February 26, 2023
Press Statement
The Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization counsels the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign to stop lamenting, accept its fate and hold back its tears pending the official announcement of the outcome of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
It is pathetic that after failing to blackmail and compromise INEC and after failing to cause crisis to scuttle the election; the Tinubu Campaign has resorted to posting fabrications and labyrinth of lies against the Atiku/Okowa campaign as published on the front page of a newspaper believed to be owned by its Presidential Candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Such wretched shenanigan and fixation on the PDP by the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign only exposes Tinubu’s nerviness in conviction of looming defeat by the Presidential Candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar.
Apparently rattled by their feared damaging verdict of the ballot box against its Candidate, the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign is now desperate to create confusion by publishing and circulating fake election results; a pathetic ploy that will fail to fly in the face of real results coming from polling units across the country.
The Tinubu/Shettima Campaign should come to terms with the decision by Nigerians to use their vote to recompense the APC for the excruciating hardship, anguish and pain it inflicted on our nation in the last seven and half years.
Our Campaign therefore seriously frowns at the wicked deployment of the front page of newspaper believably to be owned by Senator Tinubu to contrive a wholesomely false narrative to deceive Nigerians.
Such is not only a scandalous abuse of the media but also a calculated attempt to subvert our democratic system and cause confusion in the polity; a scheme which must be condemned by all.
The Atiku/Okowa Campaign urges Nigerians to remain calm but alert in resisting the devastated APC and the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign which is already suffering from pre-defeat trauma.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
Spokesperson,
Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization
AN ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT-ELECT, ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU DURING THE CERTIFICATE OF RETURN COLLECTION CEREMONY AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, ABUJA ON WEDNESDAY MARCH 1, 2023
As I hold this certificate, this moment is one of celebration and gladness for us.
The road has been long. Yet, we walked it. The battle has been hard fought. Yet, we won it.
But more importantly, I realize that I am just a servant of a larger purpose. You see, this is more than a document confirming the positive outcome of an election.
This important document symbolizes our collective democratic attainment and even loftier aspirations. It represents the impending transfer of a most sacred duty and trust from one person to another.
At its most sublime, this certificate also symbolizes that each of you has the ability to achieve what others believe is impossible for you to achieve.
I stand before you the president-elect. And yes, that is special. But, I am no different than anyone of you.
If I can do this, you can do better. You must do better.
Our destiny as a people and nation depends on our ability to shed the artificial restrictions of bias and prejudice so that we live fully unto our democratic creed that no one is innately superior or entitled to greater rights and opportunities than any other Nigeria.
Very soon, this nation shall witness a young person standing before you holding this great symbol of democracy and national leadership. We shall see a woman standing before you, holding this certificate as its owner. We shall experience someone from a tribe that many people have tried to dismiss as somehow beginning disqualified for this high office.
By dint of hard work, determination and unyielding belief in a noble endeavor, you can achieve the best of things.
There are young people listening to me right now who shall one day be the leaders of our precious and exceptional democratic republic.
Thus, by taking this certificate, I assume a sacred duty I shall never ignore.
To you the people, especially the youths, I will work day and night. I will work to the utmost of my ability to make Nigeria better.
For this to be a victory at all, it cannot simply be a victory for one man or even one party. It must become a victory for all Nigerians who are committed to a greater society.
I know many did not vote for me. And you are disappointed that your candidate is not where I now stand.
I understand your hurt. To you, I extend the embrace and comfort of one family member to another.
This great project called Nigeria beckons to us all. It is bigger and more important than any partisan divide.
To my supporters, I ask you to continue to have faith in the mission that we have articulated.
To those who didn’t support me, I ask that you not allow the disappointment of this moment to keep you from realizing the historic national progress we can make by joining hands and hearts in common endeavor to pull this nation through.
In a phrase, I am asking you to work with me. I may be the president-elect but I need you. More importantly, Nigeria needs you.
My heart and my door are open to you.
I ask you to come in so that we may begin the task of rebuilding our national home together, day by day, brick by brick.
Where there is poverty, let us create prosperity and jobs.
Where there is hunger, let us feed the people, chasing hunger from their midst.
Where there is now scarcity, let us rediscover abundance.
Where there is brutality, may we replace it with brotherhood.
Where violence stalks the land, may we establish peace.
Where others have erected temples to hatred and bias, may we construct permanent monuments to compassion and abiding affection.
History will record this day as the moment when I officially stood before you as president elect.
However, I would like to dedicate this day and record it as the moment that we vowed to come together to make Nigeria stand and shine forth at the beloved and brave republic God intended it to be.
OUTCOME OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION REFLECTS THE WISHES OF ELECTORATE -GOV AKEREDOLU
- Says Committees Have Been Set Up To Meet Aggrieved Presidential Candidates
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON has said the outcome of last Saturday’s Presidential Election was a reflection of the wishes of the electorate.
The Governor described the election as the freest ever held in the country.
He spoke to newsmen in Abuja at the International Conference Centre, venue of the presentation of Certificate of Return to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as President-elect and the Vice-President-elect, Senator Kashim Shetima.
The Governor disclosed that a Committee of Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) would soon begin to meet with co-contestants of the President-elect in a bid to assuage their loss in the just concluded Presidential Election.
He stressed that every aggrieved person will be met for reconciliation.
“The President-elect has set up committees to meet with the gentlemen who contested in the election for us to start the healing process. I belong to one of the committees. We are going to meet them and appeal to them so that we can work together.
“This is an election that was not padded. People who voted were counted, that is the way I see it. It’s not one which shows millions of votes. You can see the candidates, everyone won 12 states each, it has never been like that before.” Governor Akeredolu said.
The Governor, while describing the massive votes recorded by candidates of APC in the Presidential and National Assembly Elections in Ondo State as attestation to the love of the people for his administration, expressed happiness that his people willingly supported his clamour for a Southern President after President Buhari’s two-term tenure.
“Ondo People are progressives and we will always at least be on the side of progressivism. From the onset we are at the forefront of clamour for a Southern President and so we have to put everything we had into it and we got support that is why we are able to make it”. He said.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
March 1, 2023.
IT IS A NEW DAWN OF RENEWED HOPE FOR THE PEOPLE
I must hasten to join all the good people of this country to congratulate the winner of the keenly contested 2023 presidential election, the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Vice President-Elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, on the well-deserved victory. I thank, profusely, my colleagues, especially the APC Northern Governors’ Forum, and the Southern Governors’ Forum, for making today’s victory a reality. Posterity will reserve a respectable place for them as ambassadors of peace, equity and justice.
I congratulate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for keeping his promise to bequeath a legacy of credible elections to the country. The most cynical of critics will agree that there has been a tremendous progressive improvement on the electoral process since he assumed the leadership of this country. The conduct of elections has gone beyond mere avowals to ensure free and fair elections under this current administration.
I extend this courtesy to all Nigerians for making history and rendering nugatory the dark prophecies of workers of iniquity. They have exhibited uncommon resilience in the face of extreme provocation orchestrated by the enemies of this country to frustrate the whole process. Their determination has put them to shame. I must also thank, most profoundly, the good people of Ondo State for the remarkable impact which their participation has had on the whole process. I did not expect anything less from a people with an enviable pedigree, the veritable pride of a most sophisticated race. Above all, I thank God Almighty for permitting us all to see the light of this day.
Let me commend all those who participated in the general elections for their sense of patriotism at this crucial period in the history of democratic governance in the country. This year’s elections have again proved that Nigerians are ready to continue as a people, united by common destiny. It has begun a process of the eventual demystification of the deluded potentates. The people perceived treachery bordering on treason. They rejected perfidy and all traces of same. At the end of the contest, the people of Nigeria won. As there must be a winner in an exercise, such as this one, the declaration of the winner by INEC makes it incumbent on other contestants to close ranks and join the in-coming Government in the interest of the country.
The President-Elect himself has, magnanimously, extended an olive branch to all contestants. It is hoped that these patriots will avail the people of their services at different levels. This is the time that all hands must be on deck to surmount the challenges currently faced by the country. There should be no difficulty for them to join hands with the in-coming government if the focus is indeed service to the people.
I must not forget to thank INEC for the success achieved under most challenging circumstances. I commend the professionalism displayed by our security agencies across the country. I thank our children, members of the NYSC, who participated as ad hoc staff and electoral officers of during the exercise.
This victory offers yet another opportunity for the ruling party, APC, and the incoming government to continue with the developmental strides taken by the current Administration. Furthermore, it is a rare chance given by the people to the new leaders to tackle, headlong, the factors militating against socio-economic development in the country. The Nigerian State must be administered true to the acclaimed federal status. The Government and the people of Ondo State hope to engage the Federal Government, vigorously, on these issues. There will be no compromise on this stance.
The people of this country expect a paradigm shift. The results of these elections represent their eloquent rejection of the politics of prebendalism which has made become despondent. The pervasive anger in the land dictated the voting pattern, largely. We must be courageous enough to dismantle all structures which stifle development. The people have chosen competence and a verifiable record of quintessential performance over narrow-mindedness, propelled by ethno-religious considerations, and sinister predilections anchored on dubious claims to spiritual superiority and knowledge. They await, anxiously, the fulfilment of these promises. We cannot afford to disappoint ourselves as their minds are made up on getting quality service.
Once again, I congratulate the President-Elect, the Vice President-Elect and all those who won their elections into the National Assembly, on this great victory and wish them a successful tenure in office.
ARAKUNRIN OLUWAROTIMI O. AKEREDOLU, SAN
GOVERNOR, ONDO STATE
PRESS STATEMENT
APC Victory: You’ve Displayed Courage, Resilience, Akeredolu Hails Ondo State People
- Says Their Resolves To Toe The Path Of Renewed Hope Will Be Fruitful
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON has hailed the good people of the State for their turnout at the last Saturday’s elections and voting for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates from top to bottom.
Governor Akeredolu described the people of the State as unique and distinct in character and principle.
He said the voice of the people was unanimous and loud in choosing the candidates of the party across board.
“I’m proud, to say the least, of our conduct in the last Saturday’s election. We have shown again that we are unique people and very distinctive and deliberate in showing our commitment to strong values and principles.
“I thank you all for your display of love and support for all candidates of the APC. The huge votes garnered by our party in this last election is an unequivocal statement of your acceptability and support for our government in the State and the party.
“Before the elections, I urged you all to rise above the frustrations at the fuel stations and ATMs and vote for the candidates of the APC. Your response was loud and heartwarming. We have shown that we are a people of immeasurable knowledge and faith. You are reliable and trustworthy.
“Your display of courage and resilience is commendable. Your stance and convictions on our collective struggles have reflected in your choice and acceptability. We shall expend all efforts toward improving lives and developing our State. This march towards shared prosperity shall receive our utmost priority.
“Undoubtedly, this victory is yours. The gains shall fulfill your desirabilities and deepen your hope for a united and prosperous nation. We are thankful and honoured with your massive votes and turnout. You have written our names in gold and restored our glory as the home of progressives.” the Governor said.
Governor Akeredolu also enjoined the people to remain calm in the face of agitations amongst political parties as the results of the Presidential election are being announced.
“We understand that some political parties are agitated. But there is no reason for our people to succumb to agitations. I urge you all to remain calm. Don’t be caught in the web as the issues at hand are among political parties. The Parties will be resolved as time goes on. Let us go about our daily activities without fear of intimidation.” He said.
The Governor urged the people of the State to turnout again in their large numbers in the March 11 election and vote for the candidates of the APC.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary of the Governor of Ondo State.
February 28, 2023.
February 26, 2023
Press Statement
Presidential Election: PDP Exposes APC’s Plot to Alter Results in Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Others
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is alarmed by reports in the public space that Governors Aminu Bello Masari, Nasir el-Rufai, Abdullahi Ganduje and Bello Matawalle of Katsina, Kaduna, Kano and Zamfara States respectively are allegedly mounting pressure on officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to alter the results of the February 25, 2023 Presidential elections in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
These desperate APC governors are allegedly pressuring and blackmailing INEC officials to manipulate the results and transfer massive votes validly cast for the PDP and its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar to the rejected APC and its Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Our Party has been informed that this nefarious scheme by the APC governors is responsible for the stalling of collation of election results in Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara and other APC States where the Presidential Candidate of the APC is alleged to have released over N11 billion per State to rig the election in his favour.
This, our Party has been made aware, is responsible for the unexplained delay in the transmission of election results from the said States to INEC Server in Abuja and the commencement of formal announcement of results by the INEC Chairman.
There are reports that the situation is heightening apprehensions and is capable of triggering a breakdown of Law and Order in these States if not immediately addressed and election results as cast at the Polling Units are transparently collated and transmitted to INEC Headquarters in Abuja.
The PDP in the strongest terms demands that the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu cautions the Commission’s officers in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Zamfara States not to tamper with the results of the election as cast at the Polling Units. The INEC Chairman should also direct the immediate transmission of the results to INEC Server.
The APC governors must respect the Will of the people as expressed at the ballot as anything to the contrary will be firmly resisted by Nigerians.
The PDP continues to call on the public to be calm, remain at alert and use every means necessary within the ambit of the law to ensure that their Will is not subverted by the APC.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
February 27, 2023
Text of Press Conference by the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Debo Ologunagba, on the Position of the PDP on the ongoing Collation of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election Results by INEC
PDP To INEC: Halt Announcement of Manipulated Results Now
…Electoral Commission Pushing Nigerians to the Wall
Gentlemen of the Press, we have called you to update you on our observations and concerns on the ongoing collation of results of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
It is very clear from the votes as cast at the Polling Units across the country, that the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar substantially defeated the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in line with the expressed aspiration and Will of Nigerians.
However, it is alarming that INEC is aiding and abetting the rigging and manipulation of the election results in favour of the APC by flagrant and provocative violation of the express provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 by refusing and neglecting to transmit directly the results of the elections from the Polling Unit to the INEC Server/Website as required by law.
For clarity, Section 64 (4) (b) of the Electoral Act, 2022 specifically provide thus:
“A collation officer or returning officer at an election shall collate and announce the result of an election subject to his or her verification and confirmation that the –
(b) “votes stated on the collated result are correct and consistent with the votes or results recorded and transmitted directly from Polling Units under Section (60) (4) of this Act”.
Consequent on the above Section 60 (4) of the Electoral Act 2022, any result announced by INEC is ultra vires, illegal, and of no consequence unless they are results already transmitted DIRECTLY from the Polling Units. So procedurally, INEC cannot continue to announce results that are yet to be transmitted as expressly stated in the relevant Sections of the Electoral Act.
The integrity of this election has been compromised and vitiated by the admission of INEC officials that there was a technical glitch in the midst of the election which affected the effective functioning of the BVAS machines.
Furthermore, the Integrity of the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is at stake having regard to his multiple representation and assurances to Nigerians and the International Community that the Electoral Act 2022, is a game changer that will guarantee a free, fair and transparent electoral process especially as it relates to the direct transmission of election results from Polling Units at all elections.
It is therefore curious that the INEC Chairman will insist on proceeding with the announcement of election results which are not transmitted directly from the Polling Units to the INEC Server/Website as required by the Electoral Act.
Information at our disposal indicates that INEC deliberately refused to commence the process of announcement of results more than 48 hours after the close of election and collation of results from the various Polling Units, which result by law was expected to be transmitted directly into INEC Server/Website as provided for under Section 68 of the Electoral Act 2022.
This deliberate delay and criminal connivance by INEC provided the opportunity for the reported compromise, alteration, falsification and switching of election results in favour of the APC in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Ondo, Ekiti, Kebbi, Ogun and other States where our candidate was in clear lead.
The PDP therefore rejects the manipulated election results as announced by INEC.
Our Party cautions that INEC is pushing Nigerians to the wall by announcing manipulated results.
We are aware that INEC embarked on extensive and illegal cancellation of election results in many States of the country. For instance, in Sokoto State over 200 Polling Units results where the PDP is in clear lead have also been canceled thereby disenfranchising over 200,000 registered voters.
The PDP on behalf of Nigerians and in the interest of national peace, demands that INEC halts further announcement of manipulated results and immediately transit the authentic elections results from the Polling Units directly its Server/Website as required by law before continuation of announcement of results.
INEC should know that our Party, majority of informed Nigerians as well as International Election Observers already have the results of votes as cast at the Polling Units across the country. Our agents have been at alert and we have all the results in our data base.
The PDP will not hesitate to make public the election results as cast at the Polling Units if that becomes necessary.
Thank you and God bless Nigeria.
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES WINNER OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU
President Muhammadu Buhari heartily congratulates the winner of the (2023) Presidential Election, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Reacting to the results just announced, President Buhari said:
“I congratulate His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory. Elected by the people, he is the best person for the job. I shall now work with him and his team to ensure an orderly handover of power.
“The election was Africa’s largest democratic exercise. In a region that has undergone backsliding and military coups in recent years, this election demonstrates democracy’s continued relevance and capability to deliver for the people it serves.
“Within Nigeria, the results reveal democracy’s ripening in our country. Never has the electoral map shifted so drastically in one cycle. In the presidential elections, states in all regions across the nation changed colour. Some amongst you may have noticed my home state amongst them. The winning candidate did not carry his own home state either. That happens during a competitive election. Votes and those that cast them cannot be taken for granted. Each must be earned. Competition is good for our democracy. There is no doubt the people’s decision has been rendered in the results we look at today.
“That is not to say the exercise was without fault. For instance, there were technical problems with electronic transmission of the results. Of course, there will be areas that need work to bring further transparency and credibility to the voting procedure. However, none of the issues registered represent a challenge to the freeness and fairness of the elections.
“I know some politicians and candidates may not agree with this view. That too is fine. If any candidate believes they can prove the fraud they claim is committed against them, then bring forward the evidence. If they cannot, then we must conclude that the election was indeed the people’s will – no matter how hard that may be for the losers to accept. If they feel the need to challenge, please take it to the courts, not to the streets.
“However, to do the latter means they are not doing it in the interest of the people, but rather to inflame, to put people in harm’s way and all for personal, selfish gains.
“After a degree of polarization that necessarily accompanies any election, it is now time to come together and act responsibly. I call on all candidates to remember the peace pledge they signed just days before the election. Do not undermine the credibility of INEC. Let us now move forward as one. The people have spoken.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 1, 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI RECEIVES NASS ELECTION WINNERS IN DAURA CONSTITUENCY, COUNSELS ON RESPECT FOR VOTERS
President Muhammadu Buhari Sunday evening opened his doors to welcome the winners of the Senate and House of Representatives elected to represent the Daura zone, the constituency that produced him.
The President gave them an important lesson: “respect the voters and make them feel important. If you don’t, they will wait in ambush for you in the next election. Depending on how you deal with them, they will keep you in office, or they will send you packing.”
He congratulated the Senator-elect, Nasiru Sani who obtained 174,062 votes, to beat the incumbent, Senator Ahmed Babba Kaita who had defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP following his defeat in the primary elections.
Senator Kaita fell short by more than ten thousand votes.
President Buhari also welcomed the election of Alhaji Aminu Jamo, House of Representatives member-elect for Daura/Sandamu/Mai Adua Federal Constituency who defeated his PDP opponent by more than 10,000 votes.
The National Legal Adviser of the APC, Barrister Ahmed El-Marzuq, who led the elected representatives, informed the President that the good showing of the party was owed largely to progress recorded in the Senatorial zone under the Buhari presidency.
El-Marzuq cited several projects, which he said had enhanced education, entrepreneurship, social development and the development of human capital in the area.
The National Legal Adviser presented copies of results to the President.
President Buhari received the results full of appreciation.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 27, 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS RENOWNED PUBLISHER, GABRIEL ONIBONOJE
President Muhammadu Buhari sympathizes with the family of author and publisher, Pa Gabriel Omotayo Onibonoje, who was among the eminent pioneers of modern indigenous book publishing in the country.
President Buhari shares the pain of loss with the publishing industry, particularly the Nigerian Publishers Association, considering the historic and leadership roles that Pa Onibonoje played in promoting the culture of writing, reading and sharing of knowledge and experiences.
The President believes the memories of the renowned publisher will be preserved in his books and the many young people he inspired and mentored over many years.
President Buhari prays for the repose of the soul of the departed.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 1, 2023
POLITICAL, COMMUNITY LEADERS POUR IN TO CONGRATULATE PRESIDENT BUHARI ON APC/TINUBU VICTORY
Political and community leaders in President Muhammadu Buhari’s native Katsina State have continued to pour into his private residence in Daura to express their happiness, following the emergence of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the country’s next president.
Receiving Governor Aminu Bello Masari and the Emir of Daura, Dr. Umar Faruk Umar, who led members of their cabinets on separate visits, President Buhari reiterated what he had often said about the President-elect that “Bola Tinubu truly believes in Nigeria and is genuinely committed to the progress and sustainable future of Nigeria.”
He thanked the electorate for their massive support for the APC in the Presidential and the National Assembly elections, asking them to further mobilize for the upcoming gubernatorial and Houses of Assembly elections.
President Buhari profusely thanked the people for supporting him for two terms in office, which he will complete on May 29, 2023.
The Emir said they had visited the President to congratulate him on the outcome of the elections, and commended him for preserving Nigeria as an indivisible entity.
He described the preservation of the country as historic achievements.
The Emir said he was proud of his people in Daura who did not fail the President and his party in the elections.
“APC won everywhere,” the Emir said.
On his part, Governor Masari said he felt happy that projections by pundits that Katsina would not vote for the APC turned out to be false, saying that he was proud of what was achieved.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 1, 2023
Press Release
Presidential/NA Elections:
Leave Gov Wike Out Of Your Failure – Bro Obuah
The Director General of Rivers State PDP Campaign Council, Bro Felix Obuah says the state governor, Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike should not be blamed for the failure of any political party and the hypocrisy of a handful of desperate politicians whose hopes were scuttled by the electorate in last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.
Bro Obuah said this against the backdrop of a seeming campaign of calumny against Governor Wike for allegedly interfering in the voting process in some electoral units in the State.
He described the allegation as baseless and unfounded because His Excellency having performed excellently well to the admiration of majority of Rivers people could naturally be expected to be rewarded for his commitment and selfless service to the people and that was exactly what played out during the election.
Bro Obuah noted that some unpopular politicians have formed the habit of dragging in the name of Gov. Wike in anything they do in order to draw attention and sympathy.
He recalled that it was Gov Wike who had raised alarm about the slow pace of the BIVAS machine at the point of voting. It is therefore ironical and irresponsible he noted, of anybody to come around to blame the Governor for any perceived systemic failure that was witnessed across the states and not only Rivers State.
According to the Rivers State PDP Campaign Council DG, the Rivers people are more informed and sophisticated to be deceived by such cheap propaganda and misinformation.
He challenged any person or electoral officer that claims to have been confronted by His Excellency in person or by proxy to distort the election results to own up or provide evidence to that effect.
“The best we can decipher from the results of the Presidential and National Assembly elections is that anywhere the PDP candidates won in the state, it was rigged or influenced and anywhere it lost, it was properly conducted. This is not the spirit. In a contest where two or more people are involved and one is required, there is bound to be a winner and a loser.
“Besides, it is natural justice that what goes around comes around. Check it out if our sense of history is still intact, all the individuals crying wolf now, had had their own share of rejoicing and celebrations when others were crying and bemoaning the same electoral system they benefitted from. It is very wrong to think it is only good when the outcome is in your favour, and only bad when you are at the receiving end,” Bro Obuah declared.
He therefore appealed to Rivers people and residents to remain calm while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) comes up with the rest of the results of the elections across the country, and discountenance any ill-conceived information aimed at tarnishing the image of the people’s governor, Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike and also vote for the PDP Governorship candidate, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in the March 11, 2023 Governorship and State Assembly elections.
Pastor Jerry Needam
Secretary,
Directorate of Publicity & Communications
Rivers State PDP Campaign Council.
Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
Demand for cancellation of presidential election treasonable – Ndoma-Egba
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, has condemned in strong terms the call by some opposition parties for the outright cancellation of the presidential election held on Saturday, February 25, 2023.
Describing the demand for the cancellation of the election as treasonable, unpatriotic and selfish, Ndoma-Egba, an erstwhile Senate Leader and former Chairman Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), wondered why anyone would want to truncate the country’s democratic process at this crucial stage.
The national chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), Iyorchis Ayu, Julius Abure and Ralf Nwosu respectively, while addressing a world Press Conference at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, said they were calling for a total cancellation of the Presidential poll and passing a vote of no confidence on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu because, in their words: “The conduct of the February 25, 2023 election has been marred by widespread violence, rigging, intimidation of voters, doctoring of the results, and violation of the laid down electoral process which was communicated by the national electoral body, INEC.”
But the legal luminary cum politician argued that “There is no provision in our laws to grant such a demand which is preposterous and selfish. It is even treasonable as they seek to truncate our democratic process and therefore destroy democracy.”
According to Ndoma-Egba, who is the Secretary of the Campaign Planning Directorate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), “Democracy is about processes not outcomes. They should allow the processes play out. There are copious legal provisions available to them to ventilate their grievances.”
Stating further that the call for the cancellation of the presidential election was needless and not in the best interest of the country, the ex-Senate Leader advised that political leaders should desist from making provocative and inciting utterances that are capable of engendering crisis or violence.
He said what should be paramount in the minds of all well-meaning Nigerians at this point in time should be how to join hands and work together with whoever emerges as the next president to build and reposition Nigeria for greatness.
Meanwhile, the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is set to be declared the winner of the election after securing a total of 8,805,420 votes upon the conclusion of the state-by-state collation of results at the National Collation Centre Abuja. Presidential flag bearer of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, scored 6,984,290 votes to place second, while the LP standard-bearer, Peter Obi, polled 6,093,962 votes to come third.
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU: WITH TINUBU’S EMERGENCE, A NEW CHAPTER IN LEADERSHIP BECKONS IN AFRICA
- Lagos Governor congratulates predecessor on presidential win
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the nation’s democracy has recorded another major victory, following the emergence of his predecessor and leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the just concluded presidential election.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a swift reaction to the announcement of presidential election results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the early hours of Wednesday, said Tinubu contested and won a fiercely-fought democratic battle, stressing that the victory reflected the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate’s belief in deepening democracy in the country.
The Governor said the choice offered the citizens to pick their leaders in peaceful electoral process further confirmed democracy as the only credible means of attaining power, with the people at the centre of the struggle.
Sanwo-Olu said: “Asiwaju has worked tirelessly in the past two decades to deepen democracy in Nigeria, building bridges across the length and breadth of the country. His political credentials, which are a product of his many years of genuine investment in human and national development have played critical roles in giving him the national spread and endeared him to millions of Nigerians.
“Asiwaju’s decades of political activism and democratic struggle are well understood by the people. They, in return, have built their trust in him as a true democrat and a man to work with for Nigeria to continue on the path of unity, economic growth and development.’’
Congratulating the President-elect, Sanwo-Olu said he is confident that Asiwaju Tinubu would work hard to return the country to the league of nations where economic prosperity, security and political stability are hallmarks of development.
‘‘I congratulate my leader, mentor and president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on this historic achievement. Beyond that, I am confident that you will, in no time turn around the fortunes of Nigeria for the better in all the areas for Nigeria to sit permanently among nations with stable political, economic and social development,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Tinubu, Lagos Governor added, will be leading Africa’s biggest democracy and set great example for Africans aspiring to lead countries and cities on our continent.
“I have no doubt in my mind that Tinubu’s leadership style and democratic credentials will soon become a major lesson to other African leaders, who in turn will benefit immensely as they watch Nigeria navigate her ways through the various paths to economic recovery, social and political development.
“Congratulations to Nigerians and all lovers of democracy,” Sanwo-Olu said.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
01-03-2023