Nigeria Decides 2023: Live Updates, Results from Presidential Election
Nigeria Decides 2023: Osinbajo delivers polling unit for Tinubu
The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, on Saturday won the polling unit of Vice President Yemi Osibanjo in Ojurege Ward 1, Polling Unit 14 in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Tinubu gathered 33 votes, Peter Obi of the Labour party, LP polled 9 votes, and Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, received 7 votes.
Of the 110 registered voters, only 60 participated at the polling unit, which recorded 8 voids.
In the senatorial results in the polling unit, the PDP scored 31 votes, while the APC scored 37 votes. Obi’s Labour Party scored 1 vote.
Nigeria Decides 2023: Osinbajo delivers polling unit for Tinubu
The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, on Saturday won the polling unit of Vice President Yemi Osibanjo in Ojurege Ward 1, Polling Unit 14 in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Tinubu gathered 33 votes, Peter Obi of the Labour party, LP polled 9 votes, and Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, received 7 votes.
Of the 110 registered voters, only 60 participated at the polling unit, which recorded 8 voids.
In the senatorial results in the polling unit, the PDP scored 31 votes, while the APC scored 37 votes. Obi’s Labour Party scored 1 vote.
EFCC election monitoring teams attacked in Abuja, Imo
Election monitoring teams of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, were attacked on Saturday in Abuja and Imo State.
The officers were targeted by political thugs near the chief’s palace in Bwari Area of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
The attack followed the arrest of a man for allegedly orchestrating a vote-buying procedure at the polling unit at Science Primary School, Bwari.
EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren said operatives arrested a middle-aged man and retrieved a list of beneficiaries he already paid some money, through a banking app.
It was while transporting him away from the polling unit that the thugs smashed the windshield of an official vehicle.
They retreated after security personnel fired warning shots, before members of the Joint Task Force, comprising the Department of State Services, DSS, and the police arrived at the scene.
In Imo, officers on election monitoring duty at Unit 001, Mann Primary School, behind Chorobim Junction were shot at by unknown persons.
The attackers who were inside two black Prado SUVs and one white Hilux outside the polling unit were suspected to be involved in vote buying.
The EFCC team returned shots forcing the assailants to flee. The incident was subsequently reported to DCP Operations, Haruna Femi, at the Imo State Police Command.
Nigeria Decides: Obi defeats Atiku, Tinubu inside Aso Rock
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Saturday won in one of the polling units inside the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The polling unit, PU 131, is located opposite Pilot Gate, State House, Abuja.
After the voting process, Obi garnered 17 votes while Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC) polled six votes.
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured three votes.
The Labour Party also won the National Assembly elections at the polling unit.
Lagos: Polling units, elections materials destroyed at Oshodi, Elegushi
Suspected political thugs on Saturday attacked multiple polling units within the volatile Oshodi area of Lagos State.
Voting in the presidential and National Assembly polls was going on at most of the locations when the assailants invaded.
A video of the incident at Ogun Oloko Street near Oja Mafoluku in Oshodi and another at PU EC 30 B, among others, are circulating.
The thugs, in their numbers, were armed with guns and machetes, residents cried out.
They moved about in buses and motorcycles, destroyed polling units, burnt ballot papers and took away some boxes.
There were similar cases in the Ikate Elegushi area.
Journalist and podcaster, Joey Akan narrated his ordeal on Twitter.
“Thugs have destroyed ballot boxes and threw away the ballot papers at Oba Elegushi.
“I collected a couple of slaps for fighting back before I got pulled from the melee, into a house for my safety.
“Now I have to be smuggled out of the voting area because I have been marked,” Akan tweeted.
Tinubu wins Obasanjo’s polling unit
Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has won at former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s polling unit at Ward 11, Unit 22, Olosomi Compound, Totoro/Sokori, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Obasanjo had earlier declared his support for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
But, Tinubu, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), defeated other candidates.
The former Lagos State scored 55 votes to defeat Obi who polled 9 votes.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, got 7 votes.
Nigeria decides: Obi wins polling units in Abuja
As Nigeria decides its next president, the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has won some polling units in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
DAILY POST reports that sorting and counting commenced in the nation’s capital at about 2:30 pm.
At Polling Unit 014, Wuse Zone 6/Wuse III Primary School, about 490 voters were registered but only 150 persons were able to cast their ballots.
Obi garnered 130 while the All Progressives Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP shared the remaining 20 votes.
The former Anambra governor also won four other polling units in the area.
Voting ends, sorting begins in Peter Obi’s polling unit
Voting has ended in Amatutu Ward Two, Polling Unit 019, the polling unit of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.
Voting stopped at exactly 3:20 pm, while sorting of votes commenced immediately.
INEC officials who addressed voters to announce the end of voting thanked them for their orderly behaviour.
The officials also immediately commenced sorting of the votes cast.
Ballot counting commences in Wuse Zone 6 polling units in Abuja
An official of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has commenced counting of ballots in the Wuse Zone 6 Polling Units.
DAILY POST observed that Polling Units 014; 083, 084, 082 closed accreditation and Voting around 2:30 pm.
In a chat with DAILY POST, Bright Olabisi said the conduct was peaceful, however, there was a low turnout.
He said out of over 400 registered voters in the polling unit only 112 came out to vote.
The same situation was reported in most polling units in Wuse Zone 6.
The situation was different in the Polling Units in Jabi Upstairs as there was a massive turnout that overwhelmed INEC officials.
Around 2:00pm majority of voters are yet to be accredited amid long queues.
At Jabi Junior Secondary school polling units, voters were seen queuing peacefully.
DAILY POST observed a similar situation in the Polling Units around the Esu of Kado Palace.
Elizabeth Okposi, a resident complained that the stress was too much but she would wait until it gets to her turn.
John Bala, who has been in the queue since 10am said some of the Bimodal Verification Accreditation Machines were not working properly but they have been fixed.
When DAILY POST visited several polling units in Gwarimpa primary school, the voting and accreditation were still ongoing around 2:32 pm.
A similar situation was noticed at the Tipper Garage and Galadinma Polling Units in Gwarimpa.
Relatively, the election has been reported peaceful in the Nation’s capital.
Nigeria decides: Vote sorting, counting begins in FCT
The presidential and National Assembly elections are almost completed in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
DAILY POST observed that the exercise was stopped at about 2:30pm in many polling units by the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Our correspondent visited some polling units in the Wuse area of the city where sorting and counting is ongoing.
At the polling unit, 014 Wuse Zone 6/Wuse 111 Primary school, about 490 voters where registered but only 150 persons where able to cast their ballots.
In some polling units where the counting commenced earlier, the Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi won.
Election: Voters exit polling units over poor BVAS performance as some lawmakers vote
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal matters, Opeyemi Bamidele have lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission on the peaceful conduct of the elections.
Bamidele gave the commendation after casting his votes at Ward B, Unit 003, Eyelori compound, of Iyin-Ekiti alongside his wife,
The All Progressives Congress Candidate in Ekiti Central Senatorial District who voted around 12:40pm also commended the residents for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner.
“Let me first give God the glory that this election is holding today, as you know that this election is holding against the backdrop of a lot of daunting challenges in our country, owing to certain policies, especially through the CBN.
“We are happy that our people refused to be provoked and prevent an eventual breakdown of law and order because this is an election that could have ended in crisis owing to the challenges, but we are happy the election is holding
“What I have gathered from reports in the fields is that the turnout of voters has been impressive and INEC has been able to live up to expectations, this is without prejudice to initial challenges in some polling units including my own unit here where for the first one and half hour the BVAS machine had issues but was eventually fixed.
“Voting is going on without any issue and my hope is that what we are witnessing here is also what is happening in other parts of the country that the electioneering process is peaceful, free, fair and credible and at the end of the day, our votes will count”, he added.
Bamidele expressed optimism in his chances of winning, saying that ” I look forward to a victorious outing for a renewed mandate to go back to the senate”.
The Candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) for House of Representatives in the Ekiti North Federal Constituency 2, Akinlayo Kolawole has expressed dissatisfaction with the malfunctioning of the BVAS at Unit 16,17 for the conduct of the polls in his homestead, Ikosu-Ekiti.
Kolawole, however, lauded the turnout of voters describing it as very impressive but urged the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) to make available extra functional BVAS machines so that eligible voters would not be disenfranchised.
He urged the voters in his constituency not to be discouraged by the unforeseen development and asked them to be calm and maintain peace.
In the same vein, the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ekiti North Senatorial District, Cyril Fasuyi expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the polls saying from the information he had gotten not quite long after the polls commenced, that victory appeared coming his way.
The APC Senatorial Candidate said, based on his goodwill and contributions to the development of his areas and the people both individually and collectively, he would no doubt emerge victorious at the polls.
Also, the House of Representatives candidate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Babatunde Ajayi, T- Cash said his mandate is divine and described the conduct of INEC as ‘fantastic’ .
He expressed optimism that his people would cast their votes for him and promised to ensure that dividends of democracy be made available to them if elected today.
Nigeria decides
Sorting of votes have been concluded and counting commences at four Polling Unit 14 at Wuse Zone 3 Primary School and other places
Nigeria Decides: PDP guber candidate, Oborevwori votes, tasks INEC to improve
The Delta State Governorship Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP and the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori has voted in the ongoing election.
The lawmaker voted at Unit 33, Ward 3 in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area, DAILY POST can report.
In a chat with newsmen, Oborevwori said the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC should improve on its processes, saying,” they came late and voting started 11:20am” in his domain.
2023: Jigawa APC guber candidate casts votes as residents complain of polling units swap
The Jigawa State All Progressives Congress APC gubernatorial candidate, Malam Umar Namadi has cast his votes in Kafin Hausa local government.
The Deputy Governor cast his votes at Imam Hassan Islamiyya 012 polling unit, Kafin Hausa ward at exactly 11:20 AM.
Responding to questions from newsmen, the Deputy governor expressed satisfaction over the high turnover.
DAILY POST observed that the election is going on smoothly and voters have already started casting their votes in the polling unit.
A voter, Bala Sani expressed dismay over INEC’s transfer of some voters’ polling units.
He said some of the affected voters have been transferred to villages as their new voting polling units.
He explained that most of the voters were disappointed as they are finding it difficult to transport themselves to their new polling units.
DAILY POST found that some of the voters have gone home as they have no means of casting their votes.
2023 election: Journalists assaulted, cameras broken as voting begins in Bayelsa
In what appears to be a disturbing trend, three journalists covering the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections in Bayelsa State were assaulted, phones seized and cameras broken and prevented from carrying out their duties.
DAILY POST state correspondent, Akam James, was assaulted around the voting area while taking note of the voting processes in Ebelebiri community ward 05 unit 19.
Also beaten were the Publisher of Upfront news magazine, Princewill Sede and the managing editor, Jeany Metta.
The reporter of TVC, Mr. Joe Kunde and the cameraman, Mr. Miebi Bina were also chased out of the community.
The election which began smoothly with election materials already in place at about 8:35am, was disrupted when thugs suspected to be supporting the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, started a pandemonium following orders from a high-placed politician at the unit.
DAILY POST, gathered that voters were seen conducting themselves in an orderly manner in long queues as INEC officials gave directives until someone from the crowd moved towards the booth to direct an elderly woman to the candidate to vote.
Trouble ensued when the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal House of Representatives candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Micheal Olomu, who was at the unit to vote at the moment, replied telling INEC officials in charge to direct the woman on what to do rather than a third party.
Olomu, while addressing the media, called for an investigation into the violent attack on journalists by suspected PDP thugs, adding that his brother was beaten earlier when they noticed he was coasting to victory in the ward.
He said” How can journalist doing their duties peacefully get attacked for nothing because of the fear by some persons to lose elections, their cameras are broken”
He called on the Inspector General of Police and the state Commissioner of Police to investigate and deal with those attacking and disrupting the peaceful process.
He claimed that the same happening here is also happening in all the units in ward 05 Edebebiri.”There’s no election in Edebebiri, they have disrupted the process and the security agencies must investigate the crisis”
”There are security people attached to them while we didn’t come here with any, I had called on the security agencies before now and my appeal fell on deaf ears. The public should hear us out and come to our aid. I was in the queue to vote when they started the crisis.
Ogun: After voting, Gov Abiodun storms Adebutu’s polling unit
After voting at his polling unit, Governor Dapo Abiodun visited the unit of his opponent, Ladi Adebutu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Abiodun visited the Wesley Primary School in Iperu, where Adebutu is expected to cast his vote.
It was not clear why the governor decided to visit Adebutu’s polling unit, as people debated whether or not he has the right to move around on election day.
On his arrival at the primary school, Abiodun went straight to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials to greet them.
DAILY POST reports that the visit was more or less an on-the-spot assessment of events on the election day.
Nigeria Decides: Thugs snatch BVAS machines in Kastina, Delta
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has disclosed that thugs snatched Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, machines in Delta and Katsina States.
The INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, revealed this on Saturday while briefing journalists at the collation centre, Abuja on the ongoing general elections.
Yakubu said reports from the process nationwide indicated that there have been some challenges.
He, however, noted that challenges include problems of logistics and insecurity.
Nigeria Decides 2023: Unbelievable turnout, largest I’ve ever seen – Okonjo-Iweala
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, has stated that the turnout in her polling unit is unbelievable.
Okonjo-Iweala stated this after casting her vote at her polling unit in Umuda Isingwu village, Umuahia, Abia State, on Saturday.
According to her, it was the largest turnout she had ever seen in all the years she voted in the village.
Okonjo-Iweala, who had earlier complained that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were not present when she arrived at her polling unit since 7 am, wrote on Twitter: “The INEC officers finally arrived. My husband and I have just voted.
“The turnout is unbelievable, the largest I have ever seen in all the years I have voted in the village. Young and very old all are here.”
Vote APC or face trouble – Man threatens Lagos voters [Video]
A suspected political thug has been caught on video threatening voters in Lagos.
The incident happened around noon on Saturday at a polling unit at Fehintola Giwa Street in Aguda, Surulere.
The man pointedly warned voters on queue to vote the All Progressives Congress, APC, or face the consequences.
“If you no fit vote APC for here go your house oo. Nobody force you come. Go your house relax,” he said.
The supporter told the residents he would check their ballot papers to confirm who they voted for.
A policeman and an NYSC member, who is an INEC Assistant Presiding Officer, and others stayed calm as the intruder bullied them.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1629449883622023168
Election: Security beefed in Abia as residents decry late arrival of electoral materials
The Independent National Electoral Commission office in Abia State is a beehive of activities as trained adhoc staff of the commission begin the dispatch of electoral materials to polling units.
Accredited agents of all participating political parties are not left out as they accompany the INEC adhoc staff who are in possession of the electoral materials to polling units in the184 electoral wards of the seventeen local government areas in Abia State.
Earlier, a visit to the State INEC office by DAILY POST showed that personnel from the military, police, and Civil Defence were on ground in the state capital.
The popular BCA junction along Ikot Ekpene road, Post Office junction at Aba road by Bende and Finbarrs junctions are blocked and heavily manned by a combined team of Nigerian soldiers and police personnel.
Also, at Ogurube layout by Anagha Ezikpe road which leads to the Abia Office of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the state worker’s Secretariat, State house of Assembly complex, and Commissioners quarters, security operatives are presently manning the strategic area to ensure peaceful presidential and national assembly polls.
Meanwhile, at units 021 and 022 of Ohokobe Mbaocha community hall in Ndume electoral ward in Umuahia north local government area of Abia State, voters are presently in queue to get accredited by the INEC electoral ad-hoc staff.
However, speaking at the polling centre in Ohokobe community hall, a resident, Ifeanyi Nzeuzor expressed dismay at the slow pace of the accreditation process by the INEC adhoc staff.
He said, “I have been here since early morning for accreditation and the proper voting process, INEC officials have yet to start and you can see, time is running out fast, and see a massive turnout of eligible voters waiting to be accredited and exercise their civic responsibility as laws of the land empowered them.
“But I pray, the election will be successful and hitch-free which will be acceptable to everybody.
He also lauded the citizens who have trooped out for the election for their comportment, civility and cooperation with the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission so far.
The Abia resident further commended the level of security surveillance deployed to the polling units to forestall any breakdown of law and order and urged the electorates to eschew any act of violence that is capable of disrupting the execrise.
Also, at Umule primary school in Osisioma Local Government Area of the state, which has three polling units, our correspondent reports that there is currently a massive turnout of qualified voters who are waiting for the arrival of INEC officials with electoral materials.
As of 8am to 11am in the morning, INEC officials have not arrived to commence accreditation of eligible Abia citizens, for proper voting exercise.
Expressing dismay at the late arrival of INEC, a resident, Mr Onyebuchi Ememanka applauded the turnout of the crowd of qualified voters.
Nigeria Decides 2023: Former President, Obasanjo votes in Ogun, commends process
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has declared the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections in Ogun State smooth and credible.
Obasanjo expressed his views while speaking with journalists after casting his vote in Abeokuta.
The former president who voted at about 10.32am at Ward 11, Polling Unit 22, Olushomi Compound, Sokori area of Abeokuta-North, expressed satisfaction at the peaceful and orderly conduct of the election.
He said, “I think we’re getting it through in elections in our country.
“One can see things that are encouraging and give hope for the future as far as the election is concerned because there are improvements.
“I came in and I was checked. I was asked to remove my glasses and the gadget was placed before my face and my picture appeared.
“That’s a new one and if that will happen all over the country, I think we’re making progress.
“One should encourage and support anything that’ll help the credibility, integrity and transparency of the electoral process because a credible election is the beginning of good governance of any country.”
Voting stops in Ikot Ebom as suspected PDP agents allegedly fuel crisis
Voting in Unit 1 ward 10, Ikot Ebom primary school, Itu LGA in Akwa Ibom State has been halted following a fracas that erupted among party agents.
Voters were seen scampering for safety amid the fight as the corp members parked the election materials and stood in a corner waiting for the next line of action.
The police official attached to the unit overwhelmed by the pandemonium entered a motorcycle and left the voters to their fate.
It was gathered that trouble started when agents of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the unit only made way for PDP supporters to vote while those they believed will not vote for PDP were blocked from voting.
A voter who did not want his name in print explained that other voters in the queue who observed what was happening insisted on being allowed to vote for candidates of their choice but were not allowed.
In an attempt to fight back, the suspected PDP thugs allegedly overpowered the voters, causing pandemonium in the unit.
Meanwhile, the female police officer who left the unit earlier returned with a backup of other officers who released several canisters of teargas, dispersing the crowd and leaving the polling unit empty.
Many voters who claimed not to be PDP supporters for the presidential election are now lamenting the disenfranchisement they suffered.
Nigeria Decides: Obi votes, expresses hope of victory
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi has voted at his Amatutu ward two, polling unit 019, Agulu community in Anaocha Local Government Area.
Obi, who voted at about 11:45 am, expressed optimism of his victory.
He told journalists that he is satisfied with the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, so far in the election, and hoped that the same was happening in other places across the country.
“This election is very important to Nigeria, and I have confidence of victory.
“I have the mental capacity, energy and drive to lead this country. We need to get things right in Nigeria,” the presidential candidate said.
2023 election: I’m confident of winning – Kwankwaso as hundreds cheer him at polling unit
As the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, presidential candidate, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, cast his votes at the Tunda Ward of Madobi Local Government Area of Kano State, he said he is fully confident of winning the 2023 elections.
Kwankwaso, escorted by his wife, Salamatu Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said after being cheered by hundreds of his supporters, “seing is believing, you can see that here and all over Nigeria I have won this election, God willing”.
Hundreds of Kwankwaso supporters cheered him as he arrived at the polling unit to cast his vote.
Earlier on, a heavy presence of the military took over the polling unit after some opposition members were there to cause disaffection.
The BVAS smoothly worked on Kwankwaso as he waited to be verified by the INEC machine.
2023: Electoral materials yet to arrive in major polling units in Ajaokuta
Many electorates under the Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State have continued to wait for electoral materials from officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
A DAILY POST correspondent monitoring the National Assembly and presidential election in Kogi State gathered that at Ganaja Polling Units, Aniebo Open Space, LGEA Primary School, Lokoja, 500 housing units under Ajaokuta Local Government, election materials are yet to arrive as of 11:49 am of filing this report.
Electorates gathered as early as 7:00 am but are still waiting for election materials, including INEC staff, to arrive for the election.
Security agencies such as the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps were seen waiting for the electoral officials to come.
Tinubu speaks after voting in Lagos
Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, said Nigeria is not the only country facing challenges.
Tinubu made the remark Saturday morning after voting at Ward C PU 085 Alausa, Ikeja.
“We are not the only ones facing economic crisis; it’s spreading all over the world.
“We just have to recalibrate the system and set Nigeria on the path of recovery,” he told reporters.
The former Lagos governor was at the unit with his wife, Remi Tinubu, and daughter Folashade Tinubu-Ojo.
Nigeria decides 2023: Ortom dumps Atiku, votes for Peter Obi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Saturday voted for the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Ortom cast his vote for Obi at his polling unit in Tse-Ortom, Mzondu ward, Guma LGA of the state.
The governor dumped his party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Ortom is part of the G5 governors at loggerheads with Atiku and the PDP’s leadership.
The G5 group fell out with Atiku after he emerged as PDP’s presidential candidate in 2022.
Voters stranded as election materials yet to arrive some Jigawa polling units
Electorates in Jigawa State have expressed their dismay over the delay or no arrival of election materials in some polling units.
DAILY POST observed that at about 10:30 am, voters were stranded waiting for INEC officials in Katika ward in Kiyawa Local Government.
A voter Malama Halima at the Junior Secondary Polling Unit, Katika ward said they were at the polling unit as early as 7:30 am, and no sign of any INEC officials.
She said they will wait at the polling units until the election officials arrived, and they cast their ballots for the candidates of their choice.
Also, a PDP House of Representative candidate for the Dutse/Kiyawa Federal Constituency, Dahiru Madaki Katika, faulted INEC over the delay in delivering election materials on time.
He said no single polling unit had received election materials.
Katika, however, urged electorates to be patient and wait until they have cast their votes.
Also, at the Auno polling unit in Kafin Hausa, no election materials arrived when filling this report.
While in some polling units, voting has already commenced.
Osinbajo votes in Ogun, says election peaceful [VIDEO]
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has cast his vote at his Ikenne hometown in Ogun State.
Osinbajo voted around 9:56 am alongside his wife, Dolapo Osinbajo, at Unit 14 Ward 1, Ojurege, Ikenne Local Government.
The Vice President described the election as peaceful, expressing confidence that it will so in other parts of the state.
“This is my poling booth. The Ojurege poling booth is very peaceful and I hope this is the same all across the state,” he said.
DAILY Post recalls that Osinbajo moved his voting centre from Lagos to Ogun in 2021.
Nigeria Decides 2023: Election materials yet to be distributed in some units in Uyo
After some minutes past 10:00 am, voting for the presidential and National Assembly elections is yet to commence in many units across Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital, as the materials are yet to be conveyed from the Registration Area Centre, RAC, located at Christ the King School.
A visit to the RAC in CKS showed many National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members on election duties waiting for vehicles to convey them to their units to commence the business of the day.
Voters who were seen patiently waiting at different units for the materials to arrive told our correspondent that they came as earlier as 7:30 am.
However, the Divisional Police Officer of A Division made frantic efforts for the corp members at the RAC to be conveyed to their different units lamenting that many voters have been waiting for some time.
Many corp members were seen scampering into the Hilux van that the DPO came with, and the driver was asked to convey them to nearby polling units so that accreditation/voting would commence immediately.
DAILY POST observed that the arrangement for transportation of ad-hoc staff and materials was very chaotic, with several complaints from some supposedly ad-hoc staff that their names did not appear on the ad-hoc list.
Meanwhile, voting has just commenced in the four units at Uyo urban 3 with the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC; the Department of State Services, DSS; and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to check vote buying.
In polling unit 13 at Saint Phillips Primary School, Use Offot, Uyo, the EFCC officials addressing voters gave out their phone numbers to enable voters to report any issue of electoral malpractices, including vote buying.
EFCC officials storm Obi’s polling unit
Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrived at the polling unit of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi.
The officials who came in an unmarked white Toyota Hiace bus, arrived Obi’s Amatutu ward two, polling unit 019, at exactly 10:25 am.
They, however, declined interviews from journalists.
The leader of the team had a brief chat with the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the unit, urging him to call the commission’s helpline if they sought the help of any kind.
The leader also had a brief chat with Obi, who was coming back from what DAILY POST learnt was a tour of the village.
The team has, however, left the polling unit, promising to come back soon.
Obi is still being expected at his Amatutu ward two, polling unit 019, where he will cast his vote.
2023 election: Osun Gov, Adeleke casts vote, lauds Buhari, Electoral Act
The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the peaceful conduct of the presidential and national assembly election.
Adeleke also described the poll as credible, free and fair.
Adeleke, who did his accreditation and cast his vote between 8:42 am and 8:44 am at Unit 009, Ward 2, Abogunde/Sagba, Ede North Local Government Area, also praised the use of the Bimodal Verification Accreditation System, BVAS, for the exercise.
According to him, “The BVAS is swift and working well as planned. The e BVAS is here to stay and I commended inec for the peaceful conduct of the election.”
He expressed hope that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, would emerge victorious at the end of the exercise.
“I believe in the electoral system, and I know my party will win in all the contesting positions in the state and across the nation.
“The report coming from other parts of the state shows the election is going smoothly without any form of distraction.”
Praising the Electoral Act as a landmark contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development, he commended the electoral and security agencies for doing their jobs effectively.
“The Electoral Act is a legislation we should celebrate for refining our elections. Our votes now count.
“Again, I commend President Muhammadu Buhari for the courage and patriotism he demonstrated by signing the bill into law. It is a landmark law.
” I call on our people to remain peaceful and eschew violence. Democracy is about thumbprinting your choice, not about killing and maiming”, Governor Adeleke noted.
Nigeria Decides 2023: Buhari casts vote in Daura to elect successor
President Muhammadu Buhari has performed his civic duty by voting in Daura, his home town.
Buhari, who is serving out his last term in office, arrived at exactly 9:54 am at Polling unit 003, Sarkin Yara A Ward, Daura Local Government area of Katsina State, in company with his wife, Aisha Buhari.
At the presidential and National Assembly elections going on nationwide, voting started at Buhari’s Polling Unit, Kofar Baru (111) Gidan Niyam, exactly a few minutes past 8 am before his arrival.
Upon arrival, Buhari and his wife first perused the voters register pasted on the wall, then presented his PVC to the INEC official, who then verified and accredited him with the BVAS machine before proceeding to the polling booth to thumbprint and subsequently waving the ballot paper before inserting them in the respective boxes.
In short remarks to the press, Buhari said he was optimistic about victory for the All Progressive Congress.
Buhari is expected to vacate the seat of power on May 29, 2023, to pave the way for whoever emerges as the winner in Saturday’s presidential elections.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were first seen using the BVAS to verify and accredit voters before allowing them to proceed to the polling booth, where they secretly thumbprint and subsequently drop it in the ballot boxes.
Our reporter observed that the exercise was hitch-free as upon presentation of the Permanent Voters Card, PVC, by the voter to a designated INEC official, the BVAS is then deployed to verify the data of the potential voter before allowing them to vote.
Nigeria Decides 2023: Okowa votes in Delta
Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has cast his vote at his polling unit in Owa-Alero, Ika North-East Local Government Area.
The former Senator is the vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Okowa, who voted at 9:48am, arrived the polling unit in company of his wife, Dame Edith Okowa, and daughters.
2023 poll: Voting commences in Ogun
Voting has commenced in some polling units across the 20 local governments area of Ogun State.
At Ward 6, Unit 11, Sokoya Memorial School, Sagamu, voting started around 9am.
The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC,
members and other ad hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as security agents were already performing their duties.
While some voters were on queue, others were seen checking their names on the voters’ register pasted on the wall.
It is the same scenario at unit 03, Isote in Sagamu.
INEC officials, materials yet to arrive Dawaki polling units in Abuja
Several polling units visited by DAILY POST in Dawaki Area of Bwari Area Council showed that the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, are yet to arrive.
Polling Units 004, Dawaki Primary school, 064 Dawaki Junior Secondary, 063, Dawaki Extension, Chief Palace and News Engineering, all in Dawaki, are yet to receive INEC officials and material as of 9:42 am.
In a chat with DAILY POST, a voter, Mr Demian Ebemeri, said he arrived at the polling unit at precisely 8:00 am, but the officials of INEC were nowhere to be found.
“I don’t know why the INEC officials and materials for voting are yet to be here. Some people left their houses as early as 6:30 am to be here.
“My expectation is that the election should be free and fair”, he said.
DAILY POST reports that voters were seen stranded waiting for INEC officials and voting materials.
There is a massive turnout of voters in Dawaki with security operatives on the ground.
Nigeria Decides 2023: Peter Obi arrives polling unit, expresses optimism
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi has arrived in PU 019, Umudimakasi Square, Agulu, Anambra State, for the presidential election.
DAILY POST reports that Obi spoke upon arrival at his polling unit, expressing optimism of victory at the polls.
Asked about his chances of winning the election, the former Anambra State governor said: “I am very optimistic. You can see the positive mood among my people.
“People are coming out to vote to make sure the Labour Party wins.”
There is is high turnout of voters in Abuja.
In areas such as Bwari Area Council, Dawaki, Utako Lugbe, Kubwa voters were up as early as 6:am waiting patiently for the arrival of INEC officials.
Nigeria decides 2023: Atiku votes in Adamawa
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar has cast his vote.
Atiku performed his civic right at about 9:11 am at his polling unit in Adamawa State.
While thumb-printing on his ballot paper, some people circled him to see his vote.
Atiku is one of the frontrunners to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29.
Others vying for the seat of the president include, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP.
Nigeria Decides: Voting commences at Obi’s polling unit
Voting has commenced at the polling unit of the presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi.
Though the candidate had earlier visited the unit to supervise the arrival of voting materials, he is yet to cast his vote.
Some aides of the candidate told journalists that he will be voting soon.
Obi is expected to cast his vote in Amatutu village, Agulu ward two, polling unit 019.
Election officers protest non-payment of training allowance in Kano, delay exercise
Some election officers are protesting non-payment of their training allowances in Kano State.
DAILY POST reports that they blocked voters from accessing the polling units.
The INEC ad-hoc staff, in their numbers, said they were not paid their training allowances of N4000.
They vowed that they would not allow election materials to be taken away.
The incident, which occurred at Gwale Local Government of Kano State, delayed commencement of voting at the Dorayi Karama voting centres.
Nigerians will today, Saturday, February 25, 2023, decide their next President for the next four years.
The main contenders in terms of political parties are the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Labour Party, LP and of course, the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the presidential candidate of the ruling APC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is flying the flag of the PDP, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi is the candidate of the LP, while Rabiu Kwankwaso is the NNPP’s standard bearer.
Other presidential candidates, according to INEC’s final list, include:
Imumolen Christopher – Accord Party (AP); Al-Mustapha Hamza – Action Alliance (AA); Sowore Omoyele – African Action Congress (AAC); Kachikwu Dumebi – African Democratic Congress (ADC); Sani Yabagi Yusuf – Action Democratic Party (ADP); Umeadi Peter Nnanna – All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Ojei Princess Chichi – Allied People’s Movement (APM); Nnamdi Charles Osita – Action Peoples Party (APP); Adenuga Sunday Oluwafemi – Boot Party (BP); Osakwe Felix Johnson – National Rescue Movement (NRM).
Others are: Abiola Latifu Kolawole – Peoples Redemption Party (PRP); Adebayo Adewole Ebenezer – Social Democratic Party (SDP); Ado-Ibrahim Abdumalik – Young Progressives Party (YPP); and Nwanyanwu Daniel Daberechukwu – Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Today’s presidential election is widely believed to be between three candidates, namely: Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu.
In his nationwide broadcast, President Muhammadu Buhari, who is serving a complete eight-year term under the APC, admonished the citizens to go out there and vote for their very choice of candidate.
He also said that his administration’s new monetary policy had also contributed immensely to the minimisation of the influence of money in politics.
“This is a positive departure from the past and represents a bold legacy step by this administration, towards laying a strong foundation for free and fair elections,” he said, assuring that every vote will count.
Follow this thread as DAILY POST brings you updates of the presidential election from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Source - Daily Post
