns for APC, which fortune had dwindled with exit of many members over alternative of candidates, together with his candidate, Tonye Cole.

The presidential election noticed numerous violence when their direct pursuits weren’t at stake, and this signposts what is going to occur right this moment. Candidates had been attacked with dynamites and weapons throughout campaigns so worse could be anticipated right this moment as Wike will wrestle to interrupt the jinx of Rivers State governors not having the ability to decide their successors.

Senator Magnus Abe of Social Democratic Get together (SDP) can be within the race and may make the competition to go anyplace.

Oyo State

It will be a straight battle between incumbent Seyi Makinde of PDP and Teslim Folarin of APC.

Makinde, being a G5 member that dared the social gathering, is just not having fun with the backing of a few of Oyo PDP large wigs.

Even with being an incumbent, with among the events collapsing their construction for him, Makinde nonetheless doesn’t have that edge. Folarin is wanting good for the Oyo State governorship.

Plateau State

With Governor Simon Lalong’s failure to seize his senatorial seat, his quest to find out who takes over from him has grow to be a severe agenda.

Thus far, his candidate, Dr. Nantwe Yilwada of the APC has Caleb Muftwang of PDP and Yohanna Margif of Labour Get together to slug it out with, given their performances throughout the presidential elections. Margif has been slowed down by courtroom orders which had been cleared a number of days in the past.

With the backing of the incumbent governor, APC will attempt to retain the state which has been a core PDP state until Lalong took it to APC.

Additionally, the overall acceptance of the Labour Get together in Plateau and the efficiency of its presidential candidate within the final election might throw up some upsets in favour of the Labour Get together. Muftwang appears to be like decided to return Plateau to the PDP. However something can nonetheless occur in Plateau State right this moment.

Lagos State

The lack of Lagos by the APC to little recognized LP within the Presidential election threw up a gamut of variables which despatched strategists hurrying again to the drafting board.

Whereas Lagos was seen as tug of struggle between the APC and their traditional PDP, what could possibly be a rib excised from PDP ended up inflicting an upset that has made the poster boy of Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to begin dropping sleep on account of the potential for Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the LP upstaging him.

This issue has seen a flurry of actions in church buildings, soccer stunts and visits to locations that ordinarily wouldn’t be contemplated.

Later statements by Rhodes-Vivour that he was going to open the account books of Lagos for individuals to see how funds of the state had been utilized will certainly result in a do or die contest. Moreso, when it comes with the menace which will smear reputations. The warmth is already on within the state with threats of Oro cult and warnings to non-Yorubas to not rock the boat.

Delta State

As for Delta State, aside from being the sitting Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa was additionally Atiku’s working mate, and the least anticipated from him was to ship most votes within the Presidential election. Nevertheless, he managed to garner 161,600 votes, trailing the LP by a distance.

Okowa shall be combating right this moment to take his most popular candidate, Sheriff Oborevwori, to the Delta State Authorities Home, Asaba.

Aside from the rising recognition of the Labour Get together, Okowa additionally has the candidate of the APC and Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege to cope with.

With PDP chieftains, together with the previous governor of the state, James Ibori, and Senator James Supervisor each working at cross functions with the Okowa administration, it might be fascinating to see which of the events have the final snigger right this moment. It’s a three-horse right here.

Sokoto State

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State might have gained the North-west state for Atiku and his PDP within the February 25 presidential election. But, a darkish cloud of uncertainty hangs over the governorship election. At present’s voting shall be a keenly contested ballot between Saidu Umar of the PDP and the APC’s Ahmad Aliyu. The race is simply too near name in Sokoto State.

Kaduna State

In Kaduna State, Governor Nasir el-rufai would require a miracle to find out his successor.

El-rufai and the APC had been badly trounced within the February 25 Presidential and Nationwide Meeting elections by the PDP, making right this moment’s election a tricky one for his favoured Ubah Sani. Isah Ashiru of the PDP will give el-rufai’s man an excellent run for his cash. Victory can go both method. The race is simply too near name in Kaduna State.