| Source | Date | Story Title | Summary of Reports | Subject/Category | Page No/Weblink |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | Buhari promises inclusive govt, Atiku heads to court | "President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday received his certificate of return as winner of the 2019 presidential election, promising that his government will remain inclusive. But the runner-up in the polls Atiku Abubakar rejected the outcome of the election and vowed to challenge it in court. The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Mahmood Yakubu issued the return certificates to Buhari alongside his running mate Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja. The president and his vice who arrived at the ICC in company of their wives at about 2:10pm received their certificates at about 2:20pm amidst cheers at the event attended by some state governors, ministers, government officials and APC stalwarts led by its National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole." | Buhari, Osinbajo, INEC, ICC, Atiku | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/buhari-promises-inclusive-govt-atiku-heads-to-court.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | Don’t go to tribunal, Agbakoba advises Atiku | "A former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba, has advised the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, not to approach the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. Agbakoba, in a statement yesterday, said while the winner of the Saturday’s presidential poll, President Muhammadu Buhari, kept his base in the north, Atiku largely held his in the south. According to him, the voting pattern for the 2019 presidential election shows ethnicity played a significant role in the poll. “I understand the PDP is aggrieved about the outcome of the election and alleged massive irregularities. But I urge former Vice President Atiku Abubakar not to approach the Election Petition Tribunal. He might have moved backwards by his loss, but he should not lose sight of the legacy and greatness that lies in front of him”, Agbakoba said." | Olisa Agbakoba, Buhari, Atiku, APC, PDP, Presidential Election Petition Tribunal | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/dont-go-to-tribunal-agbakoba-advises-atiku.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | Jubilation in states over Buhari’s re-election | "Residents of Kaduna State as early as 4am took to the streets yesterday to celebrate the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari. They were dancing and chanting the ‘Sai baba’ slogan. Motorcyclists were engaged in road shows. In Jos, Plateau State, residents were in the streets for jubilation, advising the president to extend a hand of friendship to other opponents who lost the election. Abdullahi Hashimu, who sells suya around British America and Abubakar Shettima described the president’s win as ordained by God; while Elizabeth Gambo who owns a road side restaurant along the Murtala Muhammed Way in Jos said: “We thank God as he is coming back but want things to change. We want the price of goods to fall.”" | Buhari's re-election, jubilation, Sai baba slogan, Plateau State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/jubilation-in-states-over-buharis-re-election.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | 2019 polls: Voter turnout rises in 19 states | "Despite the lowest voter turnout recorded in the last Saturday’s presidential elections, Daily Trust findings have shown that about 19 states have recorded an increase in the number of accredited voters compared to 2015 elections. The states which recorded an increase in the number of accredited voters are Kaduna, Adamawa, Ekiti, Gombe, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Osun, Yobe, Ogun, Benue, Edo, Katsina, Taraba, Borno, Kebbi, Sokoto and the FCT. On the other hand, 18 states whose accredited voters dropped in 2019 compared to 2015 are Abia, Niger, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Ondo, Oyo, Bauchi, Lagos, Imo, Plateau, Kano, Akwa Ibom, Zamfara, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers. The voter turnout national average for the February 23 elections was 35.6 percent, a significant drop from the 43.6 percent recorded during 2015 elections. Analysis of official figures revealed that 31,746,490 voters were accredited for elections in 2015, but the figure dropped by 2,382,281 in the last Saturday’s presidential and parliamentary elections. Only 29,364,209 voters were accredited during the Saturday’s polls out of the 83 million registered voters. The turn out over the years ranges from 53 percent in 1999 to nearly 70 percent in both 2003 and 2007, and then down to 53 percent in 2011." | Presidential elections, 2015 elections, Voter turnout, registered voters | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-polls-voter-turnout-rises-in-19-states.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | What Buhari’s re-election means to us – APC govs | "Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje yesterday described the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari as victory for Nigerian democracy. In a congratulatory message which he signed, Ganduje said Buhari’s re-election was the will of the people who were supporting his administration’s change agenda that had brought about transformation in all facets development in the country. Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong congratulated Buhari, saying his re-elections would usher in a prosperous Nigeria that would be a country of destination in the comity of nations. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mark Longyen, Lalong said the victory was not only well-deserved but long expected and God-ordained. He added: “Your re-election is no doubt, an eloquent statement of the people’s approval of your anti-corruption and anti-insurgency war.” Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki said: “This four years of President Buhari’s leadership will provide the much-desired impetus for good governance, the ongoing war on corruption, completion of ongoing infrastructural projects and boost our new image in the comity of nations.”" | Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Buhari's re-election, APC governors | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/what-buharis-re-election-means-to-us-apc-govs.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | Nigerians want Buhari to focus on economy, jobs – Survey | "President Muhammadu Buhari should pay more attention to the economy and job creation in his second term. This is the outcome of an online survey by the APC in which it asked Nigerians to suggest what they think the president should do better or give more attention to, following his re-election. An overwhelming majority of the respondents, representing 71 per cent, said President Buhari should give more attention to economy/jobs. Others, representing 13 per cent, said infrastructure, while security and fight against corruption got eight per cent each. Daily Trust reports that President Buhari had prioritised the fight against corruption, securing the country and restoring the economy. While some said the president did a lot in the fight against corruption and security, many said the president needed to do more in the area of the economy." | Buhari, survey, economy, jobs, second term | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/nigerians-want-buhari-to-focus-on-economy-jobs-survey.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | UK’s PM congratulates Buhari on re-election | "The British Prime Minister, Theresa May, has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election. She felicitated with President Buhari via a tweet posted yesterday by the UK Prime Minister’s Twitter handle, @10DowningStreet. The PM also referred to her visit to Nigeria in late 2018, emphasizing the importance of Nigerian-British relations for both countries. The tweet read, “Congratulations @MBuhari. I witnessed first-hand the importance of the UK-Nigeria relationship during my trip last year – I look forward to continuing our close partnership and strengthening our shared prosperity and security.”" | British Prime Minister Theresa May, Buhari, Nigerian-British relations | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/uks-pm-congratulates-buhari-on-re-election.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | Kwara PDP dismisses Atunwa’s alleged withdrawal from gov’ship | "The PDP in Kwara State, yesterday, asked the public to disregard an online report that its governorship candidate, Hon. Razak Atunwa, has pulled out of the governorship race. The party, in a statement by its chairman, Engr. Kola Shittu, denied the report saying it was false, mischievous and misleading. “Atunwa remains in the race and will emerge victorious by the grace of God,” he said." | Kwara State, Hon. Rasak Atunwa, Engr. Kola Shittu | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/kwara-pdp-dismisses-atunwas-alleged-withdrawal-from-govship.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | African leaders congratulate Buhari on re-election | "Some African leaders have sent congratulatory messages to President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election. Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu in a statement, said Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco described President Buhari’s victory as an affirmation of the level of confidence Nigerians have in their President and promised to work with him to advance the interests of both countries. ‘‘Your re-election is a testimony to the level of confidence that you enjoy among the people of Nigeria, attributable to your wisdom, experience in politics, sense of engagement and devotion to the service and the protection of the interests of the country especially as they relate to the prosperity, wellbeing and security of your people,” King Mohammed VI said in his congratulatory message." | Buhari, African leaders, Garba Shehu, King Mohammed VI | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/african-leaders-congratulate-buhari-on-re-election.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | Suswam wins Benue North East senatorial race | "Former governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has won the Zone A Benue North East senatorial district election on the platform of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). Suswam polled 148, 645 votes to defeat incumbent Senator Barnabas Gemade of Social Democratic Party (SDP) who emerged a distant third position with 32, 534 votes and All Progressive Congress (APC), Mrs Mimi Adzape-Orubibi who also came a distant second with a total vote of 81, 603 votes. Also, a candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), former senator, Joseph Akaagerger, scored 8, 099 votes to emerge the fourth position in the race. INEC Returning Officer, of the senatorial district, Prof. Shaato Rufus, announced the result at the INEC office in Kastina-Ala on Tuesday night." | Gabriel Suswam, PDP, Benue State, Mrs Mimi Adzape-Orubibi, APGA, APC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/suswam-wins-benue-north-east-senatorial-race.html |
| The Guardian.ng | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | Presidential poll results fraught with 513,214 lapses, CSOs state | "The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has alleged a 513,214 discrepancy in the number of accredited voters and ballots cast in 27 states during the presidential election that held last weekend. In its fourth interim report, issued by the Executive Director of Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo, on the collation and announcement of the poll results on Tuesday, the civil society organisations said the tallies announced by some state returning officers were disturbing. Against the backdrop that there were simultaneous accreditation and voting, they noted that a cursory look at some of the figures on accredited voters and total votes cast showed lapses. According to the CSOs, as at 6:47pm on Tuesday, the gulf was 513,214 in 27 states, including Nasarawa, Kogi, Adamawa, Edo and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Situation Room had called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to “transparently address this confusion before the completion of result tabulation.” The findings indicate a lack of clarity in the rationale for cancellation of polls, noting that the CSOs recorded 1,084,358 voided votes across 1175 polling units in 18 states. “The pattern of this cancellation requires some close interrogation to show fairness and objectivity,” the report added." | Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Clement Nwankwo, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), presidential poll results, INEC, collation | https://guardian.ng/news/presidential-poll-results-fraught-with-513214-lapses-say-csos/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | Why I’ll challenge poll result in court, by Atiku | "Alhaji Atiku Abubakar yesterday vowed to challenge in court the outcome of the last Saturday’s presidential election he contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a statement he personally signed and released to journalists, Atiku said: “I hereby reject the result of the February 23, 2019 sham election and will be challenging it in court. “I want to assure my supporters and the entire Nigerian people that together, we will not allow democracy to be emasculated.” The former vice president also declared that he wouldn’t have hesitated to congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari who was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) if the election had not been characterised by outright fraud. “If I had lost in a free and fair election, I would have called the victor within seconds of my being aware of his victory to offer not just my congratulations, but my services to help unite Nigeria by being a bridge between the North and the South." | Atiku, poll result, Buhari, INEC, 2019 sham election | https://guardian.ng/news/why-ill-challenge-poll-result-in-court-by-atiku/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | Communication scholars task Buhari on cordial media relations in new term | "President Muhammadu Buhari has been advised to work towards a media-friendly administration, as he takes office for another term. This followed Buhari’s declaration as winner of last Saturday’s presidential elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the early hours of yesterday. Differently, communication scholars expressed concern about the president’s shaky relationship with the media in his first term. They told The Guardian on phone yesterday that “not much is expected to change” in the next four years. Chairman, Centre of Excellence in Multi-Media/Radio and Television, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, advised the administration to work more towards media-friendliness by making sure that the regulatory bodies like National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Nigerian Press Council (NPC) do their work properly rather than engaging in litigation. He said: “The journalist should be more professional in discharging their watchdog role. Government should be more tolerant in terms of the performance of the press. Media owners should encourage professionalism and not compromise credibility.” He advised the National Assembly against acts that would expose them to the wrong side of the pen. “When you fight and throw chairs in chambers, you give the journalist something to write about. They (lawmakers) need to pass laws that are relevant and can add value to the country. There is need for the media and government to work together; there should be trust and cordiality between the two.""" | Buhari, National Assembly, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, UNILAG, Communication scholars | https://guardian.ng/news/communication-scholars-task-buhari-on-cordial-media-relations-in-new-term/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | Timi Frank lauds Atiku for rejecting election results | "Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has applauded Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar for rejecting outcome of the presidential polls. Frank, in a statement yesterday said there was outright disregard for the rule of law and brazen impunity unleashed on the Nigerian electorate during the elections. He alleged that state institutions like security agencies were used to maim and disenfranchise citizens in the guise of maintaining peace, while working to impose President Muhammadu Buhari on Nigerians. “Indeed, the results as announced by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can as best be described as a sham or scam to say the least. “The electoral body is aware that it has been deeply compromised, evident in its obvious numerous gaffes, as captured from state collation centres, as well as complicity in its final election results,” he said. He also berated INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu over what he described as “woeful and disgraceful performance” under his leadership." | APC, PDP, Timi Frank, Buhari, Atiku, security agencies, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu | https://guardian.ng/news/timi-frank-lauds-atiku-for-rejecting-election-results/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | Atiku: This is the Worst Election in 30 Years | "The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in last Saturday’s election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has described the poll conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the worst he has seen in 30 years, vowing to retrieve his mandate. The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had in the early hours of yesterday declared the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari, as the winner of the contest having polled a total of 15,191,847 votes to Atiku’s 11,262,978 votes. But, while addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, Atiku noted that democracy is the government of the people and by the people only when the people’s choice prevails, saying that did not happen last Saturday. The former vice president stressed that the Election Day witnessed the implementation of grand theft of the people’s will, adding: “I am not one for hyperbole, so I will just let the facts speak for themselves.” Atiku explained that in Akwa Ibom for instance, the result showed a statistical impossibility of a 62 per cent drop in voter numbers from the 2015 elections even where voter registration and PVC collection rate were much higher in 2015." | PDP, Atiku, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, INEC, presidential election, APC, PDP | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/28/atiku-this-is-the-worst-election-in-30-years/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | APC Retains Majority Seats in Senate | "The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has maintained its majority in the Senate with 60 senators going by the results of the National Assembly poll so far released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). From the results released so far by the INEC, the APC has 60 senatorial seats while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has so far produced 35 senators. The Young Peoples Party (YPP) won one seat to make up 96 senatorial seats whose results were announced so far by the electoral body. With 60 seats won by APC candidates at last Saturday’s National Assembly election, the ruling APC is set to maintain dominance in the Ninth Senate. The number will give the APC numerical strength in the Red Chamber. It will also enjoy a simple majority. It will, however, not afford the APC the luxury of a two-third majority in the upper chamber There are 109 seats in the upper chamber of the National Assembly. They are made up of three senators from each of the 36 states. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has one slot. Out of this figure, a total of 38 senators made up of 22 APC and 16 PDP lawmakers were re-elected to be part of the 9th National Assembly to be inaugurated in June." | APC, PDP, YPP, majority seats, National Assembly election, Ninth Senate, FCT | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/28/apc-retains-majority-seats-in-senate/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | Finally, INEC Declares Ekwunife Winner of Anambra Central Senatorial Election | "The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Senator Uche Ekwunife of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the Anambra Central senatorial election conducted last Saturday. The election result had been withheld for days following incidences of violence in some parts of the zone. But the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, citing sections of the commissions act, said it can rely on the duplicate copy of result issued by the commission to the police to announce the result since its copy was destroyed by hoodlums who invaded the collation centre. Declaring the result Wednesday morning in Awka, the Anambra State capital, the Returning Officer, Prof. Charles Amobi Nwankwo, said Ekwunife polled 101,548 votes to defeat other candidates in the election. Nwankwo, a lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said Chief Victor Umeh of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) garnered 81, 429 votes to come second while Chief Sylvester Okonkwo of All Progressives Congress (APC) came third with 1,0 99 votes." | INEC, PDP, APGA, APC, Uche Ekwunife, INEC, Anambra Central senatorial district | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/28/finally-inec-declares-ekwunife-winner-of-anambra-central-senatorial-election/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | Presidential Election: Imo Women Protest Military, Police Misconduct | "Thousands of women in Imo State Wednesday took to the streets of the state capital, Owerri, to protest against alleged misconduct by the military and other security agencies in last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections. The women, adorned in black, stormed the headquarters of the 34 field Artillery Brigade in Obinze, calling on the army high command to caution the soldiers to stay away from politics. Presenting a petition to the representative of the Commanding Officer (CO), leaders of the group, Mrs. Uju Ihejiagwa and Nwando Anyasinti, lamented what they described as day-light robbery of the people of the state. They described the announcement of Governor Rochas Okorocha as senator-elect for Orlu zone as fraudulent. According to them, “Okorocha committed electoral fraud by using the military, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and thugs to intimidate, harass and maim unsuspecting and unprotected Imo voters. “He connived with some staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to subvert the wish of the masses by manipulating the outcome of the election and ensuring the announcement of fake results." | Presidential election, Imo State, women, police misconduc t, Mrs. Uju Ihejiagwa, Nwando Anyasinti, Governor Rochas Okorocha | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/28/presidential-election-imo-women-protest-military-police-misconduct/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Political parties defy INEC, resume campaigns | "Despite a directive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that there should be no more campaigns ahead of next Saturday’s rescheduled presidential and national assembly elections, most political parties said they will continue mobilising their supporters for campaigns. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and leading opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had vowed to go ahead with their campaigns, saying that was the only way to keep their supporters interested in the election. Similarly, over 50 political parties under the umbrella of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), yesterday, resolved to resume campaigns today ahead of the rescheduled Saturday and March 9, general elections. The INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had banned political parties from campaigning again following the postponement of elections slated for last Saturday, Feb. 16." | INEC, rescheduled presidential and national assembly elections, APC, CUPP, campaigns | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/political-parties-defy-inec-resume-campaigns.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | APC national caucus holds emergency meeting today | "President Muhammadu Buhari will today attend an emergency meeting of the National Caucus of the All Progrssives Congress (APC). At the meeting, Daily Trust gathered, critical issues affecting the party, including the postponement of the general elections by a week would be discussed. A notice of the meeting at the national headquarters’ of the APC reads,” A meeting of the APC National Caucus will hold on Monday at the Party’s National Secretariat.” President Buhari while reacting to the postponement of the elections Saturday said he was deeply disappointed that despite the long notice given and preparations both locally and internationally, the INEC) still postponed the Presidential and National Assembly elections within hours of its commencement." | APC National Caucus, general elections, INEC, emergency meeting | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apc-national-caucus-holds-emergency-meeting-today.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | My life in danger – Kogi dep gov | "Kogi State Deputy Governor Simon Achuba says his life and those of his family members are in danger following the withdrawal of all his security aides. Achuba at press conference yesterday in Lokoja said all his security details were withdrawn on the eve of the just-postponed general elections and were yet to be restored despite his repeated calls to the state commissioner of police. According to him, he was set to go to his village at Iyano in Ibaji Local Government Area for the election when all security aides were suddenly withdrawn. “On the eve of the election, my security were summoned to the Government House for a security briefing just about the time I was set to travel to the village. Not long after, my ADC and orderly were also summoned by the ADC to the governor; he asked them to follow him and they did." | Kogi State Deputy Governor Simon Achuba, security aides, Ibaji Local Government Area | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/my-life-in-danger-kogi-dep-gov.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | N/Assembly postpones resumption to Feb 26 | "The National Assembly, which is scheduled to reconvene tomorrow has put forward its resumption to next Tuesday. The one week postponement was brought about by the suspension of the presidential and National Assembly elections earlier fixed for last Saturday but now shifted February 23. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives in January adjourned their plenary session to allow returning lawmakers embark on campaigns. They had fixed Tuesday as resumption date. But a statement from the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, yesterday said the resumption date has been postponed." | National Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Mohammed Sani-Omolori | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/n-assembly-postpones-resumption-to-feb-26.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Fire fighting truck deployed in Nasarawa INEC office | "A fire fighting truck has been deployed to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) in Nasarawa State. The fire truck was stationed in front of the INEC office situated along Kurikyo Road in GRA, Lafia. The chief fire officer in the state, Dogara Dalhatu, told Daily Trust that he received a letter from the INEC requesting the truck with personnel to avoid any unforeseen circumstance." | INEC office inNasarawa State, Kurikyo Road, Dogara Dalhatu, fire fighting truck | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/fire-fighting-truck-deployed-in-nasarawa-inec-office.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Calls for resignation of INEC chairman unfair-NANS | "The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) says it is unfair to call for the resignation of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over election postponement. NANS’ National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Bestman Okereafor, said this in a statement he issued in Enugu on Monday. Okereafor said: “Even though we frown at the manner and timing of the announcement of the postponement, we still consider the decision to be in the best interest of Nigerians. “It is a reality that the postponement of the elections by INEC has in a great way exposed the faces of betrayals and which we expect political parties to be grateful for.’’" | National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), INEC chairman, Mr Bestman Okereafor, political parties | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/calls-for-resignation-of-inec-chairman-unfair-nans.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Go out and vote, NLC urges electorate | "The Nigerian Labour Congress has expressed shock at the last minute postponement of the presidential and National Assembly elections. In a statement issued yesterday, the NLC President Ayuba Wabba, said the Congress shared in the pains of those who show an uncommon spirit of patriotism by traveling long distances to perform their civic duty and the outrage of those who had incurred huge and unquantifiable logistic costs. He said there was no explanation good enough by INEC to justify the sudden postponement due the repeated assurances from it and the zeal of Nigerians to cast their vote. He, however, said that given the fact that had the election taken place, a huge number of Nigerians would have been disenfranchised on account of gross and wide-spread logistic deficit, the postponement, as painful as it is, is a lesser evil." | NLC, unquantifiable logistic costs, electorate, civic duty, patriotism, Nigerians | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/go-out-and-vote-nlc-urges-electorate.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Election shift: SERAP to sue FG, N/Assembly | "The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has blamed successive governments in Nigeria since 1999 for the unlawful postponement of the 2019 general elections. In a statement yesterday by its deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP, said given the increasing tendency to postpone elections and the cumulative failures and corruption over the years, it would sue the Federal Government and the National Assembly leadership for the catalogue of breaches of constitutional and international obligations. Oluwadare said SERAP would seek effective remedies for the citizens. He said said the current electoral process “is vulnerable to corruption, but politicians would seem to have little incentive to comprehensively reform, upgrade and modernise it." | Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), 2019 general elections, unlawful postponement, electoral process, Federal Government, National Assembly | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/election-shift-serap-to-sue-fg-n-assembly.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | INEC urged to weed out officials responsible for logistics problems | "Retired Group Capt. John Ojikutu, a security expert, has said 60 per cent of INEC staff that superintended the past elections which were equally postponed might still be in the system. “It is high time they were identified and weeded out of the system,” Ojikutu said in his reaction to the postponement of the general elections by INEC. According to him, from 2011, 2015 and 2019, the reasons for rescheduling of elections had always been logistics. He said, “It has always been logistics problems since I can remember way back in 2011 when Jega came on board. Has INEC learnt any lessons from the experiences of the past including the 2015 experiences?” he asked." | Retired roup Capt. John Ojikutu, INEC staff, logistics problem, past elections | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-urged-to-weed-out-officials-responsible-for-logistics-problems.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | PDP accuses APC, presidency of sabotaging INEC to stagger polls | "The PDP has accused APC of sabotaging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “in a well-orchestrated plot to engineer a staggered presidential election.” The Director Media and Publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, alleged in a statement, yesterday, that President Buhari was determined to have a staggered election which would afford him the opportunity to use security agencies to subvert the will of the people at the polls. The party also said some APC elements in INEC had allegedly hired a team of data hackers who corrupted the voters register with a view to causing mass confusion and voters suppression on election day." | PDP, APC, Presidency, Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan, INEC, staggered polls, data hackers | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pdp-accuses-apc-presidency-of-sabotaging-inec-to-stagger-polls.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Emir of Keffi asks electorate to vote Saturday | "The Emir of Keffi in Nasarawa State, Alhaji Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, yesterday called on the electorate to go out on Saturday and vote despite the postponement of the general elections. The emir said: “I am calling on Nigerians to understand the reasons forwarded by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) that led to the postponement of the elections with one week. He also called on the voters to always remain law abiding before, during and after the elections." | Emir of Keffi, Alhhaji Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, general elections, electorate, INEC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/emir-of-keffi-asks-electorate-to-vote-saturday.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Postponement to emasculate opposition – Donald Duke | "The presidential candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Mr. Donald Duke, says the postponement of last weekend’s elections was meant to emasculate the opposition parties. He alleged that INEC extended the elections to give an edge to APC. Duke, who spoke in Calabar, described the postponement of the presidential and National Assembly elections as a well scripted plot which, he said, was taken too far. “It is a trick well scripted and it has been taken to the next level. This trick is to bleed the opposition financially. It was the PDP that started this nonsense but this government has taken it too far. The postponement by PDP was a week before the election but these guys have taken it to four hours into the election.""" | Social Democratic Party (SDP), 2019 general elections, postponement, Donald Duke, APC, PDP, INEC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/postponement-to-emasculate-opposition-donald-duke.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Catholic bishop admonishes Nigerians to trust INEC | "The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has called on Nigerians to continue to trust INEC to conduct credible elections. Ezeokafor made the call at the Retreat and Pastoral Centre, Nodu Okpuno, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State while reacting to the postponement of the presidential and National Assembly elections by INEC. He said the news came to him as a shock, noting that the postponement had caused a lot of financial losses to Nigerians, especially those who travelled far to participate in the process. The Catholic clergy added however that even in the face of the challenges, Nigerians must not place personal gains above national interest." | Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Nigerians, National Assembly, INEC, Awka South Local Government Area, credible elections, national interest, postponemment | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/catholic-bishop-admonishes-nigerians-to-trust-inec.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Breaking: Buhari, Osinbajo, 11 Govs attend emergency APC meeting | "President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice president Yemi Osinbajo and 11 governors are currently attending the national caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC). At the meeting, Daily Trust gathered, critical issues affecting the party, including the postponement of the general elections by a week would be discussed. Daily Trust online reports that a national leader of the party, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also at the meeting. Governors in attendance included that of Zamfara, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Jigawa, Borno, Bauchi, Kebbi, Niger, Lagos and Kaduna states. Also in attendance are the National chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, Senate leader; Ahmad Lawan, senators, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF); Boss Mustapha, ministers, among others." | Buhari, Osinbajo, emergency APC meeting, 11 Governors | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/breaking-buhari-osinbajo-11-govs-attend-emergency-apc-meeting.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Atiku/Obi campaign DG condemns election postponement | "The Director-General, Atiku/Obi Presidential Campaign in Kwara State, Dr. Ali Ahmad, has condemned the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the general elections, six hours to its commencement. Ahmad, who described the development as sad, lamented that despite being provided with all it required, the electoral umpire failed to deliver when it mattered most. In a statement issued by the campaign office, the party expressed dismay over the postponement, which it added, had become a ‘recurring decimal’ in Nigeria, and as such does not portray the country in good light before the comity of nations." | Atiku/Obi Presidential Campaign, election postponement, INEC, Dr. AliAhmad, general elections | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/atiku-obi-campaign-dg-condemns-election-postponement.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Accord woos APC to dislodge Wike in Rivers | "The governorship candidate of Accord (A) party in the March 9 governorship election in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu Briggs, has said that his party will partner with the APC in Rivers State to boost its strength to defeat incumbent Governor Nyesom Wike. He told newsmen, yesterday, in Abuja that though Accord had the capacity to win the election on its own, the victory would be landslide if they could get the support of APC. The Supreme Court had foreclosed APC’s chances of fielding candidates in Rivers State after protracted legal battle over primaries by two factions of the party. Briggs said it would be good for the APC to join forces with Accord to facilitate the return of President Muhammadu Buhari at the centre and dislodgement of Wike in Rivers." | Accord (A) Party, governorship candidate, Dumo Lulu Briggs, Governor Nyesom Wike, Rivers State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/accord-woos-apc-to-dislodge-wike-in-rivers.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Polls shift: Change ballot papers, Waziri tells INEC | "Following the shift of last Saturday’s elections, the Waziri Hausa and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Alhaji Yakubu Gobir, has suggested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should consider a holistic change of the ballot papers to guard against rigging. Gobir, who stated this while reacting to the sudden postponement of Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, also noted that INEC’s action had shown that Nigeria’s democracy was still at its formative stage. According to him, the current democratic system in Nigeria is not only inefficient but too expensive, which “makes politicians to rely on rigging and violence to win elections.” He regretted that some political parties had spent billions of Naira to prepare for the postponed elections, saying all eyes are now on INEC as history would judge the commission based on its performance." | APC, INEC, Polls shift, Alhaji Yakubu Gobir, political parties, Kwara State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/polls-shift-change-ballot-papers-waziri-tells-inec.html |
| The Guardian.ng | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Voters, candidates stranded as airlines cancel flights | "Many voters and candidates alike in the eastern and northern parts of the country were yesterday stranded as airlines cancelled flights over poor visibility occasioned by an intensive harmattan haze.The passengers who wanted to return to Lagos and Abuja after the postponement of the presidential election did not find the joy of air travel yesterday as multiple flights to Asaba, Benin, Uyo, Enugu, Calabar, among others, were cancelled . The Guardian learnt that a lot of the stranded air passengers resorted to travel by road after hours of waiting at the airports. Air Peace, for instance, cancelled eight flights into Asaba and Benin airports. The Spokesperson of the airlines, Chris Iwarah, said the harmattan haze was intense with attendant poor visibility for aircraft operations. He explained that instead of visibility range of at least 5000ft to touchdown, Benin had 2000 and Asaba 1000, “which is very far from what we need to operate.” Besides, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) yesterday denied that flight activities were disrupted at some airports prior to Saturday which affected the distribution of election materials across some states. The agency said contrary to claims in some quarters, it never witnessed the disruption of flight, shut the airspace or planned to restrict air movement before, during and after the scheduled presidential and National Assembly elections." | Airlines cancelled flights, presidential election, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), poor visibility, Lagos, Abuja, intemnsive harmattan haze | https://guardian.ng/news/voters-candidates-stranded-as-airlines-cancel-flights/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Economy as epicenter of elections brouhaha in 2019 | "Barely 24 hours to the kick off of 2019 general elections, which were botched at the last minute, the National Bureau of Statistics said the country yearly inflation dropped to 11.37 per cent in January, down from the seven-month high it reached in December, at 11.44 per cent. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has had a running battle taming inflation numbers in nearly two years, with a mix of interest rate hike and foreign exchange management. By analysts’ estimates, the efforts have been largely successful. However, the ongoing electioneering may have something contrary for the assessed monetary policy successes by reason of the alleged monetisation of voters’ interests, long standing investors’ confidence crisis and ensuing economic management issues.Basic economics holds that increases in the money supply, arising from autonomous sources, government spending and foreign demand and growth, are naturally inflationary, ultimately pulling prices higher." | National Bureau of Statistics, 2019 general elections, Economy, Central Bank of Nigeria | https://guardian.ng/business-services/economy-as-epicenter-of-elections-brouhaha-in-2019/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Failed plans to stagger polls caused postponement, says Wike | "Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, yesterday alleged that refusal of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withhold and stager elections in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Lagos and Kwara states caused the postponement of the polls.He explained that contrary to the excuses being given members of the public, he has it on good authority that Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, was pressured by the Federal Government to postpone the election when efforts to stagger the election in those states failed. Sensing that it was going to lose the elections if they held on February 16, 2019, the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government ordered INEC to set in motion the process to staggering the exercise by withholding elections in Rivers and other strategic states like Akwa Ibom, Lagos and Kwara to some other dates. “Resistance by Chairman of INEC and international observers to the directive and the ensuing confusion affectively clogged INEC’s preparations, especially in the timely distribution of election materials to local government areas across the country,” he stated.He said in Rivers, the Federal Government deliberately refused to allow the election materials already in the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to be distributed to the 23 local government areas on the excuse that some APC members were demonstrating at the state’s INEC office." | Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, INEC, postponement, Prof mahmood Yakubu, APC | https://guardian.ng/politics/failed-plans-to-stagger-polls-caused-postponement-says-wike/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Monday, February 18, 2019 | CSO urges National Assembly probe of alleged electoral sabotage by INEC | "The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has urged the National Assembly to probe the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what it described alleged sabotage following the last-minute postponement of weekend’s polls by the agency. In a statement yesterday in Akure, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Ibrahim Musa Auwal (Rafsanjani), decried the claimed poor preparation by the electoral umpire. He said; “CISLAC is seriously perturbed by the sudden postponement of the general elections by INEC few hours to the presidential and national assembly elections.”We condemn such abrupt decision informed by deliberate abuse of independent power that may discredit subsequent position by the commission as an ‘independent body’ before national and international observers. “We are not unaware of systemic conflict of interests and questionable procurement process imbibed by the various positions in the commission, creating tendency for mutual sabotage among the three levels of appointees – National Commissioners, RECs and appointed relatives – as directors in the various departments.”" | CISLAC, Ibrahim Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, alleged electoral sabotage, INEC, National Assembly | https://guardian.ng/politics/cso-urges-national-assembly-probe-of-alleged-electoral-sabotage-by-inec/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Monday, February 18, 2019 | More corps members recount tales of abandonment by INEC | "Tales of woe by members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as ad-hoc workers nationwide for weekend’s botched elections continued yesterday.Many of the affected corps members told The Guardian that they were left helpless, having to sleep in the open, with some paying for shelter. They also claimed that their deployment was without provision for transport. Thus the abrupt shift of the elections threw them into dilemma where they had to fend for themselves.One Jonathan (surname withheld), serving in Akwa Ibom, said he traveled all by himself to Ikono Council of the state. In a telephone interview, he said: “We were over 200 corps members who came separately to the centre as ad-hoc staff on Friday evening without any assistance from INEC. “No transport allowance or accommodation was provided. They left us in an open field with no shelter, no food, but just four bags of water for over 200 corps members.” He claimed the electoral body did not address them all through the night; hence they were stranded and helpless.The corps member, currently feverish on account of the inclement weather, is in Uyo, the capital, receiving medical attention." | NYSC, corps members, INEC, ad-hoc workers, Ikono Council, Akwa Ibom, medical attention | https://guardian.ng/politics/more-corps-members-recount-tales-of-abandonment-by-inec/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Kogi women protest against violence, want guns retrieved from youths | "Women in Ihima have continued their protests against renewed political violence in Ebiraland by Kogi State All Progressives Congress (APC), urging Governor Yahaya Bello to ask his appointees to retrieve guns distributed to their youths. The protest, which started on Saturday, lasted for four hours, as the aggrieved women matched to the homes of political leaders in the area, warning them to return the guns they gave their sons “to kill themselves and cause confusion in the land.”The women alleged that Okehi Local Government Administrator, Abdulraheem Ohiare and Commissioner for Water Resources, Salami Ozigi, were responsible for the crisis that has claimed two lives. They also alleged that no fewer than 30 persons have been injured from gunshots, while 15 houses have been burnt in Obeiba axis of Ihima in Okehi Council. They threatened to continue the protests on the streets until the political leaders retrieve the guns given to their children. Speaking on behalf of the women, Hajia Abisetu, said they could not fold their hands and watch the trend in the last two months to continue, adding that they will continue until Governor Bello orders his appointees to retrieve the guns shared to their sons in Ihima. She said: “We took it upon ourselves to save our land, we went round Ihima yesterday and visited the homes of the political leaders sponsoring and distribution guns to our sons. We warn them to retrieve their guns from them so that we can have peace in Ihima.”" | Political violence, Kogi State, Governor Yahaya Bello, Okehi Local Government Area, Aggrieved women, Salami Ozigi, Abdulraheem Ohiare | https://guardian.ng/news/kogi-women-protest-against-violence-want-guns-retrieved-from-youths/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | CUPP Defies INEC, Asks Coalition Parties to Resume Campaigns | "The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has urged member parties to resume campaigns ahead of the rescheduled presidential and National Assembly elections, contrary to the directive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This is coming as the Director of Strategic Communications, All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), said that INEC has no power to suspend campaigns by political parties, having shifted the date of the presidential election. Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, while answering a question during an interactive session with stakeholders in Abuja on Saturday, said political parties were not permitted to resume campaigns despite the postponement of the February 16 elections. But in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Ikenga Ugochinyere, CUPP directed member parties to continue campaigns from today (Monday) and focus on voter re-mobilisation to ensure that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is elected and declared winner of the presidential election. He said: “In view of the provisions of Section 99 of the Electoral Act , the over 51-member parties of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) hereby direct all members to return to the campaign fields and recommence campaigns and end by midnight of Thursday, February 21, 2019 as required by law.” “Section 99(1) of the Electoral Act provides that public campaigns shall end 24 hours prior to the day of polling. It is therefore wrong to expect that political parties will stop campaigns on 14th February for Polls that will open on 23rd February.”" | Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), INEC, Presidential and National Assembly Elections, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), Campaigns | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/18/cupp-defies-inec-asks-coalition-parties-to-resume-campaigns/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Botched Poll: We Did Our Best for INEC, Say Military, Police | "Nigeria’s security agencies: the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Army, who are members of the Logistics Committee, set up by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the general election, have explained their roles in the postponement of the presidential and National Assembly elections last Saturday. The Logistics Committee was charged with the responsibility of facilitating the distribution of election’s materials on or before the Election Day. Insiders in the INEC Headquarters in Abuja also spoke with THISDAY yesterday relating the commission’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s, resistance to attempt to stagger the election. Yakubu, while addressing a press conference on Saturday, cited ‘’logistics problems’’ as reason for the deferment of the presidential election to February 23, while the governorship and state House of Assembly was fixed for March 9. However, explaining its role in the election, the Nigeria Police Force said yesterday that it did what was expected of it to ensure smooth conduct of the election, exonerating the force from any blame." | Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Airforce, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, INEC, election's materials, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/18/botched-poll-we-did-our-best-for-inec-say-military-police/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | Elections Postponement: APC Only Delaying Evil Day, Says Ortom | "Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was only buying additional time before their defeat by forcing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the presidential and National Assembly elections. The governor who spoke yesterday in Makurdi, Benue State capital, while reacting to the rescheduling of the elections by one week, said if INEC shifted the polls to any date, Nigerians would still reject APC. He stated that the postponement was planned as evidenced in the statement credited to the leader of the APC in the state, Senator George Akume, that they would cause the election to be postponed and write results. Ortom described the development as unfortunate, saying for INEC to postpone the elections that it took more than three years to plan, just a few hours to the commencement of voting when people had travelled from far places to exercise their franchise, was a rape of democracy. He stated that the action was a grand plan by the APC-led federal government to rig the elections, noting however that Benue State and North-central in general, are vigilant and would not allow any form of rigging during the polls." | Benue State, Governor Samuel Ortom, APC, INEC, PDP, Elections Postponement | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/18/elections-postponement-apc-only-delaying-evil-day-says-ortom/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Monday, February 18, 2019 | APGA, PDP Row over Alleged Plot by APC to Rig Abia Elections | "The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA), yesterday alleged that it has uncovered a grand plot hatched by the governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu and his ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rig the 2019 polls. State chairman of APGA, Rev Augustine Ehiemere, raised the alarm at a press conference in Umuahia during which he listed the various strategies already hatched by the ruling party to subvert the will of Abia people in the forthcoming polls. In the 2015 poll APGA had won 11 seats in the 24 member House of Assembly and still holds the belief that its governorship candidate, Mr. Alex Otti had won the election but his mandate was stolen by the ruling party. Ehiemere, whose prepared statement was read by his deputy, Chief Chima Onyekwere, said that the ruling party would have started implementing its rigging arranging last Saturday if not that the presidential and federal parliamentary poll were postponed by INEC." | APGA, APC, PDP, Rev Augustine Ehiemere, Mr Alex Otti, Chief Chima Onyekwere, House of Assembly | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/18/apga-pdp-row-over-alleged-plot-by-apc-to-rig-abia-elections/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | States budgeted N12tr for salaries in 4 years | "The 36 States of the federation have budgeted about N12 trillion for workers’ salaries, allowances, overheads and pensions in the last four years, according to Daily Trust investigations. Despite these huge budgetary allocations, about 15 states across the country are still owing their workers months of salary arrears and pensions. Since 2015, the Federal Government had released about N1.8 trillion as a bailout to the states to enable them to pay salaries. President Muhammadu Buhari, in a recent interview with the Hausa Service of Voice of America, urged Nigerians not to support governors owing workers and pensioners during next elections." | 36 States, workers' salaries, allowances, overheads, pensions, Federal Government | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/states-budgeted-n12tr-for-salaries-in-4-years.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Gunmen kill senator’s sister, 25 others in Zamfara | "Gunmen killed Senator Kabiru Marafa’s elder sister, Hajia Ade Marafa and 14 others in attacks on seven villages in Mada district of Gusau local government area of Zamfara State. Bandits also reportedly killed 11 persons and set several houses ablaze in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of the state. The spokesman of the state police command, Muhammad Shehu, in a statement yesterday, said the attacks on Mada district were presumably reprisals to the attacks on some Fulanis on board a J5 Vehicle last Friday where seven Fulanis and their animals were killed and set ablaze by an outlawed group of “Yansakai”. He, however, said normalcy had been restored to the affected villages with improved deployment of security operatives to the area to forestall further attack on neighbouring villages." | Gunmen, Senator Kabiru Marafa' s edler sister, Zamfara State, Yansakai, Mada district, security operatives | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/gunmen-kill-senators-sister-25-others-in-zamfara.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Buhari: We should learn from those who failed to get third term | "President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that he is only seeking a second term in office and not a third term like some people did. Buhari said this while speaking with Ondo State Council of Obas in Akure, ahead of his reelection campaign in the state. The comments were seen as taking a dig at-President Olusegun Obasanjo who reportedly sought for third term but failed to actualize it. In his Twitter handle, Tolu Ogunlesi, the Special Assistant on Digital/New Media, quoted the president as saying, “We have just finished one term and are seeking a second one. After that, the constitution doesn’t permit any more.”" | Buhari, second term, third term, Obasanjo, Tolu Ogunlesi | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/buhari-we-should-learn-from-those-who-failed-to-get-third-term.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | 2019: Police tasked on prompt response to distress calls | "Ahead of the forthcoming general elections, civil society organisations and youths activists in Bauchi State have appealed to the police to respond promptly to distress calls by voters, election officials and observers. Bauchi State Coordinator of ‘Vote Not Fight Campaign’, Muhammad Auwal Adamu, made the call yesterday during a courtesy visit to the state police command and the INEC secretariat. He urged the police to be fair and neutral in the discharge of their responsibilities during the elections and prosecute electoral offenders. He also called for the training of police officers on how to be more civil and allow voters to exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation or restriction during the exercise." | Forthcoming general elections, election officials, observers, Muhammad Auwal Adamu, Vote Not Fight Campaign, INEC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-police-tasked-on-prompt-response-to-distress-calls.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Atiku promises completion of Mambilla Project | "The presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, promised to complete the Mambilla Hydro-Power project if elected. Atiku made the promise during a campaign rally in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. He said the current administration was paying lip service to the project and had failed to pay compensation to the people, let alone mobilise contractors to site, also promising to pay attention to federal roads in the state. He stressed the need for all security agencies to remain neutral and provide a level playing field for all participants to avoid a chaotic situation." | PDP, Atiku, Mambilla Project, Taraba State, federal roads | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/atiku-promises-completion-of-mambilla-project.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Aside Buhari, vote candidates of your choice – Lagos APC faction | "The factional chapter of the APC in Lagos State has told its members that aside voting for President Muhammadu Buhari they have the liberty of voting other candidates of their choice irrespective of political party. At a rally for the re-election of President Buhari held at the Alimosho area of Lagos State, the factional Chairman of the party, Fouad Oki, said the dispute between his faction and the other had been taken to court, saying the court would resolve all the grey areas. He said, “Initially, they (the other faction) thought we can’t go this far. They said we will soon peter off. But to their surprise, we have been waxing stronger. And we know that at the end of the day, the court will grant us victory. “Of course, the coming election of President Buhari and Prof. Osinbajo is the one bringing us together.""" | Lagos APC faction, Buhari, Alimosho, Lagos State, Fouad Oki, political party | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/aside-buhari-vote-candidates-of-your-choice-lagos-apc-faction.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Sokoto information commissioner defects to APC | "Sokoto State Commissioner of Information and Chairman of PDP Publicity Committee, Gubernatorial Campaign Council, Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was however immediately relieved of his appointment by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal “for sabotaging the state government’s efforts.” A statement by the state government directed the permanent secretary in the ministry to take over. Goronyo announced his defection during a APC governorship rally in Wamakko Local Government Area about the time the ruling PDP in the state was holding a mega rally at the hometown of Governor Tambuwal. He said at the event, “I am back into the fold of the APC. Senator [Aliyu Magatakarda] Wamakko is my able and dependable father. He is a just, honest and transparent leader. “This day is very historic for myself, my family and all my political associates. I have admitted making mistakes, but I should be forgiven.""" | Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo, APC, Sokoto State, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Senator Wamakko | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/sokoto-information-commissioner-defects-to-apc.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | We will probe OBJ over $16bn power projects – KOWA party | "The presidential candidate of KOWA Party, Sina Fagbenro-Byron, has vowed to set up an independent body of investigators with specific powers to reopen the alleged missing $16 billion meant for electricity projects during the government of a former President, Olusegun Obasanjo. Byron said the committee would also check all reports of corruption in the electricity sector to ensure effective prosecution." | KOWA party, Sina Fagbenro-Byron, power projects, Obasanjo | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/we-will-probe-obj-over-16bn-power-projects-kowa-party.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Elections: Rep Dukku sensitises Traditional rulers | "A Member of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Aishatu Jibril Dukku, has organised a sensitisation and capacity building workshop for traditional rulers and community leaders on the need to ensure peace in their domains during the polls. Speaking to the traditional rulers in Dukku town during the workshop, she harped on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) ahead of the 2019 elections. Aishatu Dukku who represents Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, said the workshop was organised to bring the traditional rulers together to enhance peaceful coexistence in the society." | House of Representatives, Hajiya Aishatu Jibril Dukku, Traditional rulers, 2019 elections, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/elections-rep-dukku-sensitises-traditional-rulers.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Katsina: Gov Masari, Lado, others sign peace accord | "The Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, and other gubernatorial candidates have signed a peace accord towards hitch-free elections in the state. Gov. Masari who is the APC flag bearer, Yakubu Lado of the PDP and 18 other candidates signed the peace accord in Katsina. The AIG of Zone I, Kano, Dan Bature, said the police and other security agencies would ensure the elections were rancour-free and therefore urged all to follow laid downs rules and regulations as stipulated in the Electoral Act. The state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Wakili, said, “This is a good forum for peace at the polls. Katsina should be a pacesetter by playing politics with decorum. This is to promote peace irrespective of political difference among us.”" | Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, Yakubu Lado, APC, PDP, peace accord, political difference | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/katsina-gov-masari-lado-others-sign-peace-accord.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Yobe gov’ship: Late senator’s supporters endorse APC’s Mala Buni | "Thousands of political supporters and allies of late Sen. Usman Albishir have endorsed the APC governorship candidate in Yobe State, Mai Mala Mala Buni. This was disclosed by the leader of the Albishir political camp and Nguru-born businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Abdullahi Balarabe. Alhaji Balarabe said the entire political camp of the late senator would be received at a rally scheduled for Thursday in Nguru. The event, which is expected to have the Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, in attendance, will see Buni formally receiving Balarabe, as well as thousands of Albishir’s core political allies." | Late Sen. Usman Albishir, Mai Mala Mala Buni, Yobe State, Alhaji Abdullahi Balarabe | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/yobe-govship-late-senators-supporters-endorse-apcs-mala-buni.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | 70% of Nigerians yet to decide on who to vote – PT candidate | "The presidential candidate of the Peoples Trust (PT), Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has said about 70 per cent of Nigerians are yet to decide on who to vote as president. Mr. Olawepo-Hashim, however, said his party was willing to form a government of national unity and so his party should be voted into power. He said both the ruling APC the PDP had failed Nigerians, but that his government would create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths and ensure rapid economic development. In a statement yesterday, Olawepo-Hashim said he would not step down for any candidate of the two “big parties” and advised eligible voters to secure their future by voting wisely during the polls." | Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, Peoples Trust (PT), Nigerians, big parties, eligible voters, APC, PDP | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/70-of-nigerians-yet-to-decide-on-who-to-vote-pt-candidate.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Why Plateau must reject PDP – Lalong | "The Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, has called on the people of the state to reject the PDP and its candidates. Speaking during his Plateau South Senatorial District campaign rally at the Central Stadium in Shendam Local Government Area, Lalong, who is seeking a second term, said his administration inherited unpaid salaries, insecurity and maladministration from the previous administration which left the state more divided than united. The governor commended the people for coming out en masse to receive President Buhari during the presidential rally in Jos, the state capital, adding that to cap it up, they should come out to vote massively for the president and all APC candidates during the general elections. “Today some people are saying that they will bring a retired general to come and fix the security of the state. You should reject them because it was the PDP that brought the insecurity, hunger and religious war in the state. We should not go back to the dark days,” he said." | Governor Simon Bako Lalong, Plateau State, APC, PDP, Shendam Local Government Area, second term | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/why-plateau-must-reject-pdp-lalong.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | No alternative to Buhari – Sen Shuaibu | "The National Coordinator of a political group, Forward With Buhari (FWB), Sen. Lawali Shuaibu, has said there is no alternative to President Muhammadu Buhari. The group is an independent campaign organisation initiated by the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and Governor of Zamfara State, Alh. Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari. Sen. Shuaibu, who said the campaign organisation comprised mostly of youths, mobilisers, sensitisers and grassroots canvassers, had embarked on an intensive grassroots campaign across the geo-political zones in the country. He said the group which kick-started its road show from Lagos State had been to Edo and Zamfara States, adding that the next stop for the road show would be Kano State." | Forward With Buhari (FWB), Sen. Lawali Shuaibu, NGF, Lagos State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/no-alternative-to-buhari-sen-shuaibu.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | PDP coming back to restore what APC destroyed – Peter Obi | "The vice presidential candidate of the PDP, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that his party is coming back to restore Nigeria to its glory destroyed by the present APC administration. Mr. Obi who spoke to journalists yesterday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, said the present government had destroyed the country and that therefore voting the APC back would amount to prolonging suffering in the land. “About 90 million are poor; that is half of the population, and about 21 million youths are unemployed. Nobody is happy with the situation in the country today and any person that is happy with the situation is not a normal human being,” he said." | PDP, APC, Mr. Peter Obi, Awka, suffering, 21 million youths are unemployed | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pdp-coming-back-to-restore-what-apc-destroyed-peter-obi.html |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Obasanjo, a beneficiary of rigged polls, says Tinubu | "The national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, yesterday described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a beneficiary of rigged elections.At the party’s presidential rally in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Tinubu alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under former Obasanjo, rigged elections in its favour in 2003 and 2007. Tinubu, who said the PDP was crying wolf about rigging in the forthcoming polls because it lacked capacity to win, added that Obasanjo who was among those raising the allegation benefitted from manipulated elections in the past. He implored the people to vote and prevent their votes from being stolen by the PDP. At the rally, President Muhammadu Buhari appealed to Nigerians to consider him for second term in office, saying he had fulfilled all his electoral promises he made while seeking office in 2015. Buhari, who claimed victory in the anti-corruption crusade and other development projects embarked upon by his administration, said his scorecard made him deserve reelection." | APC, Bola Tinubu, Obasanjo, rigged poll, Buhari, forthcoming polls | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/obasanjo-a-beneficiary-of-rigged-polls-says-tinubu/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Ekiti PDP berates Buhari over claim of assuming office in 2005 | "For referring to the year he assumed office as 2005 instead of 2015, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has described another gaffe by President Muhammadu Buhari’s as a national disgrace and embarrassment. The party said those still rooting for Buhari’s reelection in spite of his clear demonstration of lack of intellectual capacity, were enemies of Nigeria and its citizens. Director of Media and Publicity, Atiku/Obi PDP Presidential Campaign Council in Ekiti State, Lere Olayinka, said in a statement yesterday that Nigerians should ask leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) how a man who could no longer remember when he assumed office should continue to preside over a country of over 200 million people.The President had said in Ado-Ekiti yesterday that, “I assure you that we are conscious of the promises we made when we came into office in 2005.” Olayinka, who said he was sure those still supporting President Buhari will never pray that God should give their children his kind of brain, stressed that the only reason the cabal running the country wants him (Buhari) to remain in office was to guarantee their 2023 presidential ambition and access to the national treasury." | PDP, Ekiti State, APC, Buhari, Lere Olayinks, Atiku/Obi, 2023 presidential ambition | https://guardian.ng/politics/ekiti-pdp-berates-buhari-over-claim-of-assuming-office-in-2005/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | El-Rufai desperate to rig Kaduna elections with vigilantes, CUPP alleges | "The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has alleged that Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai plans to manipulate the forthcoming elections in the state. Chairman of CUPP, Umar Ibrahim Mairakumi, made this known at a media briefing in Kaduna yesterday, alleging that he plans to use the Kaduna State Local Government Safety and Emergency Management Volunteers to achieve his aim.He hinted that the governor is working hard to obtain approval from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and influence the Kaduna State Police Command to accept the Kaduna Vigilante Services otherwise known as ‘Kato da Gora’, as part of the security team for the polls. “Governor El-Rufai, in his desperation to manipulate the elections, recently inaugurated a new security outfit in the guise of Kaduna State Local Government Safety and Emergency Management Volunteers, which he intends to use as polling units guards,” he said." | Coalition of Political Parties (CUPP), Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, INEC, Kato da Gora, vigilantes, Umar Ibrahim Mairakumi | https://guardian.ng/politics/el-rufai-desperate-to-rig-kaduna-elections-with-vigilantes-cupp-alleges/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Pressure won’t make me compromise polls, says Oyo State REC | "The Oyo State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to conduct free, fair and credible polls. Speaking at a media briefing in Ibadan yesterday, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mutiu Agboke, insisted that no amount of pressure would make him compromise the outcome of the elections. He, however, disclosed that he had not been under any pressure to sell Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) contrary to a media report, which insinuated that politicians approached him to sell PVCs to them.He maintained that he would never sell uncollected PVCs, saying all uncollected cards would be retrieved from local governments and kept in custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Agboke revealed that 2,116,229 PVCs have so far been collected, 846, 417 PVCs left uncollected, while the total number of registered voters in the state hit 2,943,107. According to him, the use of PVCs and Smart Card Readers remain the game changer, the commission has a total of 7,336 SCRs available of which 6,390 SCRs will be required for 6,390 polling units in the state.He also disclosed that 42 candidates and political parties are expected to participate in the governorship election." | INEC, Mutiu Agboke, Cnetral Bank of Nigeria (CBN), uncollected PVCs, Smart Card Readers | https://guardian.ng/politics/pressure-wont-make-me-compromise-polls-says-oyo-state-rec/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Two injured in Delta as PDP tackles APC on violence against members | "Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that suspected hoodlums of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Central Senatorial district attacked their members. The party said one person each from both parties was injured and presently receiving treatment, a development that was confirmed by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Andrew Aniamaka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Ifeanyi Osuoza, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Guardian yesterday in Asaba. “Our attention has been drawn to unprovoked violence, harassment, intimidation, and brutalisation of peaceful, law-abiding Delta people who are performing their civic responsibilities of campaigning for their party ahead of the general elections.“We have particularly noted with great concern, the deliberate and unbridled attacks on our members, especially in Abraka, Uvwie and Ughelli/Orogun axis, by persons suspected to be agents and loyalists of two prominent political figures, who incidentally belong to the APC,” the statement reads." | Delta State, PDP, APC, Andrew Aniamaka, Ifeanyi Osuoza, general elections, political figures, violence | https://guardian.ng/politics/two-injured-in-delta-as-pdp-tackles-apc-on-violence-against-members/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Moghalu urges Igbo to break away from second fiddle position | "Presidential candidate of Young Progressives Party (YPP), Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, has counseled Igbo to liberate themselves from playing the position of vice president in Nigerian politis.He spoke at Aba, Abia State during a rally targeted at Ariaria Market Traders, where he took his campaign yesterday. Moghalu urged the Igbo not to accept that it is not their turn to lead this country, adding that Igbo are better equipped to lead Nigeria, even though election is a contest where the winner is decided and chosen by God. The YPP candidate promised that if elected, his government would increase government spending on science, technology and innovation, and utilise them as strategic national priorities.He added that he would encourage effective youth participation in the democratic process to encourage regenerative and intergenerational leadership.He promised to “protect the nation’s intellectual property to motivate and reward innovation, effect a constitutional restructuring of Nigeria, along geopolitical lines." | Young Progressives Party (YPP), Prof.Kingsley Moghalu, Abia State, geopolitical lines, youth participation, Igbo, second fiddle, Nigeria | https://guardian.ng/politics/moghalu-urges-igbo-to-break-away-from-second-fiddle-position/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Groups hold ‘Votes Not Fight’ campaign in Kano, Kaduna, urge police neutrality | "A coalition of civil society groups and youths organisations yesterday in Kano and Kaduna states staged peaceful walk against political violence before, during and after the elections.The campaigners in Kano, whose subject was ‘Vote Not Fight” carried placards with various inscriptions as “Election no be war,” “Vote don’t fight,” “Say no to election violence, no to election rigging.” They commenced the movement from Murtala Mohammad Way and terminated it at Bompai headquarters of Kano Police Command. Delivering their protest message to the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Yusuf, coordinator of the groups, Maryam Garba, said the peaceful walk was essentially targeted against the use of youths for political violence.Responding, Yusuf assured that the police would arrest and prosecute any electoral offender, adding that no body is above the law. The coordinator lamented that Nigerian youths had been rendered irrelevant due to high rate of unemployment, only to be used as tools in the hands of politicians to perpetrate electoral malpractice." | Votes Not Fight, Kano Kaduna, Murtala Mohammad Way, Rabiu Yusuf, political violence, Maryam Garba | https://guardian.ng/politics/groups-hold-votes-not-fight-campaign-in-kano-kaduna-urge-police-neutrality/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | NBC cautions broadcast stations against hate speech | "Director General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Is’haq Modibo Kawu, has asked stations to refrain from broadcasting hate speeches and inciting comments. Speaking at a two-day workshop on political broadcast in Lagos yesterday, he said being professionals would ensure the consolidation of democracy, adding that the role of the media is central to the success of democracy. According to him, the broadcaster is always on trial, hence stations should engage veterans to assist in training and mentoring the upcoming ones to prevent experiential gap. The theme of the forum was: “The media coverage of 2015 elections, challenges, regulatory framework and the way forward for a credible 2019 elections.”In a communiqué after the workshop, participants agreed that there is a strong need for regulation, noting that NBC must engage station owners to allow broadcasters carry out their roles professionally. The stakeholders advised that all stories must be facts-checked before going to press, while Advertising Standards Panel must vet political adverts. Former NBC Director General, Danladi Bako, advocated ethical reorientation towards ensuring that election results are verified before going to press." | National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Is' haq Modibo Kawu, 2015 elections, 2019 elections, Danladi Bako, hate speech, broadcast stations | https://guardian.ng/news/nbc-cautions-broadcast-stations-against-hate-speech/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | NBM canvasses free, fair, credible polls | "The Neo-Black Movement of Africa (NBM of Africa) has called on the Federal Government to conduct credible and non-violent elections.The non-governmental organisation (NGO) urged Nigerians to fully participate in the exercise and demand hitch-free polls from government. In a statement, the movement’s President, Chief Felix Kupa, said: “It is known and constitutionally established that Nigeria, as a nation, operates a democratic system of government. But most of her citizens still feel otherwise as a result of ugly happenings that tend to infringe on their rights.”He noted that elections were to promote stability and peaceful transfer of power, adding that it could, however, become divisive if the process lacks professionalism, transparency and integrity. Kupa appealed to the electorate and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adhere to extant guidelines and laws. The NBM chief stressed: “In defence of our democracy, Nigerians should stand up in exercising their fundamental human rights by fully participating in the entire electoral process.“Any form of violence must not be encouraged before, during and after the exercise, as it would engender disunity and further impede the development of the society.”" | Neo-black Movement of Africa (NBM of Africa), non-violent elections, NGO, hitch-free polls, Chief Felix Kupa, INEC, democratic system | https://guardian.ng/politics/nbm-canvasses-free-fair-credible-polls/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Onnoghen Hints at Agric as Source of His Wealth | "The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, continued his battle for survival yesterday, hinting at agriculture as the source of his wealth with a petition to the acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, over alleged threat to the lives of workers on his farm in Masaka, Nasarawa State. Onnoghen was suspended a couple of weeks ago by President Muhammadu Buhari and has a February 13 date with the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), where he is being arraigned for alleged asset declaration offences. He has, however, asked the CCT Chairman, Mr. Danladi Umar, to stand down from the panel of three on the grounds of likelihood of bias. In an apparent bid to force the CJN out of office, the federal government had acted speedily on a petition by a non-governmental organisation alleging that the apex court justice had failed to declare his assets fully, complaining that he failed to disclose some domiciliary accounts habouring huge forex. Few days later, the media was awash with details of the said hidden accounts with insinuation that the hefty cash could be proceed of illicit transactions. In a nationwide broadcast, the president complained that while he was being upbraided for unlawfully suspending the CJN, no one was talking about the funds found in Onnoghen’s account." | Justice Walter Onnoghen, Agriculture, Nasarawa State, Mr. Danladi Umar, CCT | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/06/onnoghen-hints-at-agric-as-source-of-his-wealth/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | PDP Suspends Zamfara Campaign over Fresh Attacks | "The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State has suspended its governorship campaign, following fresh attacks on some communities in the state on Monday by armed bandits. The party’s governorship candidate, Mr. Bello Matawalle, announced the decision at a news briefing in Gusau yesterday. Seven soldiers and 14 civilians were killed by rampaging bandits in the state while terrorists killed three civilians in Adamawa when they attacked some towns, including Shuwa and Madagali Local Government Areas. Matawalle said, “I want to announce that I have suspended all my campaign programmes due to the renewed rising bandits’ activities in the state. “I also wish to call on the government and security agencies to come up with practical measures that will adequately bring the bandits’ activities to an end.” The PDP candidate, who expressed concern over the attacks, lamented that the situation was now taking a new dimension, where victims were particularly identified before being either killed, kidnapped or maimed. However, an eyewitness of the killings, Mr. Usman Makama, said the hoodlums attacked the village head’s house, where they killed one of his wives before moving into the village." | PDP, Zamfara Campaign, fresh attacks, Mr. Bello Matawalle, Shuwa, Madagali, Mr. Usman Makama, hoodlums, security agencies | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/06/pdp-suspends-zamfara-campaign-over-fresh-attacks/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Saraki: With Pan-Nigerian Endorsement, Atiku Now Unstoppable | "Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday expressed confidence that with the multiple endorsement of his party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, by a coalition of Pan-Nigerian political and socio-cultural groups, victory in the impending February 16 election is on the horizon. Saraki also referred to the results of scientific polls by a couple of credible polling agencies and institutions, including the London Economist Intelligence Unit and the William and Associates team, saying it has become obvious that Atiku is coasting home to victory. The Senate president spoke while reacting to the joint endorsement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Pan-Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum (MBF) and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and said it was an incontrovertible validation of the results of the scientific polls tipping Atiku to win. Saraki, who is also the Director-General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, in a statement in Ilorin, Kwara State, stated that Atiku’s victory is now unstoppable." | Senate President Bukola Saraki, multiple edorsement, Atiku, February 16 election, PDP, PANDEF, MBF, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Kwara State | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/06/saraki-with-pan-nigerian-endorsement-atiku-now-unstoppable/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Court Sacks Eze, Declares Ogara as Enugu APC Governorship Candidate | "Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court yesterday declared George Ogara as the authentic governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State. Ogara had instituted a legal action at the court challenging the emergence of Senator Ayogu Eze as the APC governorship candidate for the 2019 general election. Other defendants in the suit are the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole; Prof Moses Momoh and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Delivering judgment in the suit, Justice Ekwo ordered the APC to forward the name of Ogara to INEC as the governorship candidate of the APC in Enugu State, having scored the highest votes in the 270 wards of the 17 local government areas of the state. Justice Ekwo in the judgement asked the electoral body to recognise Ogara as the candidate of the APC for the purpose of 2019 governorship election in the state." | Justice Inyang Ekwo, Senator Ayogu Eze, APC, authentic governorship candidate, Enugu State, 2019 governorship election | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/06/court-sacks-eze-declares-ogara-as-enugu-apc-governorship-candidate/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Impunity Has Taken over Nigeria, Soyinka Cries Out | "Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, yesterday expressed concern on how impunity has taken over the country. In a statement entitled: ‘Trivialise Corruption, Neutralise Justice,’ he took a swipe at some members of the judiciary and blamed politicians for the rate of impunity. “The reign of impunity will prevail as long as the legal community continues to betray its calling, its oath of office, even its rites of professional collegiality and its responsibility to the rest of us,” Soyinka said. He added, “It is disappointing that even under a government that promised to dust up the files of political murders and end that reign of homicidal impunity, the Association has not thought fit to demand from the Buhari government its findings.” According to the Nobel Laureate, impunity covers all crimes including material corruption and any social or governance institution which fails to stem the tide of criminality flings open the channels of impunity. He accused President Muhammadu Buhari of applying what he described as “hands-off approach” to the menace of killings by herdsmen in parts of the country. Soyinka further criticised some members of the judiciary for their roles in recent events in the country, particularly the trial of Justice Walter Onnoghen." | Professor Wole Soyinka, homicidal impunity, Buhari, Justice Walter Onnoghen, political murders | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/06/impunity-has-taken-over-nigeria-soyinka-cries-out/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Imo Professionals Back Araraume’s Governorship Bid | "Imo Professionals Group (IPG), a group made up of professionals across different sectors, has appealed to the people of Imo State to use the coming general election to begin to address myriads of socio-political and economic crises confronting the state by electing a good administrator – with both private and public sectors technical know-how, who treats all people with the same respect and fairness and does not play favourites. In a communique signed by the president of the group, Dr. Emmanuel Nwosu, after the members’ meeting in Owerri, the state capital, the professionals said though the state has sons and daughters who are aspiring to be the next governor of the state, the group had seen very pronounced traits of a good administrator in Senator Ifeanyi Araraume. The group advised the people to put the state’s interest above their personal interests by rallying around him in the coming governorship election." | Imo Professional Group (IPG), general elections, Dr. Emmanuel Nwosu, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, governorship election | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/06/imo-professionals-back-araraumes-governorship-bid/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | North-east Students Endorse Buhari | "A group of Northern students under the aegis of Students Movement for the Actualisation of Buhari 2019 has endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for reelection in the February 16, 2019, election and all the APC governorship standard bearers in the North-east region. The group took the position during a solidarity rally organised yesterday at the multipurpose sports hall in Bauchi. Speaking during the event, the National President of the group, Abdullahi Yunusa Sangei, said the students of the North-east region have seen the need to come up with a movement to mobilise support for Buhari in view of the leadership qualities of the president who they said had made remarkable achievements in the area of security, education, agriculture, youth empowerment among others. He said the students in the region have now united with one voice on the candidature of President Buhari as the general election draws nearer, adding that it is expedient for Nigerians to sustain the developmental efforts of the APC led administration." | Northern students, Buhari, North-East region, general elections, Abdullahi Yunusa Sangei, Bauchi | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/06/north-east-students-endorse-buhari/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | Political violence rocks Kogi, Oyo, Delta states | "Parts of Kogi, Delta, Oyo and Lagos states were rocked by political violence yesterday, leaving at least seven people dead and many others injured, Daily Trust reports. In Sokoto State, the Nigerian Army yesterday paraded political thugs and the dangerous weapons allegedly recovered from them. Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman said in a statement yesterday that the troops on Exercise Egwu Eke III, in conjunction with other security agencies, arrested the suspects during a joint stop and search patrol with other security agencies on Saturday along Illela-Danfulani-Gwadabawa road. He said 16 persons believed to be political thugs were arrested with dangerous weapons including 27 axes and 16 customised sticks." | Kogi, Delta, Lagos, political violence, Sokoto, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/political-violence-rocks-kogi-oyo-delta-states.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 4, 2019Monday, February 4, 2019 | CCT resumes Onnoghen’s trial today | "The trial of the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Samuel Onnoghen over non-declaration of assets will resume at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) today in Abuja. The tribunal adjourned indefinitely last week following a ruling by the Court of Appeal directing the CCT to suspend trial pending the determination of an application for stay of proceedings filed by the embattled CJN. However, the appellate court in a unanimous decision on Wednesday declined to order a stay, citing the decision of the Supreme Court in Saraki vs the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2017. Following the Court of Appeal ruling, the CCT, set today for the resumption of hearing of the case." | Justice Walter Onnoghen, Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Court of Appeal, Supreme Court | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/cct-resumes-onnoghens-trial-today.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | INEC office burnt in Abia | "The police have confirmed the burning of the office of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State, with many Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) destroyed in the fire. The Abia Police Public Relations Officer, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Aba on Sunday, that the fire occurred on Saturday night. He said that information available to the police showed that the fire started from the toilet and extended to the office, where the PVCs were stored. The police spokesman said that some of the PVCs were already destroyed before the fire was eventually put out on Sunday morning." | INEC, Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area, Abia State, PVCs, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-office-burnt-in-abia.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | Presidency to Atiku Abubakar: Your defeat inevitable in spite endorsement by groups | "The Presidency on Sunday night described as irrelevant the reported endorsement of the People’s Democratic Party presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in the Feb. 16 general elections by some socio-cultural groups in the country. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that five socio-cultural groups including the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Middle Belt Forum (MBF) had on Sunday endorsed PDP presidential candidate for the forthcoming presidential candidate. But, presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement in Abuja, dismissed the position of the groups, saying that the PDP was only hiding in the bunker of ethnicity to avoid its inevitable defeat." | Atiku, Presidency, NEF, Afenifere, Ohaneze Ndigbo, PANDEF, Middle Belf Forum (MBF), Malam Garba Shehu | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/presidency-to-atiku-abubakar-your-defeat-inevitable-in-spite-endorsement-by-groups.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | #Elections: Aisha Buhari, women campaign team meets to re-strategise | "Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, has met with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women and Youths (WAY) Presidential Campaign team to re-strategise for the success of President Muhammadu Buhari in the forthcoming presidential election. The meeting which held at the Presidential Villa on Sunday night in Abuja had in attendance the Chairman of Central Working Committee of APC women and youths, retired Gen. Buba Marwa, among others. Mrs Buhari commended the efforts of the campaign team in galvanising support for the re-election of President Buhari. She also expressed her gratitude to the team for embarking on a door-to-door campaign strategy by informing Nigerians on the success recorded by the APC administration, especially in the agricultural sector and the fight against insurgency." | Aisha uhari, APC, Buhari, forthcoming presidential election, retired Gen Buba Marwa, campaign team | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/elections-aisha-buhari-women-campaign-team-meets-to-re-strategise.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | Elections: Army assures of security | "The military says it is ready to provide security for the conduct of the 2019 general elections. Speaking at the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Nigerian Army Training Centre and 311 Artillery Regiment combined West African Social Activities in Kontogora at the weekend, the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major-General Mohammed Mohammed, asked officers and men to remain apolitical throughout the election period. He said: “Bearing in mind that we have less than 14 days to the presidential election, our mandate and the Nigerian Army is to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections wherever our troops are. “We are going to be providing support role to the civil security agencies, to ensure that they discharge their responsibility in an environment that is conducive for every Nigerian to come out and perform his or her civic responsibility.”" | Nigerian Army, 2019 general elections, Major-General Mohammed Mohammed, civil security agencies | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/elections-army-assures-of-security.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | Media must be vigilant ahead of polls – Prof. Alkali | "The former political adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, has urged media to be vigilant by being on the side of the people as the country moves towards the coming general elections. Prof. Alkali, who spoke yesterday in Abuja when he paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of Media Trust Limited, the publishers of Daily Trust titles, said the media were central to the evolution of modern democracy in Nigeria. The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Gombe State, who hailed the role being played by Daily Trust newspaper, said his decision not to start campaigns early was to avoid distracting the incumbent government." | Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, Social Democratic Party (SDP), Gombe State, governorahip candidate | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/media-must-be-vigilant-ahead-of-polls-prof-alkali.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | Buhari’s endorsement of Ganduje campaign for PDP – Kwankwaso | "Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, yesterday, described the recent endorsement of Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s second gubernatorial bid by President Muhammadu Buhari during his presidential campaign visit to Kano State as added advantage to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. Speaking during a two-hour programme on a local radio station in the state, Kwankwaso, a serving Senator representing Kano Central, stated that with all the circumstances surrounding the candidature of Gov. Ganduje, Buhari’s endorsement was a big mistake. “For those that genuinely love Mr. President, the endorsement was seen as a mistake, and I strongly believe that it was a mistake. “However, for us in the PDP, President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Kano State and his endorsement of his party’s gubernatorial candidate was a big campaign for us; go round and sample views, you will understand what I am saying,” Kwankwaso said." | Sneator Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, Buhari, APC, PDP, Ganduje, Kano State, gubernatorial candidate | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/buharis-endorsement-of-ganduje-campaign-for-pdp-kwankwaso.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | Impeachment: Tinubu, others resolve Ambode, lawmakers’ face off | "The National Leader of the APC, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu and prominent chieftains of the party in Lagos State have waded into the face off between Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode and the House of Assembly. The intervention put to an end a move aimed at impeaching the governor. In a statement made available to journalists in Lagos by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Tunde Rahman, Tinubu said the differences between the two arms of government were said to have been resolved at a special Governor’s Advisory Committee (GAC) meeting held yesterday in Marina, Lagos. GAC is the highest and most powerful council within the Lagos State chapter of the APC." | Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC, Lagos State House of Assembly, Ambode, impeachment, Governor's Advisory Committee (GAC) | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/impeachment-tinubu-others-resolve-ambode-lawmakers-face-off.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | 981 candidates for 27 Imo assembly seats | "No fewer than 981 candidates are jostling for the 27 seats available in the Imo State House of Assembly. The list of candidates was among those displayed by the INEC. In the list, Mbaitoli and Ikeduru constituencies have the highest candidates, with 45, while Njaba is the least with 32. Following Mbaitoli is Isiala Mbano with 42, Ehime Mbano with 40, Ngor Okpala, 39, while Ezinihitte and Oguta have 38 candidates apiece." | Imo State House of Assembly, INEC, Mbaitoli, Isiala Mbano, Oguta | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/981-candidates-for-27-imo-assembly-seats.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | Bauchi under obligation to vote Buhari – Gov Mohammed | "The Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abdullahi, has said that the people of the state will vote for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari. The governor, in a statement by his Press Secretary, Abubakar El-Sadique, said President Buhari had done so much for the state in the last three and half years. He said apart from projects and programmes which benefited millions of people in the state, the president had recognised and appointed indigenes of the state into many important positions." | Buhari, re-election, Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, Abubakar El-Sadiqque, Bauchi State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/bauchi-under-obligation-to-vote-buhari-gov-mohammed.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | BCO chides CUPP over Buhari’s health | "The Coalition of Political Parties (CUPP), yesterday, came under attack from the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) for talking about President Muhammadu Buhari’s health. BCO, in a statement, described as unsolicited and diversionary, the legal action filed by CUPP asking that President Buhari be declared medically unfit to re-contest. CUPP spokesman, Ikenga Ugochinyere, had while addressing journalists last week, announced that the coalition had sought for an order directing Buhari to make public the result of his medical examination. However, BCOs Director of Communications and Strategic Planning, Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, in a statement yesterday, said the opposition parties were merely diverting attention from the sad reality that they had fallen short of what to tell Nigerians in the ongoing campaigns." | Coalition of Political Parties (CUPP), Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO), Buhari's health, Mallam Gidado Ibrahim | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/bco-chides-cupp-over-buharis-health.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | #2019Election Votes’ll count – Buhari campaigner | "The Deputy Director General (Coordination) of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (APCCO), Arch. Waziri Bulama, yesterday, said President Muhammadu Buhari told his campaigners to work towards ensuring free, fair and credible elections for the votes of Nigerians to count. Arch. Bulama, while fielding questions from journalists, said the council had embarked on engaging sensitisation and mobilisation by reaching out to Nigerians in all the nooks and crannies of the country. Bulama, who said the APC expected more votes from the South West and North West because of the states it controlled and higher voting population, added that the council would fight for every vote by avoiding the temptation of taking things for granted." | APCCO, Arch. Waziri Bulama, Buhari, Nigerians, votes | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/votesll-count-buhari-campaigner.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | Afenifere, Ohanaeze, Northern elders, others endorse Atiku | "The presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, said that he was moved to tears over his endorsement by northern and southern elders ahead of the February 16, 2019, presidential poll. In a statement yesterday by his media office, Atiku said the endorsement had given him more courage to work hard, win the election and return Nigeria to its lost glory. Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Northern Elders Forum (NEF) Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Middle Belt Forum (MBF), yesterday, unanimously endorsed Atiku’s candidature in Abuja, less than two weeks to the poll. Atiku said he would run a properly federated Nigeria through constitutional reforms to bring out the best from all sections of the country to make Nigeria work if given the mandate." | PDP, Atiku, NED, MBF, PANDEF, Afenifere, endorsement | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/afenifere-ohanaeze-northern-elders-others-endorse-atiku.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | Shiite denies endorsing APGA presidential candidate | "The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also known as the Shiite movement has denied endorsing the candidature of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Maj-Gen. John Gbor (rtd) for the February 16 election. A spokesman of the Resource Forum of IMN, Muhammad Ibrahim Gamawa, said on Sunday in a statement that a newspaper report that the followers of Shia Islam in Nigeria under one Amir Sadiq Muhammed, who paraded himself as the movements National Secretary, a position not known to the IMN should be ignored. According to him, the impostor would have been ignored if he had not mentioned the Zaria and recent Abuja clashes between IMN members and the Military and which the victims are 100 percent followers of Sheikh Zakzaky." | Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Maj-Gen. John Gbor (trd), APGA | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/shiite-denies-endorsing-apga-presidential-candidate.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | Osun: 2018 gov’ship election may shape presidential election | "In Osun State, like in many other parts of Nigeria, the presidential election is between President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, and from palpable indications it will be a close race. The ruling APC in Osun State is very determined to deliver the state to President Buhari in the presidential election and the opposition PDP is also working hard to record victory for Atiku Abubakar. The two candidates will struggle for the about1.3 million votes from 30 local government areas of the state. The Resident Electoral Commissioner of Osun State, Mr. Olusegun Agbaje, confirmed that as at January 28, 2019, 1,259,733 PVCs (74.90 per cent) had been collected out of 1,681930 PVCs, leaving a balance of 422,197 PVCs (25.10 per cent) with INEC." | Osun State, APC, Atiku, PDP, BuhariINEC, presidential election, Olusegun Agbaje | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019election-osun-2018-govship-election-may-shape-presidential-election.html |
| The Guardian.ng | Monday, February 4, 2019 | Over one million students may not vote as ASUU strike persists | "More than one million students of federal and state universities across the country may not vote during the forthcoming general elections due to the lingering strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). A high percentage of the about two million university students across the country, who registered to vote in their various institutions, may not have the opportunity to exercise their political rights during the polls due to the ongoing industrial action. The Guardian learnt that most of the students stay in school hostels, which are currently under lock and keys. " | One million students, ASU U strike, various institutions | https://guardian.ng/news/over-one-million-students-may-not-vote-as-asuu-strike-persists/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Monday, February 4, 2019 | Why Osinbajo flew chartered helicopter, by presidency | "Presidency sources yesterday offered an insight into what led to the chartering of the ill-fated Caverton helicopter to fly Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and nine others at the weekend. Inquiries by The Guardian confirmed that the presidential fleet had been depleted. Consequently, it could not cater for the daily itinerary of the president and his deputy, especially during this period of electioneering. Stakeholders though saw nothing wrong with the decision, they, however, queried due diligence, safety precautions and expertise of the crew. This comes as the management of the airline attributed the near-mishap to bad weather. A 15-seater Augusta AW139 medium-sized twin-engine facility was conveying the vice president and his team to Kabba, Kogi State when it crash-landed. While the aircraft was damaged, all occupants escaped unhurt." | Osinbajo, chartered helicopter, 15-seater Augusta AW139 medium-sized , Kabba, Kogi State | https://guardian.ng/news/why-osinbajo-flew-chartered-helicopter-by-presidency/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Monday, February 4, 2019 | Group urges Northeast to support Atiku as 5,000 Kebbi youths dump PDP | "A youth group, the Atikulation 2019 Support Movement in Gombe State has urged the Northeast zone to support Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to ensure that he wins the election. This is coming a day after the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Rally in Gombe and the youths’ endorsement of Atiku, urging the people of the zone to vote massively for him in the February 16, 2019 polls. State Coordinator of the group, Sirajo Bappah Jauro, gave the charge while speaking with journalists in Gombe, shortly after its zonal meeting, describing Atiku’s victory in the 2019 election as victory for the region. He said Atiku’s candidature was seen as “well deserved and a humbling honour to the Northeast zone that has never had the privilege to lead Nigeria in a democratic setting since the end of the First Republic.”" | Atikulation 2019 Support Movement, Gombe State, Atiku, PDP, Kebbi youths, Sirajo Bappah Jauro, 2019 elections | https://guardian.ng/politics/group-urges-northeast-to-support-atiku-as-5000-kebbi-youths-dump-pdp/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Monday, February 4, 2019 | PDP accuses Buhari, APC of hawking 2023 presidency | "The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of enticing the South East and South West geo-political zones with the 2023 presidency in exchange for votes in the general elections. In a statement released by the spokesman, PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Kassim Afegbua, the party described APC as desperate to cling to power. “In its desperation to hang on to power, despite its abysmal failure so far, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the presidency have resorted to trading with the 2023 presidency, promising both the South East and South West of the 2023 presidency in exchange for votes. “Giving out two promises has exposed the insincerity and dubious intention of the Buhari-led federal government to the people of the South East and South West geo-political zones, with empty promises of bequeathing power to the two zones at the same time in 2023. This is why Nigerians cannot take the APC and the Buhari presidency seriously any longer, as we prepare for the 2019 election.”" | Buhari, APC, 2023 presidency, South-East, South-West, PDP, 2019 election, Kassim Afegbua | https://guardian.ng/news/pdp-accuses-buhari-apc-of-hawking-2023-presidency/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | APC Targets North-west, South-west for Bulk Votes | "The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has said the party and President Muhammadu Buhari are targeting bulk votes from states in the North-west and South-west zones of the country due to their strength and dominance in the areas, which have the largest number of voters in the country. The campaign council has also insisted that contrary to fears being expressed by the opposition parties, the ruling party has no plan to manipulate the elections starting on February 16 as it strongly believes that votes of Nigerians must count. Addressing journalists at the weekend, the Deputy Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Mr. Waziri Bulama, said the confidence of the party is buoyed by the dominance of its governors in the two zones, which have the largest number of registered voters. He said though the presidential campaign team is targeting to reap high votes in those zones where it has strong presence, the party is not relenting in its efforts to win over every available voter." | APC, South-West, North-West, Buhari, Mr. Waziri Bulama, presidential campaign team | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/04/apc-targets-north-west-south-west-for-bulk-votes/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | Collect Bribe, Go to Jail, INEC Warns Staff | "The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday warned its staff against collecting inducements from anyone during the forthcoming general election. The electoral body also said that the results of the elections will be collated and transmitted manually throughout the country. INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye, told journalists in Abuja that the inability of the commission to adopt electronic transmission was because of the non amendment of the electoral laws, which he said would have accommodated it. Okoye said there was no iota of truth in the allegation that the commission accorded the north undue advantage in the distribution of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) by allegedly handing over the PVCs to religious and community leaders for distribution to prospective voters unlike what obtained in the Southern states. Okoye said, “We are ready for electronic transmission any day the law is amended. For now, we are collating and transmitting manually in accordance with the law. “Anybody with information that PVCs were handed over to religious leaders or any other person for distribution by INEC in any state should come up with evidence. We will not sweep such infraction under the carpet." | INEC, bribe, Festus Okoye, PVCs, forthcoming general election | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/04/collect-bribe-go-to-jail-inec-warns-staff/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Monday, February 4, 2019 | INEC: Foreigners Not Prohibited from Political Campaigns | "The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that there is no law that prevents foreigners from coming to Nigeria to campaign for political candidates ahead of the forthcoming general election, noting, however, that they cannot contest or vote during the elections. This is coming as the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Austin Agbonlahor, has warned that military personnel have no business around the polling units during the elections. The Plateau State CP, however, clarified that all other security agents may be deployed in the voting centres but not the Army, Air Force or the Navy. Answering questions at an expanded stakeholders’ forum organised by INEC in Jos, the Plateau State capital, the electoral body’s Legal Officer, Ms. Carol Okpe, said there was no need for any agitation as the law is silent on whether or not a foreigner could participate in the campaign process for a candidate. The INEC’s legal officer was responding to concerns raised by the presence of Governors Issa Moussa of Zinder State, and Zakiri Umar of Maradi State, both from the Republic of Niger, at the last Thursday’s re-election campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari in Kano." | INEC, political candidates, political campaigns, foreigners, Mr Austin Agbonlahor, Issa Moussa of Zinder State, Zakiri Umar of Maradi State | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/04/inec-foreigners-not-prohibited-from-political-campaigns/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Atiku Pledges to End ASUU Strike if Elected President | "The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to end the lingering strike by university lecturers in the country, from his first day at work, if elected the next president of the country. The presidential candidate made this disclosure in Lagos, Sunday evening at the Silverbird Man of the Year event. Atiku, in a statement Monday by his media aide, Mr. Paul Ibe, said that the industrial action, which has denied university students in the country access to education for a period running into four months, was disgraceful and would receive his first attention as president if voted into office in the February 16 presidential election. The former vice-president observed that education plays a pivotal role in the rise to success of any individual or nation, stressing that if he becomes the next president of Nigeria, his administration would increase the budgetary allocation to education in triple fold from the current 7 per cent to not less than 20 per cent." | Atiku, ASUU Strike, Universiy Lecturers, Mr. Paul ibe, February 16 presidential election | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/04/atiku-pledges-to-end-asuu-strike-if-elected-president/ | |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | Governorship/State assembly elections: INEC’s final list excludes APC candidates in Zamfara, Rivers | "Candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara and Rivers states are not on the final list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the governorship and House of Assembly elections, Daily Trust reports. INEC had on Wednesday night given reasons for excluding Zamfara APC candidates for the March 2 governorship and state assembly elections slated to hold in 29 of the 36 states of the federation. The commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said the commission had met and approved the final list of candidates for the governorship, state assembly and FCT Area Council elections. “On the whole, there are 1, 066 candidates for the governorship elections, 14, 583 for the state assembly elections and 806 for the FCT Area Council elections broken down into 105 chairmanship candidates and 701 councillorship candidates,” Okoye said." | APC, Zamfara, Rivers, INEC, Governorship, State Assembly Elections, Festus Okoye | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/governorship-state-assembly-elections-inecs-final-list-excludes-apc-candidates-in-zamfara-rivers.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | Neither Buhari nor Atiku will get my vote — Soyinka | "The Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, says neither the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, President Muhammadu Buhari, nor that of the People’s Democratic, Atiku Abubakar, will get his vote. Soyinka said this in Lagos yesterday at a programme tagged: “The Civic Choice in a time of Judicial ‘Penkelemes”, organized by the Citizen’s Forum. He said: “I, Wole Soyinka, will not be voting for either of the two so called contesting parties, I find both of them worthy of absolute rejection for a number of reasons which I will not go into here. I am not interested in comparative assessment; it is just too late for that. My position is that it is time for a totally new direction and obviously, I am not the only one, there are so many opposition parties wanting to take over the reins of governance.”" | Prof. Wole Soyinka, APC, PDP, Penkelemes, Buhari, Atiku | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/neither-buhari-nor-atiku-will-get-my-vote-soyinka.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | CAN tasks Buhari on credible elections | "The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his continuous reassurance that all will be done by the government to make the forthcoming general elections free, fair and credible. This is contained in the communiqué issued at the end of its first quarter meeting in Abuja yesterday. The communiqué was signed by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, the spokesman of CAN President, Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle. The association urged President Buhari to ensure that all his promises on the smooth conduct of the elections are transformed into reality through concrete efforts that would prevent violence and other electoral malpractices. “The Association calls on the INEC, the Police and other security agents not to make themselves available to be used for rigging or any form of electoral malpractice by the politicians. No voter or election observer must be intimidated or harassed throughout the period of the election. We equally urge politicians to run away from vote buying while the electorates should not allow anybody to buy their votes,” he added." | CAN, Buhari, credible elections, Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, security agents, electoral malpractice | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/can-tasks-buhari-on-credible-elections.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | INEC should take charge of security at polls – Clark | "The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should take charge of security, especially the deployment of police officers, during the forthcoming general elections, a First Republic information commissioner Chief Edwin Clark has said. He said this would ensure effective management of security personnel during the polls as INEC was in the best position to advise on how the deployment should be done based on needs. In a statement yesterday, Chief Clark said INEC should sit with the police authorities with a view to mapping how the policing would be done during the polls for the safety of its staff and others. He said the method “will avert the system of direct posting whereby the Nigeria Police Force will just wake up on the eve of election, to announce, that it has deployed 30,000 police personnel or so and so number, to a state to provide security during election.”" | INEC, Chief Edwin Clark, police officers, forthcoming general elections | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-should-take-charge-of-security-at-polls-clark.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | Cabal, not Buhari now in charge of affairs — Secondus | "The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Uche Secondus, has urged Nigerians to vote out President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) on February 16, 2019, as he alleged that the president is no longer in charge of affairs. Chief Secondus made the assertion while addressing a crowd of PDP supporters who thronged the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, venue of the PDP presidential campaign rally which held yesterday. Secondus referenced alleged gaffes by President Buhari during debates and rallies and averred that Nigeria could not continue to condone “a man who has been bringing embarrassment to the country." | PDP, Chief Uche Secondus, Buhari, Cabal, Stephen Keshi Stadium, Delta State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/cabal-not-buhari-now-in-charge-of-affairs-secondus.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | Obasanjo: I’ll make sure democracy succeeds | "A former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has vowed to “do everything humanly possible to ensure the success of democracy in Nigeria.” Obasanjo stated this yesterday during the presentation of a book titled: Politics as Dashed Hopes in Nigeria, authored by Dr. Auwalu Anwar. The book was launched at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja where many dignitaries attended. In his presentation, the former president said, “I would continue to do everything humanly possible to ensure the success of democracy in Nigeria. “Works of art like this help to document history and factorise issues that matter in the society.” He also urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the Nigerian Project, especially with issues related to the entrenchment of democratic norms and ideals." | Olusegun Obasanjo, Democracy, Nigerian Project, Dr. Auwalu Anwar, Politics | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/obasanjo-ill-make-sure-democracy-succeeds.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | NSCDC’s efforts on 2019 elections lauded | "The Coalition of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Good Governance in Nigeria (COCMEGG) yesterday said lauded the determination of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps to protect critical national assets as well as the strategic deployment of personnel for the security of lives and properties during the forthcoming general elections. The group, in a statement jointly signed by its President Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele and Secretary James Okoronkwo, lauded the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Abdullahi Gana Muhammed, over the strategic turnaround of the Katsina Institute of Disaster Management. It also commended Muhammed for recently visiting the northeast zone to have a firsthand assessment of the preparedness of the rank and file of the NSCDC for the elections. It said the NSCDC boss had motivated and sensitized personnel on the need to contribute their quotas towards the peaceful and transparent conduct of the 2019 general elections." | COCMEGG, NSCDC, 2019 general elections, Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/nscdcs-efforts-on-2019-elections-lauded.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | CISLAC list measures for neutrality of security agencies during elections | "The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International (TI) have said that the forthcoming General Elections would be largely successful, if the security agencies to be deployed maintained strict professionalism. The Executive Director, CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said this yesterday in Abuja at the Public launch of the preliminary findings of “Involvement of Nigerian Security Services in the Electoral Process: Guardian or Threat to Democracy?” “I must express unreserved worry over the unhealthy role security agencies have played in recent past as it affects elections since the return to democracy in 1999. While it is important to note that the roles of security agencies are essential in the process of election, the abusive deployment of security personnel to intimidate perceived oppositions gives a perception of insecurity,” Rafsanjani said." | CISLAC, Auwal Musa Fafsanjani, Transparency International (TI), security personnel | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/cislac-list-measures-for-neutrality-of-security-agencies-during-elections.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | Benue gov’ship: SDP urges compliance with court order | "The Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Benue State, Engr. John Enemari, yesterday, said he has written to the national secretariat of his party to send Hingah Biem’s name to INEC for recognition as its authentic governorship candidate for the state. Engr. Enemari’s letter was sequel to the recent court judgement which ousted Dr. Stephen Hwande and ordered that Hingah Biem’s name be sent to INEC as winner of the SDP primary election held earlier in the state. Our correspondent reports that the governorship candidate of the SDP in the state, Hingah Biam, was replaced with Dr. Stephen Hwande in the first list of gubernatorial contenders released by INEC." | Benue State, Engr. John Enemari, INEC, SDP, court order, Dr. Stephen Hwande | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/benue-govship-sdp-urges-compliance-with-court-order.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | 90 political parties not a burden – PPC | "The National Chairman of the Providence Peoples Congress (PPC), Mr. Benson Adetona, has said Nigerians should not see other political parties as a burden. Mr. Benson said the two dominant parties- the PDP and the APC, were but one, and that they were responsible for the woes of the country. In his state of the nation press conference in Lagos, the PPC chairman, flanked by the party’s presidential candidate, Pastor Victor Okhai, declared that many Nigerians were tired of the two parties. He said it was high time Nigerians gave other political parties a chance; and not see them as a burden." | Providence Peoples Congress (PPC), Mr. Benson Adetona, Pastor Victor Okhai | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/90-political-parties-not-a-burden-ppc.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | APC to Atiku: Nigerians will never return to Egypt | "The ruling APC has said it will not get tired of reminding the PDP and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that Nigerians will never return to Egypt. The APC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who addressed journalists yesterday in Abuja, said the era of unbridled corruption and impunity was one mission the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government was determined to fight and win under a free, fair and credible electoral process, with the support of well-meaning Nigerians. The Wednesday night’s televised town hall meeting tagged: “The Candidates”, attended by Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Mr. Peter Obi." | APC, PDP, Atiku, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Buhari, Peter Obi | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apc-to-atiku-nigerians-will-never-return-to-egypt.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | 2019: 250 police trained on crowd mgt | "Two hundred and fifty personnel of the Nigeria Police Force have been trained on how to effectively ensure public order and manage crowds during the forthcoming 2019 general elections. Speaking during the training yesterday in Kaduna, the Commandant, Nigerian Police College, Kaduna, C.P Lawan Ado, said the training was aimed at ensuring high display of professionalism amongst the police officers during the forthcoming general elections. A former governor of Bauchi State, Major-General Chris Garuba (rtd), said the 250 police officers were drawn from different commands for the training including Kaduna, Plateau, Katsina and Kano states. He said the training for personnel in Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti and Ondo Commands will hold in Lagos and would later be extended to other parts of the country." | Nigeria Police Force, 2019 general elections, crowd management, C.P. Lawan Ado | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-250-police-trained-on-crowd-mgt.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | I want a second term to ensure Nigeria attains greatness — Buhari | "President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that he wants a second term to ensure that Nigeria attains greatness. Buhari who stated this during his campaign rally at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, in Kano added that he was prompted to seek re-election because of his passion and commitment to correct the ills bedevilling the country. Buhari, 76, was received in Kano by a thunderous crowd as many people lined-up on highways while others besieged the venue of the rally. “I was a governor, minister and Head of state and now a president. So, I need nothing less than to ensure that Nigeria attains greatness,” he said." | Buhari, Nigeria, second term bid, Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/i-want-a-second-term-to-ensure-nigeria-attains-greatness-buhari.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | Dino, Wada, others allege threat to Kogi polls | "Stakeholders of PDP in Kogi State, including Sen. Dino Melaye, former Governors, Idris Wada and Ibrahim Idris, serving members of the House of Representatives and the party’s candidates for the general elections have said the APC is threatening the forthcoming polls. Addressing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, the stakeholders, led by the PDP Chairman in the state, Engr. Sam Uhuoto, said the ruling APC in the state was weakening the opposition and threatening its chances of winning the forth-coming general polls. Engr. Uhuoto who called on INEC, the acting Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser and the National Peace Committee to prevail on the APC to “sheathe its sword”, also demanded a thorough investigation into allegation of arms stockpiling and training of arms-bearing militia in the state in the guise of vigilantes." | PDP, Dino Melaye, Idris Wada, Abuja, INEC, APC, National Peace Committee | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/dino-wada-others-allege-threat-to-kogi-polls.html |
| The Guardian.ng | Friday, February 1, 2019 | CUPP asks court to declare Buhari medically unfit, APC faults request | "The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) yesterday asked the Abuja Division of Federal High Court to declare President Muhammadu Buhari medically unfit for the office of President.Briefing journalists in Abuja, its spokesman, Ikenga Ugochinyere, cited several instances where Buhari demonstrated that he was not medically sound, arguing that to save Nigeria from imminent disaster, the court should immediately make a declaration to that effect. It also sought an order directing Buhari to make public the result of his medical examinations, alleging that the Department of State Services (DSS) was plotting to arrest and eliminate him.He also cited “Buhari’s multiple gaffes at APC Presidential campaign rallies in Kogi, Delta, Cross River and Imo states to buttress his argument that the President was medically unfit to continue to rule the country. “We have come to the conclusion that re-electing Buhari will only empower members of the cabal that his wife admitted has hijacked his Presidency to rule the country for another four years,” he stated.But in a swift reaction, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) faulted CUPP over its claim that President Buhari lacks the physical and psychological disposition to be entrusted with the country’s governance for another four years.""" | CUPP, Federal High Court, Buhari, Abuja, APC presidential campaign | https://guardian.ng/politics/cupp-asks-court-to-declare-buhari-medically-unfit-apc-faults-request/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Friday, February 1, 2019 | Ogun APC, APM supporters clash | "Supporters of the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Allied People’s Movement (APM) yesterday clashed in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.The APC candidate, Dapo Abiodun’s team was allegedly attacked at Mokola junction, during his campaign tour of Abeokuta North Local Council area. It was leant that a group of political thugs, allegedly sponsored by the APM, attacked them with gunshots around the popular Adire market. Armed policemen in the campaign team rose to the occasion by firing sporadically into the air, before bringing the situation under control. A member of the campaign team (name withheld) told journalists that a sitting federal lawmaker led the attackers. Abiodun, who spoke to journalists, condemned the attack, describing it as an act of desperation by some politicians to win the elections by “hook or crook.”He said: “When we were approaching Mokola junction in Abeokuta North Local government, we saw some group of people approaching us, we realised that they were fully armed. “Suddenly they started shooting at us. Thank God for the gallant policemen who were on ground and rose up to the occasion and chased them away.” He lamented that if not for the policemen, only God knows what would have happened to his supporters. “It is unfortunate that our politics has gotten to this level where it has become do or die affair. We should rather canvass for votes and endear ourselves to the people. That is the only way that we would have peaceful election.” He said." | Ogun State, APC, APM, Dapo Abiodun, Abeokuta North Local Council Area, Mokola Junction | https://guardian.ng/politics/ogun-apc-apm-supporters-clash/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Friday, February 1, 2019 | HURIWA urges INEC to stop Buhari, governors from campaigning with public funds | "Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop President Muhammadu Buhari, the 36 governors and ministers from using public funds for electoral campaigns. The pro-democracy non-governmental organisation threatened to sue the electoral body if after 72 hours no verifiable and transparent step was taken stop the abuses of the Electoral Act. HURIWA national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, and the national media affairs director, Zainab Yusuf, noted yesterday in Abuja that “the Electoral Act 2010 seeks to provide a level-playing ground for all political parties and their candidates.” They insisted that the commission must discourage circumstances that give “peculiar advantage” to one political party or candidate over another. According to the rights group, from the outset, Section 82 forbids INEC from registering symbols which portray the coat of arms of the federation, the coat of arms of any other country or a device or emblem which, in the opinion of INEC, is normally associated with the official acts of government, the armed forces of the federation, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) or other uniformed service, the regalia of a chief, any tribe or ethnic group, any religion or cult." | HURIWA, INEC, Buhari, governors, public funds, electoral campaigns, Electoral Act, Zainab Yusuf | https://guardian.ng/news/huriwa-urges-inec-to-stop-buhari-governors-from-campaigning-with-public-funds |
| The Guardian.ng | Friday, February 1, 2019 | Atiku vows to complete Niger Bridge, revive seaports in Delta | "Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has promised to complete the Niger Bridge and rehabilitate the four seaports in Delta State, if elected. Atiku, who was received by a mammoth crowd at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, said the move would create employment for millions of youths in Nigeria.He said his campaign is focused on economic recovery, saying: “I appreciate Delta people for remaining faithful to the PDP in the past 20 years, l appeal that you vote PDP all the way in all elections, beginning from February 16. My presidency will ensure that all federal infrastructure are rehabilitated, while seaports in the state will be restored and jobs created for our teeming youths.” Atiku lampooned the All Progressives Congress (APC) for deceiving the people, “with a sign post that they are building the second Niger Bridge, while they are carting the money away differently for other reasons.”" | Atiku, Delta State, Niger Bridge, seaports, economic recovery, APC, PDP | https://guardian.ng/politics/atiku-vows-to-complete-niger-bridge-revive-seaports-in-delta/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Friday, February 1, 2019 | Group tasks religious leaders on hate speech, vote buying | "A non governmental organisation, Strength in Diversity Development Center (SDDC), has perfected arrangement for one-week of national prayer in order to ensure that peace reigns during the general elections. According to SDDC Executive Director, Imam Shefiu Abdulkareem, the week long supplication will commence on Friday, February 8, 2019 with Muslims prayer while the Christian prayer holds on February 10 and joint rally of Christians and Muslims is slated for February 9. The group has also mapped out strategies to reduce the spread of hate speech by educating the people to understand the aftermath of hate speech; religious leaders communicating with their audience to desist from the act of hate speech; in addition to educating all non-religious organisations on the effect of hate speech. SDDC also bemoaned the act of vote buying, which it said has denied Nigerians good governance including provision of basic amenities. Speaking at a one-day conference organized for religious leaders by SDDC, the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos, Alhaji Muhammed Bambado, urged religious leaders to use their influence by calling on politicians within their domains to show commitment in curbing electoral violence." | Strength in Diversity Development Center (SDDC), Imam Shefiu Abdulkareem, Christians, Muslima, hate speech, vote buying, general elections | https://guardian.ng/features/friday-worship/group-tasks-religious-leaders-on-hate-speech-vote-buying/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | Despite NJC’s Pendency, CCT Insists on Onnoghen’s Trial February 4 | "Despite the ongoing investigation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, by the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has insisted on proceeding with his trial on February 4. This is coming as the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday said the ruling of the Court of Appeal upholding the trial of the CJN by the CCT had vindicated President Muhammadu Buhari. The NJC had on Tuesday after its emergency meeting in Abuja given Onnoghen, and the acting CJN, Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, seven days to respond to petitions written against them. While the petition against Onnoghen was written by Zikhrillahi Ibrahim of Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civil Education, the petitions against Justice Muhammad were written by the Centre for Justice and Peace Initiative, and Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, (SAN). But while the petitions are still pending, the CCT in a statement yesterday, insisted that come February 4, it would resume the trial of the CJN over alleged non-declaration of his assets." | Justice Walter Onnoghen, CCT, APC, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Justice Ibrahim Muhammad | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/01/despite-njcs-pendency-cct-insists-on-onnoghens-trial-february-4/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | Group Commends Buhari for Asking Imo Electorate to Vote Across Party Lines | "President Muhammadu Buhari has been commended for advising the Imo State electorate to vote across party lines in the general election. The commendation was made in a statement issued Thursday by the Chairman of the New Imo Movement (NIM) and former Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chief Anselm Odom. Odom who is also a Chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), said that President Buhari made it clear that the candidates of other political parties could be voted for by APC supporters in Imo State irrespective of their political affiliation during his rally in Owerri recently. Odom said APGA had shown a lot of support to the President and deserved to be supported in Imo State, saying that the APGA governorship candidate for Imo State, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, was at the Imo Airport in Owerri with his supporters to receive Buhari on his arrival in Owerri. He also pointed out that the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, also received the President when he came to Owerri, adding that “these were clear demonstrations of the partnership between APGA and the President.”" | Buhari, general elections, Imo State, governorship candidate, APC, APGA, Chief Willie Obiano, Chief Anselm Odom | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/01/group-commends-buhari-for-asking-imo-electorate-to-vote-across-party-lines/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, February 1, 2019 | Boko Haram: Elections’ll Be Restricted to Three Centres in Madagali, Says INEC | "The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is to restrict voting to only three centres in Madagali Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State in the forthcoming general election. The state INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Kassim Gaidam, who disclosed this, said the decision was informed by security report. He added that election will hold at all polling centres in neighbouring Michika LGA and the rest of the state. Election did not hold in both Madagali and Michika LGAs in 2015 due to the violent activities of Boko Haram which had seized both LGAs earlier in 2014. Even after the LGAs were liberated in January 2015, the effects and fear of Boko Haram remained dominant up to the period of the 2015 elections and fleeing residents were availed opportunity to vote at special centres in the state capital, Yola. Gaidam spoke at a ‘Prevention of Election Violence and Education for Inclusion in Nigeria (PEV-EDI) programme, a programme of the European Union Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) at internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in Malkohi and Fufore." | INEC, Adamawa State, Madagali Local Government Area, Boko Haram, Michika, security reports, Kassim Gaidam, IDPs | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/01/boko-haram-electionsll-be-restricted-to-three-centres-in-madagali-says-inec/ |