| Source | Date | Story Title | Summary of Reports | Subject/Category | Page No/Weblink |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | I'll accept outcome of credible polls - Atiku | The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar said he would accept the outcome of the February 16 elections if it is credible. Atiku, who spoke during a townhall programme tagged ‘The Candidates’ last night in Abuja, said he believed he had all the required experience and connections to become president, considering the “poor performance” of the current administration. Anchor of the programme, Kadaria Ahmed, had asked Atiku “If you lose elections, will you accept the results?” “If the elections are adjudged to be free, fair and credible, why not? I have lost elections before, and I’ve admitted,” Atiku said. | Atiku, PDP, credible polls, Kadaria Ahmed, The Candidates | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/ill-accept-outcome-of-credible-polls-atiku.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | INEC releases final list of guber, state assembly candidates today | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will today publish the final list of candidates for governorship, State Assembly and FCT Area Council elections scheduled to hold on March 2. National Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said yesterday that the list will be published in all the state offices of INEC across the country and the Commission’s website. He also revealed that the commission had implemented ten out of the fourteen activities outlined in its scheduled programmes of activities for the 29 elections. Gubernatorial elections would hold in 29 out of the 36 states of the federation. | INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, governorship, State Assembly, FCT Area Council | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-releases-final-list-of-guber-state-assembly-candidates-today.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Buhari: I’ll continue to reposition police, judiciary | President Muhammadu Buhari said, yesterday, that if re-elected he will remain steadfast in repositioning the police and judiciary in the course of his fight against corruption. He acknowledged that fighting corruption, which was among the cardinal points of his administration, was the most difficult. Buhari said he was never found wanting in his public services, citing from the era he served as governor of six northern states, military head of state and minister of petroleum. Buhari spoke, yesterday, in Abakaliki during the presidential campaign rally of the ruling APC. | Buhari, corruption, cardinal points, public services, Abakaliki | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/buhari-ill-continue-to-reposition-police-judiciary.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Buhari, Atiku, others to sign another peace accord | The chairman of the National Peace Committee and former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, says all presidential candidates will sign another peace accord next month. Speaking at a high level dialogue on peaceful elections in Kaduna yesterday, Abdulsalami said the candidates would sign the accord to accept the outcome of the elections if adjudged free, fair and credible. Abdulsalami, represented by the Director, National Peace Committee Secretariat Rev. Father Atta Barkindo, said the signing of another peace accord, was to avert election violence as currently being experienced in Sudan and other African countries. “Since last year, the commission has had series of meetings with critical stakeholders and that is why on 11th December, 2018 we signed the accord for peaceful conduct and rallies. “Next month, we are also going to sign another with all the presidential candidates in terms of accepting the outcome of the elections if they are adjudged to be free, fair and credible”, he said. | National Peace Committee, Buhari, Atiku, peace accord, Rev. Father Atta Barkindo | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/buhari-atiku-others-to-sign-another-peace-accord.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Gunmen kidnap APC chairman in Adamawa | Gunmen yesterday reportedly kidnapped the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State. Hamisu Mijinyawa was reportedly kidnapped at his house around 1:00am and whisked to an unknown destination. The incident occurred hours before the flag-off of the re-election campaign of Governor Jibrilla Bindow in the area. The state organising secretary of the APC, Ahmad Lawal, confirmed the incident, but said he could not give further details as he was attending a meeting in Abuja. | Demsa Local Government Area, Adamawa State, APC, Hamisu Mijinyawa, Governor Jibrilla Bindow, Ahmad Lawal | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/gunmen-kidnap-apc-chairman-in-adamawa.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Obasanjo: Atiku will not be hijacked by cabal | Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday said majority of Nigerians would vote massively for his former vice president and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar. He said though Atiku is neither a saint nor a messiah, he would perform much better than the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, adding, “He will be a team leader but will not allow the seizure of his mandate by a cabal”. He spoke at the Quarterly Business lecture organized by the Lagos Island Club which was delivered by Atiku in Lagos. Obasanjo said he had received a lot of bashings on his position endorsing Atiku, saying he stands by all the statements on the former VP and his comment on Buhari. | Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Buhari, Atiku, corruption, APC, PDP cabals | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/obasanjo-atiku-will-not-be-hijacked-by-cabal.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Why Jonathan unleashed NDLEA on me – Kashamu | The governorship candidate of PDP in Ogun State, Sen. Buruji Kashamu, yesterday, accused former President Goodluck Jonathan of unleashing operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on him in 2015 over his refusal to replace the then gubernatorial candidate of PDP, Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka. Kashamu said he was pressured to replace Isiaka with the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole. He spoke, yesterday at Ilaro during his meeting with Yewa Traditional Council in Ogun West Senatorial district, as part of his ongoing campaign. The senator representing Ogun East said his commitment to the age-long agitation for power shift to Ogun West, made him resist pressure to drop Isiaka who hailed from the zone for Bankole, from Central. | PDP, Ogun State, Sen. Buruji Kashamu, NDLEA, Jonathan, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/why-jonathan-unleashed-ndlea-on-me-kashamu.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Elections: No cause for panic — Air Force | The Nigerian Air Force says there is no need for any fear about the forthcoming 2019 general elections. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Baba Abubakar, said this at the Bauchi Air force Base yesterday when he commissioned a Commando Village for combat training operations. According to him, the security agencies are prepared to deal with any situation that arises to undermine the nation’s security. “I don’t think there is need for any fear because, from what you have seen, our people are there, the Police, the Nigerian Army has launched an operation recently. So, all hands are on deck to ensure that we create an enabling environment where every Nigerian that is qualified to exercise his/her right to vote will do so without any fears." | Nigerian Air Force, 2019 general elections, Air Marshall Sadique Baba Abubakar, nation's security | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/elections-no-cause-for-panic-air-force.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | PDP’ll unite Kaduna people – Party leaders | PDP leaders in Kaduna State have promised to unite the people of the state if the party is voted into power in the next general elections. The governorship candidate of the state, Isa Ashiru; former governor of the state, Ahmed Makarfi; the state party chairman, Felix Hyat and other leaders of the party had while on a campaign tour of the southern senatorial zone of the state said Kaduna needed peace and unity to experience development. While addressing the crowd at Zonkwa, Zango Kataf and Kachia local government areas, the PDP leaders asked the people to recall how the PDP governed the state in the past. | PDP, Kaduna State, next general elections, governorship candidate, Felix Hyat | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pdpll-unite-kaduna-people-party-leaders.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Protesters storm Lagos Assembly over plot to impeach Ambode | Protesters under the aegis of Lagos Peoples’ Assembly yesterday stormed the premises of the Lagos State House of Assembly against reported moves by the lawmakers to impeach Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. The House had on Sunday accused Ambode of spending funds not appropriated. The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as: “Don’t set Lagos Ablaze”, “Leave Ambode Alone”, “Enough of Intimidation of Ambode”, “Ambode should be allowed to complete his tenure”, among others. The leader of the protesters, Declan Ihekaire, who addressed journalists, said they were aggrieved Lagos State residents disenchanted with the kind of treatment the lawmakers were meting out to the governor whom he described as “the best among his peers across the states”. | Protesters, Lagos Peoples' Assembly, Ambode, lawmakers, Declan Ihekaire | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/protesters-storm-lagos-assembly-over-plot-to-impeach-ambode.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | We’re committed to violence-free polls – Govs | Governors yesterday reiterated their commitment to ensure that the forthcoming elections are conducted peacefully across the country. Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State and his Osun State counterpart, Gboyega Oyetola, stated this during an interview with State House correspondents after a meeting with the Chief of Staff to the president, Abba Kyari. Bagudu said all stakeholders in the country’s political scene must work together to ensure that the polls are devoid of violence. He said political parties, their candidates and supporters must abide by the rules of the game in the interest of the country. “We must have respect for rules and laws. All parties should know that election is about mobilising your supporters, reaching out to the populace and convincing them to vote for you. All parties should ensure that violence, hate speech and thuggery are kept in check,” he said. | Governor Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi State, Gboyega Oyetola, Osun State, Abba kyari, violence-free polls | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/were-committed-to-violence-free-polls-govs.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Youth leader cautions against fake endorsements | The President of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Bello Bala Shagari, has said handlers of the APC campaign should be wary of fake youth leaders and their endorsement of President Muhammadu Buhari. Bello who stated this, yesterday, debunked a news item attributed to the association, saying one Sukubo Saraigbe Sokubo had gathered some people to endorse the candidacy of the incumbent president. Shagari said: “It has been brought to our attention that some people led by one Sukubo Saraigbe Sokubo have gathered somewhere to endorse the candidacy of President Muhammadu Buhari in the name of the National Youth Council of Nigeria. We hereby disassociate ourselves with them and their endorsement. We also wish to state categorically clear that we have nothing against the president and we will continue to work for the progress of this administration. | National Youth Council of Nigeria, Bello Bala Shagari, APC campaign, Buhari, Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, fake endorsements | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/youth-leader-cautions-against-fake-endorsements.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Police vow to deal with electoral offenders | The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has warned that his command will not spare any electoral offenders regardless of status during the February 16 presidential election. Odumosu gave the warning yesterday at a peace accord and stakeholders meeting. He said the security agencies would not give room for people to commit electoral offences. “The blood of every Edo State citizen is more precious than the election and we do not need to lose anybody or group in order to clinch power. This is the time to get it right so that we can prove to the world that Edo State can set the pace for a peaceful, free, fair and credible election,” he said. | Hakeem Odumosu, Edo State, electoral offenders, security agencies, credible election | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/police-vow-to-deal-with-electoral-offenders.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Campaigns delay Senate hearing on minimum wage bill | The ongoing campaigns for re-election are delaying the public hearing on minimum wage by the Senate adhoc committee raised last Thursday, Daily Trust reports. The Senate had last Thursday raised an 8-member adhoc panel, six of whom are to represent the various geopolitical zones, to work on the proposed new national minimum wage bill forwarded by President Muhammadu Buhari. The president had proposed the sum of N27,000 as the new national minimum wage against the N18,000 that currently obtains. The panel, headed by Senate Chief Whip Sola Adeyeye (APC, Osun), was given two weeks to conclude its assignment. | Minimum wage bill, Senate, Senate adhoc committee, Senate Chief Whip Sola Adeyeye, Buhari | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/campaigns-delay-senate-hearing-on-minimum-wage-bill.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Yobe commissioner quits to vie for dep gov | Yobe State commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Idi Barde Gubana, yesterday, resigned his position to become the running mate of APC gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Mai Mala Buni. The commissioner handed over the affairs of the ministry at the governor’s office in Damaturu. “I am lucky to serve under the administration of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam as commissioner and I have no regret whatsoever because we have been treated fairly and carried along in managing state affairs,” he said. | Idi Barde Gubana, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, Yobe State, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, commissioner | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/yobe-commissioner-quits-to-vie-for-dep-gov.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | INEC identifies 24 inaccessible polling units in Yobe | The Independent National Electoral Commission in Yobe State says it has identified 24 inaccessible areas with security challenges where elections will not hold. Ahmad Makama, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, stated this at a stakeholders interactive session on Wednesday in Damaturu. He said security operatives had confirmed some communities in Gujba, Gulani and Giedam with security challenges that were inaccessible and not conducive for election. Makama said the commission was liaising with the communities for a more accessible alternative polling units to cast their votes. | INEC, Ahmad Makama, security challenges, inaccessible areas, Yobe State, Gujba, Gulani, Giedam, election, alternative polling units | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-identifies-24-inaccessible-polling-units-in-yobe.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Why I defected to APC, by Muhammadu Goni | The Second Republic governor of Borno State, Alhaji Muhammadu Goni, yesterday, in Maiduguri, said he defected from PDP to APC to galvanise support for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari to enable him continue his fight against Boko Haram. Goni, who was among Borno PDP stalwarts who declared for APC before President Buhari in Maiduguri, penultimate Monday, was speaking at the opening of the North-east Office of the Alliance for Buhari 2019. “I have come to join hands with all Borno elders and influential personalities to support the president to help us out of the Boko Haram insurgency and other difficult situations,” he announced. | Alhaji Muhammadu Goni, APC, PDP, Buhari, re-election, Borno State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/why-i-defected-to-apc-by-muhammadu-goni.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | ‘Youth support critical to Buhari’s victory’ | The Deputy Director, Youth Mobilisation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Alhaji Ismaeel Ahmed, has said that Nigerian youth will repeat the feat achieved in 2015 by re-electing President Muhammadu Buhari. Ahmed spoke in Abuja when he met with different youth support groups working for the re-election of Buhari at the campaign office. The Senior Special Adviser on Social Investment to President Buhari, who said the love and efforts of youth working for the re-election of President Buhari would always be recognised, stated that the meeting was arranged for the groups to consolidate on their efforts as significant units of a larger body. “We are here to let you all know that your labour of love is recognised and that you are not alone in this movement,” he said. | APC Presidential Campaign Council, Alhaji Ismaeel Ahmed, Buhari, Youth, re-election | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/youth-support-critical-to-buharis-victory.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Involve us in peaceful elections –Women leaders | Women leaders in Nigeria have requested the country to involve women in promoting peaceful elections. They made the request in Abuja at a Women Leaders’ Platform for Peaceful Elections organised by the United Nations Women in conjunction with Africa Union and Embassy of Germany in Abuja. The UN Women Representative to Nigeria, Ms Comfort Lamptey, said violence against women remained one of the most serious obstacles to realisation of women’s political rights these days and could virtually disenfranchise women elections, with effects on the society that multiply from the resulting democratic deficit. | Women leaders, Nigeria, peaceful elections, Ms Comfort Lamptey, democratic deficit | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/involve-us-in-peaceful-elections-women-leaders.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Mrs. El-Rufai embarks on house-to-house campaign | Wife of the governor of Kaduna State, Aisha Ummi El-Rufai surprised many residents of Kaduna when she showed up on their doorsteps unannounced to campaign for the re-election of her husband, Malam Nasir el-Rufai. The campaign tagged ‘Gida-Gida’ which started from Race Course, stretched to Kakuri, Barnawa, Television, Unguwan Mua’zu, Tudun Wada and ended at Unguwan Sanusi. She also visited the residence of Nura Tipa, a strong APC supporter along Layin Masallacin Juma’a in Barnawa, who died on Sunday when a car he was fixing rolled over him. She extended condolences to his wife, Amina and his three children. The governor’s wife, it was gathered, introduced the grassroots campaign methodology to ensure the electoral success of her husband and other APC candidates. | Aisha Ummi El-Rufai, Kaduna State, house-to-house campaign, APC stronghold | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/mrs-el-rufai-embarks-on-house-to-house-campaign.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Court dismisses case against Taraba APC gov’ship candidate, others | The Federal High Court sitting in Jalingo, yesterday, dismissed a case against the governorship candidate of APC in Taraba State, Sani Abubakar Danladi and two others. The court also gave the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) 72 hours ultimatum to refund the sum of N228 million to the defendants. The EFCC had filed the case against Danladi; a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr. Joel Ikenya and a former Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Mr. Mark Useni, for allegedly taking the sum of N450m without following due process. In his ruling, Justice Stephen Pam, said the case by the EFCC lacked merit and did not hold water. | Federal High Court, Mr Joel Ikenya, EFCC, Justice Stephen Pam, Sani Abubakar Danladi, Mr. Mark Useni | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/court-dismisses-case-against-taraba-apc-govship-candidate-others.html |
| ThisDaylive Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Elections: Nigeria Can’t Afford to Fail, Says US Envoy | United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, has said Nigeria should get the forthcoming elections right in order not to disappoint those that looked up to it after the feat recorded in 2015. Symington made the remarks wednesday when he paid a visit to the Kaduna State Police Command. “The State of Kaduna is an important place during this election. I am here to underscore a couple of key ideas. “The first being that these elections are really about Nigerians, decided by Nigerians under its laws which will define the future of Nigeria. “The election is also for others who have looked up to Nigeria’s example of democracy in the past especially if it would be as good as that of the elections of 2015.” He, therefore, said it was important for Nigerians to decide on the election’s credibility like they did in 2015, “so that its credit will be invested in democracy and freedom throughout West Africa and across the entire World.” | United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, Kaduna State Police Command, Elections | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/31/elections-nigeria-cant-afford-to-fail-says-us-envoy/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Afenifere Rejects President’s Second Term Bid | The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, said wednesday that it has rejected President Muhammadu Buhari/Yemi Osinbajo’s presidential aspiration, and the political activities of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, ahead of the general election. Reacting to a purported endorsement of President Buhari’s re-election bid in Ibadan, Oyo State, by a group led by Ayo Fasanmi, under the guise of Afenifere, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, said the highest Yoruba umbrella body is not supporting the APC candidate due to his actions against the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The body also dissociated itself from Tinubu and Osinbajo, stating that “the godfather of this fake group is of course Bola Tinubu, who was made governor by Afenifere in 1999, when the real man was not known.” According to Afenifere, “mainstream Yoruba reject Buhari not only for his humiliation of Awolowo, our founding leader by the Gestapo invasion of his home as a military tyrant and the locking up of his successor, Pa Adekunle Ajasin, even when no corruption was brought against him; but also because his rule has been unmitigated disaster for the Yoruba, who have lost precious lives to Fulani herdsmen. This group of people has Buhari as their grand patron and not one of them has been brought to book. | Afenifere, Buhari, second term bid, Yinks Odumakin, Osinbajo, Tinubu, Fulani herdsmen, Pa Adekunle Ajasin | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/31/afenifere-rejects-presidents-second-term-bid/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | I’ll Consider Amnesty for Corrupt Persons Willing to Surrender Loot, Says Atiku | The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, last night said he would consider granting amnesty to corrupt persons willing to surrender their loot. Atiku said this while appearing with his running mate, Mr. Peter Obi, at a live town hall programme hosted by ace journalist, Kadaria Ahmed. He said he would consider drawing a line during which corrupt former public officials would be allowed to return their loot without prosecution. According to him, after then, strong policies would be put in place to prevent and fight corruption. Atiku, according to Premium Times, said it would be more prudent to allow looters return their assets to Nigeria tax-free and invest them in order to boost the country’s economy. The host, Kadaria Ahmed, suggested that Atiku’s proposal could be morally problematic, especially since he has faced corruption allegations since leaving office as Nigeria’s vice president in 2007. | Atiku, PDP, corrupt persons, Kadaria Ahmed, Mr Peter Obi, Nigeria, loot | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/31/ill-consider-amnesty-for-corrupt-persons-willing-to-surrender-loot-says-atiku/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Thursday, January 31, 2019 | APC Didn’t Conduct Primary Elections in Zamfara, INEC Insists | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), wednesday insisted that having reviewed the two court judgments delivered last week by a Federal High Court in Abuja and the State High Court in Gusau, it still maintained that the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not conduct party primaries in the state. The electoral body made its stand known in a statement issued late night by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Festus Okoye. The Commission also said after reviewing various aspects of its preparedness for the forthcoming elections, expressed satisfaction with the overall preparations for the elections Okoye revealed that a meeting with all the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) would take place next week to further review the state of preparedness of each State. He stated: “INEC met today, January 30, 2019 and, among other things, approved the final list of candidates for the Governorship, State Assembly and FCT Area Council elections scheduled to hold on March 2, 2019. 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. | INEC, Federal High Court, Mr. Festus Okoye, Zamfara State, APC, Primary Elections | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/31/apc-didnt-conduct-primary-elections-in-zamfara-inec-insists/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Onnoghen, Muhammad get 7 days to respond to petitions | The National Judicial Council (NJC) yesterday held an emergency meeting and directed the embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Walter Onnoghen and the acting CJN Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad to respond to three petitions against them within seven days. The meeting, which was chaired by the former President of the Court of Appeal, retired Justice Umar Abdullahi, as interim chairman, will reconvene on February 11, barely five days to the presidential and National Assembly elections. Onnoghen was suspended and Muhammad inaugurated as acting CJN by President Muhammadu Muhammadu Buhari on Friday. Lawyers have expressed divergent views over the legality of the president’s action. The NJC in a communiqué signed by its Director of Information, Soji Oye, said Justice Onnoghen was to respond to a petition against him by Zikhrillahi Ibrahim of Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civil Education. | NJC, Justice Walter Onnoghen, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, petitions, Soji Oye, Court of Appeal | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/onnoghen-muhammad-get-7-days-to-respond-to-petitions.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Reps pass N30,000 Minimum Wage, move bill to Senate | The House of Representatives yesterday approved a national minimum wage of not less than N30,000 per month for Nigerian workers. The passage followed the lawmakers’ unanimous adoption of a report of an ad hoc committee on National Minimum Wage Bill, 2019, which recommended N30,000 as against N27,000 proposed by the Federal Government. According to the Chairman, ad hoc committee on National Minimum Wage Bill and Deputy Speaker of the House, Yusuf Lasun (APC, Osun), the bill aims to prescribe the national minimum wage and a legal framework for a seamless review. | House of Representatives, Minimum Wage, Nigerian workers, National Minimum Wage Bill, Yusuf Lasun | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/reps-pass-n30000-minimum-wage-move-bill-to-senate.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Kwankwaso’s dad endorses Ganduje’s 2nd term bid | Father of a former governor of Kano State, Sen. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, Alhaji Musa Saleh Kwankwaso, has endorsed the re-election bid of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Alhaji Saleh, who is the District Head of Madobi, assured Ganduje that he would work tirelessly with all his village heads and all community leaders to ensure his victory during the forthcoming gubernatorial poll. Ex-governor Kwankwaso who had defected to the PDP had chosen his son-law, Abba Yusuf, as his preferred gubernatorial candidate. “When you came in after your inauguration on 29th May, 2015, we were absolutely sure that you would bring development to all nooks and crannies of the state. And Alhamdulillah, that is what you are doing. So we need more of this development,” Kwankwaso’s father told Ganduje. | Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Alhaji Musa Saleh Kwankwaso, Governor Abdullahi umar Ganduje, gubernatorial candidate, Kano State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/kwankwasos-dad-endorses-gandujes-2nd-term-bid.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | INEC warns youths against being used to disrupt elections | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be used to disrupt the forthcoming General Elections, or engage in other unlawful acts capable of jeopardizing peace in the country. The chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who gave the advice yesterday in Abuja at a National Youth Summit organised by the commission, also urged the INEC Youth Ambassadors (IYA) to continue to work for the success of the elections. According to him, conflict, violence and disruption are the exact antithesis of credible elections and that since the majority are the youths, they should participate in the elections peacefully and not allow themselves to be mobilize for the wrong reasons. “Don’t be mobilized for doing the wrong things by people whose feature is already determined. The future is yours not for those who may wish for all manner of reasons to mobilize you in the wrong direction,” Yakubu said. | INEC, forthcoming general elections, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Youth Ambassador (IYA), youths | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-warns-youths-against-being-used-to-disrupt-elections.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | 2019 election: NSA warns politicians against arming bandits, terrorists | The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Monguno, has warned politicians against arming bandits and terrorist to scuttle the 2019 elections. Monguno stated this before going into a closed door meeting with state governors at the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) office, yesterday in Abuja. The meeting with the governors which was convened on the invitation of the NSA also had in attendance the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu. He said security reports available to him indicated that certain politicians were arming bandits and terrorists with plans to plunge the country into crisis over failed election ambition. | Mohammed Monguno, NSA, NGF, Abuja, Acting IGP Mohammed Adamu, 2019 elections, bandits, terrorists | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-election-nsa-warns-politicians-against-arming-bandits-terrorists.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Afenifere faction endorses Buhari for second term | A faction of Afenifere on Tuesday endorsed the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari for the February 16th presidential election. The faction of the pan Yoruba social-cultural group led by Chief Ayo Fasanmi pronounced the endorsement at a gathering organised by the group to adopt President Buhari, held at International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan in Oyo state. A former senator who represented Ogun East Senatorial district between 1999 and 2003, Senator Olabiyi Durojaye moved the motions for the endorsement at the event. The endorsement was supported by other five leaders of the group including Prince Tajudeen Olusi (Lagos), Professor Bayonile Ademodi (Ondo), Elder Yemi Alade (Ekiti), Chief S. M. Akindele (Oyo), and Sooko Adewoyin (Osun). | Afenifere faction, APC, Buhari, University of Ibadan, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, presidential election | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/afenifere-faction-endorses-buhari-for-second-term.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | 2019: European Centre harps on security | Ahead of the 2019 general elections in Nigeria, the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) has called for security across the country. ECES Nigeria Project Director Rudolf Elbling made the call in Lagos yesterday at the opening of a two-day workshop tagged: “Training the Trainers for Election Security Personnel for the 2019 Elections.” He said the security agencies had critical roles to play in securing the electoral process in view of reported cases of security breaches in certain parts of the country. He said the issue of security was very complex in a vast country like Nigeria where election personnel and materials had to be deployed across land expanse. | 2019 general elections, ECES, Rudolf Elbing, security agencies | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-european-centre-harps-on-security.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Elections: Whole world watching us – Anyaoku | A former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku, says the whole world is watching Nigeria regarding the forthcoming general elections in the country. Anyaoku spoke yesterday in Lagos where he chaired the unveiling of “New Look Tribune” organized by African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, publishers of the Tribune titles, to mark its 70th anniversary. He said the views of the international community on the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria should not be ignored. He charged the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that the elections reflect the will of Nigerians. | Emeka Anyaoku, Whole world, general elections, New Look Tribune, INEC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/elections-whole-world-watching-us-anyaoku.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | 2019: JNI calls for prayers | The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has urged Muslims across the country to engage in ardent prayers ahead of the 2019 general elections. JNI, in a statement yesterday by its Secretary-General, Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, said the call became necessary given the fear and anxiety in some quarters over the elections. The statement read: “The call has become imperative bearing in mind that as Muslims, supplications to Allah, the Almighty, is the nucleus of worship, and there is nothing that is dearer to Allah than invocation, it is also the most honourable thing before Him, the Most High, and a surest way to attaining requests put before Him. Hence, Muslims are implored to frequently engage in Du’a, especially for the seemingly palpable fear and anxiety from some quarters towards a resentful free 2019 general elections." | JNI, 2019 general elections, Dr Khalid Aliyu, Muslims | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-jni-calls-for-prayers.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Federal High Court’s judgement on APC primaries supersedes Zamfara’s – Marafa | The judgement of a Federal High Court in Abuja that INEC was right by not accepting candidates of the APC from Zamfara State supersedes that of a high court in the state which ruled otherwise, Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa, has said. Marafa said although INEC said it was studying the two conflicting judgements, he believed the commission would stick to its position that there were no primaries in Zamfara APC. Briefing journalists at the National Assembly, yesterday, Marafa who chairs the Senate Committee on Petroleum (downstream), noted that some governors now relied on the popularity of President Muhammadu Buhari to win elections. | Federal High Court, INEC, Zamfara State, Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa, Buhari | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/federal-high-courts-judgement-on-apc-primaries-supersedes-zamfaras-marafa.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Radio station to track violence against women | Women Radio 91.7 (WFM) has called on Nigerians to shun violence against women and increase their participation in the forthcoming general elections. The managing director of the station, Toun Sonaiya, who stated this during an advocacy visit to INEC office in Magbon, Abeokuta in Ogun State, said the commission had a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general elections were devoid of violence against women so as to allow them exercise their civic rights to vote and be voted for. She added that the station would track incidences of electoral violence against women. The head of department, Voters’ Education and Publicity, Gender and Civil Society Organization, Olori Adenike Tadese, said INEC had made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel, adding that priority would be given to vulnerable persons during elections. | Women Radio 91.7 (WFM), forthcoming general elections, violence against women, Olori Adenike Tadese, INEC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/radio-station-to-track-violence-against-women.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | We’ll monitor anti-party activities – Lalong | Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong said, yesterday, that APC in the state will set up elections monitoring committees to monitor individuals who may want to venture into anti-party activities ahead of the general elections. Lalong stated this, yesterday, shortly before inaugurating members of his campaign council. He said, “We will not publish the names of those in the committee because you should not know those who would be investigating you,” he said. He chided former governor of the state and senator representing Plateau North, Jonah David Jang, who recently said he did not build the new government house at Little Rayfield for the present governor to occupy. | Plateau State, Governor Simon Bako Lalong, APC, general elections, Plateau North, Jonah David Jang | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/well-monitor-anti-party-activities-lalong.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | PDP, Tinubu trade words over Atiku comment | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has flayed a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for describing its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as “undemocratic element.” The Director Media and Publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement last night said Atiku was an established democrat and that “the resort to flippancy by Buhari campaigner, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu”, could not distract him. The PPCO said Tinubu, in attacking Atiku state of the nation address, which embodied the concerns, fears and apprehensions of Nigerians over President Muhammadu Buhari’s alleged despotic tendencies, had shown that he had finally turned his back against Nigerians because of pecuniary interests. | PDP, Tinubu, Atiku, Mr Kola Ologbodiyan, PPCO, APC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pdp-tinubu-trade-words-over-atiku-comment.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Vote for candidates of your choice, Buhari tells Imo APC members | President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, stunned Imo electorate when he asked members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to vote according to their conscience during the forthcoming elections. Buhari, speaking in Owerri on the lingering crisis rocking the Imo State chapter of the party, urged the members to vote for any candidate of their choice irrespective of intra party squabbles. The president’s speech at the Dan Anyiam Stadium was however at variance with that of the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, who had mandated APC members to vote for the party’s governorship candidate, Hope Uzodinma. | Buhari, electorate, Imo State, Dan Anyiam Stadium, Oshiomhole, Okorocha, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, APC, Owerri | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/vote-for-candidates-of-your-choice-buhari-tells-imo-apc-members-2.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | We must not make mistakes – Shettima | Governor Kashim Shettima, yesterday, listed two mistakes he said leaders and stakeholders of the APC in Borno State cannot make ahead of the February and March elections. The governor spoke when he inaugurated the APC campaign council and different committees tasked with various activities ahead of the elections. “There are two mistakes we should never make. The first mistake will be to underestimate our opponents in any party. There are those who assume that I, Kashim Shettima underrates opponents,” the governor said. “They say so because they don’t know me well enough. I do not underrate opponents. What I do is to foresee opponents and neutralize them long before the contest." | Governor Kashim Shettima, APC, Borno State, elections | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/we-must-not-make-mistakes-shettima.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Akwa Ibom PDP loses ex-NDDC commissioner, 2,000 to APC | The exodus from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State continued on Monday with the defection of a former commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Etim Inyang Jnr, and 2,000 others to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr Inyang, the son of a former Inspector-General of Police, Late Chief Etim Inyang, led the group of defectors during the APC campaign rally in Mbo Local Government Area. Addressing the mammoth crowd at the rally held at Enwang, the local government headquarters, Mr Inyang said he defected to support Obong Nsima Ekere, the APC governorship candidate, to take the state to the next level. | PDP, APC, Akwa Ibom State, ex-NDDC commissioner, Mr Etim Inyang Jr. Obong Nsima Ekere | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/akwa-ibom-pdp-loses-ex-nddc-commissioner-2000-to-apc.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Journalists draw code on election coverage | Political editors drawn from different media houses have signed a charter on the best way to cover the 2019 general elections peacefully. It was at the instance of Daria Media with support from MacArthur Foundation. Ten political editors participated in the workshop tagged ‘Election Reporting in the Digital Age’, which drew experts including from the Thompson Foundation and was held in Lagos between Jan. 25th and 26. The participants later drafted the ‘Code of Election Good Practice’ which was a voluntary commitment to raising professional standards during the most vital moments in the democratic cycle. | 2019 general elections, Political editors, Code of Election Good Practice, democratic cycle, election coverage | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/journalists-draw-code-on-election-coverage.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Aba traditional ruler, Igbo scribe predict victory for Buhari | The Chairman of Aba Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty, Dr Isaac Ikonne, yesterday, proclaimed President Muhammadu Buhari as winner of next month’s presidential election. The traditional ruler who is Eni 1 of Aba in Abia State made the declaration during the campaign visit of the president to the state. The royal father raised the president’s hand and proclaimed him winner of the coming presidential poll. He called on all indigenes of Abia State to vote for the APC presidential candidate. | Dr Isaac Ikonne, Buhari, Aba traditional ruler, Abia State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/aba-traditional-ruler-igbo-scribe-predict-victory-for-buhari.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | INEC, APC to close defence in Plateau lawmaker’s forgery case | INEC and the APC are expected to close their case in the matter of alleged certificate forgery case involving the member representing Jos North/North Constituency in the Plateau State of Assembly, Ibrahim Baba Hassan. APC’s counsel, Ledak Dafer and INEC’s counsel, Mrs. Fatimah Ibrahim, who were 2nd and 3rd respondents in the case made their submissions after the counsel of the lawmaker, Edwin Buxton, closed his client’s defence in the last sitting on Monday. It could be recalled that the lawmaker was sued before a Federal High Court sitting in Jos by Abdul Saleh who in 2015 contested for the APC House of Assembly seat with him but lost. | INEC, APC, forgery case, Plateau State House of Assembly, Ibrahim Baba Hassan, Edwin Buxton, Abdul Saleh | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-apc-to-close-defence-in-plateau-lawmakers-forgery-case.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | My second coming will be better – Ortom | Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, yesterday, assured residents of the state that his second term would be better than the first if given the mandate. Ortom explained that his administration was faced with lack of funds due to the recession in the country at the time he assumed office three years ago. He added that insecurity had also affected his plans. The governor, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and ICT, Tahav Agerzua, spoke at the palace of the Ter Makurdi while consulting with the royal father on his re-election bid. He further appealed to the people of the state to take their destiny in their hands by giving him their mandate in bloc for Benue to thrive. | Benue State, Governor Samuel Ortom, Tahav Agerzua, re-election | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/my-second-coming-will-be-better-ortom.html |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | NJC may sack Onnoghen, Mohammed to end crisis | The National Judicial Council (NJC) yesterday gave the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen and the one acting, Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed, a-week ultimatum to respond to the allegations of corruption and professional misconduct levelled against them. Due to the gravity of the allegations, the NJC abridged the time and gave the accused persons one week instead of the usual 14 working days to respond to the allegations, an indication that they may be sacrificed to restore sanctity in the highly revered arm of government. The council asked Onnoghen to explain why he did not declare all his assets and Mohammed why he submitted himself for appointment without the involvement of the NJC.The body, with the powers to discipline erring judicial officers, held the emergency meeting principally to consider petitions written against the two most senior judicial officers in the country. Since the two are incidentally involved in the crisis, they expectedly recused themselves from the meeting. | NJC, Justice Walter Onnoghen, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, petitions, corruption, professional misconduct | https://guardian.ng/news/njc-may-sack-onnoghen-mohammed-to-end-crisis/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Group asks Lagos Assembly to account for N28.8b running cost | The Legislative Probity and Accountability (LPA) has asked the Lagos State House of Assembly to account for the N28.8 billion it collected as running cost under Speaker Mudashiru Obasa’s leadership. The civil society organisation (CSO) maintained that if the House fails to account for the fund, it would mobilise Nigerians and compel the Assembly to do the needful. In a statement issued by its Chairman, Olu Fajana yesterday, the group noted that it had watched with keen interest latest moves by the Assembly to impeach Governor Akinwunmi Ambode over alleged misconduct and infractions in the state’s 2018 budget and the proposed 2019 appropriation bill. “While we will refrain from dabbling into the politics of this misadventure, we demand that the Lagos lawmakers should come to equity with clean hands. “It is not our duty to ask the lawmakers not to probe Ambode if he has committed any infractions, but Obasa has been collecting N9.6 billion each year and has so far pocketed N28.8 billion as running cost." | Legislative Probity and Accountability (LPA). Lagos State House of Assembly, Olu Fajana, Ambode, 2019 Appropriation Bill | https://guardian.ng/news/group-asks-lagos-assembly-to-account-for-n28-8b-running-cost/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Again, Federal Government alleges plot to scuttle 2019 polls | The Federal Government has raised a fresh alarm on moves by ‘panicky’ politicians, individuals and groups to truncate the conduct of the general elections, which begin on the 16th of next month.The current administration warned that the development could cause crisis in the land, just as it added that these unscrupulous elements were already mobilising merchants of violence, including armed bandits and terrorists, to perpetrate their nefarious acts in a number of states across the federation. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, had last week raised similar fears that the opposition was planning to disrupt the polls.The National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), while addressing reporters yesterday in Abuja at the end of an emergency meeting with the 36 governors, assured Nigerians that his office and all security agencies were poised to cooperate with the state chief executives to deliver on their constitutional mandate of protecting lives and properties before, during and after the elections. Monguno explained that the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) he co-chairs with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had been meeting periodically to safeguard the electorate during the exercise. | Maj. Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd), 2019 polls, Lai Mohammed, INEC, ICCES, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu | https://guardian.ng/politics/again-federal-government-alleges-plot-to-scuttle-2019-polls/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | I will end insecurity in Plateau if elected, says Useni | The Plateau State governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Jeremiah Useni, has promised to end insecurity in the state if elected on March 2. He made the statement yesterday in Jos at the party’s zonal rally for the northern zone of the state. Useni, a retired army general, said he would ensure peace returns to all parts of the state to pave way for even development, adding that his government would put in place modalities that would end the lingering farmer-herder clashes in the state. According to him, “I will end insecurity in Plateau and ensure peace returns to all parts of the state if I become governor, because nothing will work smoothly for us without security of lives and property. We must stop the killings. That we must do to enable our farmers go to their farms without fear of being killed. That way, we will have enough food to eat locally and even export, and that will also expand our revenue base.” The candidate, who promised to serve the state with the whole of his strength, assured that he would run an all-inclusive government.”Nobody will be neglected,” he said. “We shall run an all-inclusive government where everybody will be involved.” | Senator Jeremiah Useni, Plateau State, PDP | https://guardian.ng/politics/i-will-end-insecurity-in-plateau-if-elected-says-useni/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Senate minority leader cautions APC colleagues against disinformation | Senate minority leader, Biodun Olujimi (Ekiti South, PDP), has advised her colleagues in the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus to stop spreading “misleading information” about the red chamber’s decision to approach the courts over the suspension of Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). The majority leader, Ahmad Lawan, had dissociated the APC caucus from the decision of the senate to seek the interpretation of the constitution in the Supreme Court on whether President Buhari acted within his powers in suspending Onnoghen. But Olujimi stated yesterday that it was usually the prerogative of the presiding officer to decide whether an issue concerning the chamber should be referred to the court for adjudication, and that the position was supported by precedents. She said: “I am surprised that a few of my colleagues in the APC caucus are spreading disinformation that they were not party to the decision to file a case seeking interpretation of the provision of the constitution concerning the president’s decision to suspend the CJN." | Senator Biodun Olujimi, PDP, APC, misleading information, CJN, Ahmad Lawan | https://guardian.ng/news/senate-minority-leader-cautions-apc-colleagues-against-disinformation/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Okowa didn’t push me out of PDP, Uduaghan insists | Immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, yesterday dismissed insinuations that he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because Governor Ifeanyi Okowa doesn’t listen to “wise counsel.”He was quoted to have made the remarks during an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Koko, Warri North Local Council. The ex-governor made the clarification on his Facebook page, which he directed to the state PDP Public Relations Officer, Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, whom he accused of frequently using the allegation to malign him. Uduaghan wrote: “To Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, PRO of Delta State PDP, please note that the above statement did not come from me. In your usual style since I moved into APC, you have used it to pour venom on me.“I appointed you a commissioner in my administration. I will therefore not go down that piggery route with you. “Please get the tape of what I said, which is not new. That’s what good PROs do.“Finally, I am focused on issues concerning my aspiration to represent Delta South senatorial district. I expect you to focus on those issues in trying to stop me from getting the ticket.“I will not be distracted by people like you.” | Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Governor Ifeabyi Okowa, Delta State, APC, PDP, Delta South senatorial district | https://guardian.ng/politics/okowa-didnt-push-me-out-of-pdp-uduaghan-insists/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | APC rejects Niger Delta minister’s gubernatorial ticket claims | As President Muhammadu Buhari visits Calabar, Cross River State, today, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has again rejected the governorship claims of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani. Despite the ruling by the high court in Abuja, the jingle of Usani as the governorship candidate of the party has reportedly been on the airwaves through a private radio station in the state. But a statement yesterday signed by the acting state chairman of the party, Sir John Ochala, declared that Usani was not the party’s candidate, calling his action a “clear onslaught” on the party’s electoral chances. “Our attention has been drawn to trending media reports credited to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, whereby he parades as the governorship candidate of the APC in Cross River State. “All the institutions relevant to the emergence of candidates, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the national secretariat of our party and even the law enforcement agencies have the name of Sen. John Enoh as the party’s governorship candidate in Cross River. “In a matter instituted by him (Usani) regarding the issue of candidacy, a federal high court in Abuja presided over by Justice Olukayode Adeniyi had delivered judgment rejecting his prayers to be made the party’s candidate. In fact, the court verdict de-recognised him as having taken part in the process of party primary elections that led to the emergence of candidates. Pastor Usani should tell the world at what point he emerged as the party’s governorship candidate as he continues to parade as such.” | APC, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, Cross River State, Sir John Ochala, INEC, governorship candidate, Oilukayode Adeniyi | https://guardian.ng/news/apc-rejects-niger-delta-ministers-gubernatorial-ticket-claims/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Unscrupulous politicians are sewing police, military uniforms, Edgal alleges | Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal yesterday alleged that unscrupulous politicians in the state are sewing police and military uniforms for civilians to infiltrate the state. Edgal made the disclosure at the 2019 Lagos Chamber of Commerce Industry (LCCI) ‘Security meets Business’ Dialogue Session yesterday. According to the police boss, “I have received intelligence report that some unscrupulous politicians are sewing police uniforms and military to infiltrate the state.” He therefore warned those perpetrating the act to desist to avoid being nabbed. He said, “They should not try it. We are working on that and if they try it, they will face stiff resistance and those caught would be made to face the full weight of the law,” He further stressed that the police would continue to partner security agencies in the state to reduce crime rate and strengthen the security in Lagos State especially during the 2019 Presidential election.Speaking at the event, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha who was represented by Shade Kaiafas appreciated security operatives for discharging their duties in creating enabling business environment. ”We acknowledge the effort of the government and the security agencies for their actions. Nevertheless, a lot still needs to be done”. | Imohimi Edgal, 2019 Lagos Chamber of Commerce industry (LCCI), Security meets Business, Lagos State, unscrupulous politicians, police and military uniforms | https://guardian.ng/news/unscrupulous-politicians-are-sewing-police-military-uniforms-edgal-alleges/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Buhari meets Rev. Fr. Mbaka | "President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met behind closed-doors with Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka of the Adoration Ministry Enugu, at the State House, Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mbaka, who came into the villa in a private maroon BMW car, was accompanied by a lady. The outcome of the meeting between the president and Mbaka, which lasted about 35 minutes, was unknown as at the time of filing this report. Mbaka, who did not speak to newsmen after the meeting, was once quoted as saying that “President Buhari is change, but former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is `bureau de change’.’’" | Buhari, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, Atiku, State House, Abuja | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/buhari-meets-rev-fr-mbaka.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Atiku promises to reform economy, give A/Ibom refinery | "The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to reform the economy and restructure the country if elected. Speaking yesterday in Uyo at his campaign rally, Atiku said the insecurity in the north-east had spread to the northwest and the north-central states. He said if President Muhammadu Buhari got re-elected, insecurity would spread over the whole country. Atiku said if elected, he would give 70 percent preference to youths and women and focus on handing over the leadership of the country to the youth." | Atiku, Akwa Ibom, refinery, Buhari, economy, campaign rally | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/atiku-promises-to-reform-economy-give-a-ibom-refinery.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Onnoghen’s suspension has no connection with elections — FG | "The suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen has nothing to do with the forthcoming elections, the Federal Government has said. Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed stated this while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Monday. Alhaji Mohammed said that the suspension is the consequence of his breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and it does not signify the onset of dictatorship or tyranny as some have insinuated. He said Justice Onnoghen was given the opportunity of fair hearing, but he has been abusing his position and the judicial process by filing frivolous applications and even dodging service of process." | Justice Walter Onnoghen, Federal Government, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, forthcoming elections, judicial process | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/onnoghens-suspension-has-no-connection-with-elections-fg.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | US, UK, EU positions on Onnoghen signify alignment with opposition — Foreign ministry | "The federal government said it is deeply concerned over statements made by United States, United Kingdom and European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) regarding the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). The U.S, U.K and EU EOM had, in a separate statements last weekend, questioned the suspension of CJN Walter Onnoghen by President Muhammadu Buhari. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement yesterday, said those statements demonstrate serious and unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of Nigeria. “The various statements, especially of those referred to above, appear prejudicial and signify alignment with the opposition and endorsement of its position that the ruling party, and by extension the Federal Government of Nigeria, is working on rigging the forthcoming elections in Nigeria,” said the statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, George Edokpa." | United States, United Kingdom, EU EOM, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Buhari, opposition | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/us-uk-eu-positions-on-onnoghen-signify-alignment-with-opposition-foreign-ministry.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Onnoghen: NJC meets today as acting CJN presides at S/Court | "The National Judicial Council (NJC) will meet today in Abuja over the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Walter Onnoghen and the appointment of Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed in acting capacity. It is not yet clear who will preside over the meeting, a senior lawyer, who is in the know of activities of the council, told Daily Trust yesterday. “The notice sent for the meeting did not indicate who will preside. But before the crisis, the rule says the chairman presides (Justice Onnoghen), and where he is absent the deputy chairman (Justice Mohammed) will preside,” he said. “But as it stands, it is only when the members get to the meeting that they will decide who will preside,” he added." | National Judicial Council (NJC), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed, Justice Walter Onnoghen, Supreme Court | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/onnoghen-njc-meets-today-as-acting-cjn-presides-at-s-court.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Protests at US embassy over CJN’s removal | "Protesters under the aegies of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) yesterday stormed the premises of the American Embassy protesting what they described as the “illegal removal” of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen. The protesters led by the Converner of the National Interest Defenders and National Chairman of the Action People’s Party (APP), Chief Ikenga Ugochinyere were carrying palacards and banners with different inscriptions such as, ‘save democracy’, ‘Buhari must go’, ‘CCT has compromised’, ‘respect the rule of law’, among others. Addressing the crowd and journalists, Chief Ugochinyere said the event marked the beginning of civil action by Nigerians to reclaim the country from the “grip of political barbarians and buccaneers” who he said have treated Nigeria’s Constitution with disdain, “principles of our constitutional governance with scorn and our democratic ethos with contempt and derision.” | Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Buhari, US embassy | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/protests-at-us-embassy-over-cjns-removal.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | APC gov’t engineering needless crisis – Atiku | "The presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the APC-led Federal Government of “engineering a needless crisis” in the country. Atiku who addressed a press conference yesterday in Abuja, said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government, which he described as “anti-democratic”, must be voted out of power on February 16, for Nigeria to reclaim its lost grounds. Atiku, a former vice president, said the “unlawful removal” of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, by Buhari was an action which constituted flagrant breach of Nigeria’s constitution and a frontal assault on the nation’s democracy. He said Nigerians had been brought to a perilous situation under the present government where court orders and constitution were thrown to the wind." | PDP, Atiku, Buhari, needless crisis, APC, Justice Walter Onnoghen | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apc-govt-engineering-needless-crisis-atiku.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Presidential candidates back Buhari on CJN’s suspension | "Presidential candidates for the February 16, 2019, election under the umbrella of Forum of Presidential Candidates and Political Parties for Good Governance (FPCPPGG) have said President Muhammadu Buhari has their backing on the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen. Chairman of the FPCPPGG, Alhaji Shittu Muhammed Kabiru, who made the position of the forum known yesterday at a press conference in Abuja, argued that Onnoghen’s removal would not have any negative effect on the 2019 general elections. Alhaji Kabiru argued that the offence allegedly committed by Justice Onnoghen was not a judicial offence, adding that Buhari’s action was just a suspension and not total removal that would have warranted the attention of the National Judicial Council (NJC)." | FPCPPGG, CJN, Alhaji Shittu Muhammed Kabiru, Buhari, 2019 general elections, NJC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/presidential-candidates-back-buhari-on-cjns-suspension.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Onnoghen: PT candidate urges Abubakar c’ttee to break logjam | "The presidential candidate of the Peoples Trust (PT) for the February 16, 2019, election, Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has urged the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee (NPC) and the Nigeria Judicial Council (NJC) to intervene and amicably resolve the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, in order to avert political and constitutional crises. Olawepo-Hashim said President Muhammadu Buhari acted on a “black market” ex-parte order procured at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to suspend Onnoghen and swear in Justice Tanko Mohammed as acting CJN." | Mr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, National Peace Committee (NPC), Justice Walter Onnoghen | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/onnoghen-pt-candidate-urges-abubakar-cttee-to-break-logjam.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Rukayya Atiku drums up women support for husband | "Wife of the PDP presidential candidate, Mrs. Rukayya Atiku, has called on women groups to throw their weight behind her husband’s political aspirations. She made the call yesterday during the North-East zonal women rally of the PDP in Bauchi, which also featured distribution of foods and other gift items to women groups. Mrs. Atiku called on women to vote the PDP in 2019 to curb poverty, unemployment, drug abuse among youths, as well as improve the education sector. She, however, warned against vote buying, reminding the electorate of their civic responsibilities of electing their leaders based on conscience." | Rukayya Atiku, PDP presidential candidate, North-East zonal women rally | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/rukayya-atiku-drums-up-women-support-for-husband.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Ekiti: Tribunal affirms Fayemi’s victory | "The Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja has affirmed the victory of Kayode Fayemi as the lawfully elected governor of the state. The PDP and its candidate, Prof Kolapo Olusola, had challenged INEC’s declaration of Fayemi as winner of the July 14, 2018 election. However, the tribunal’s three-man panel in its unanimous judgment read by Justice Sulaiman Belgore, held that the various allegations raised against the election conducted by INEC were not proven as required by law. The tribunal dismissed the claims by the petitioners that Fayemi at the time of the election was not qualified to stand for governorship election on the grounds of his alleged indictment by the Justice Oyewole Commission of Inquiry." | Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, INEC, Governor Kayode Fayemi, Prof. Kolapo Olusola | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/ekiti-tribunal-affirms-fayemis-victory.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Nwodo under fire over Atiku endorsement | "The Secretary General of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Uche Okwukwu, has described the endorsement of Atiku Abubakar by the apex Igbo socio-cultural body as its presidential candidate as a huge joke and an activity of fifth columnists. Okwukwu disclosed that members of the Ohaneze had been charged to commence suspension proceedings of their National President, Chief John Nwodo, over his personal endorsement of the PDP presidential candidate. Speaking with newsmen in Awka, Anambra State, yesterday, the secretary general said there was no meeting of Ime-Obi Ohaneze where the body endorsed any candidate for Ndigbo. “Ohaneze Ndigbo never held a meeting of the Ime-Obi where we endorsed any candidate for the 2019 presidential election. “Secondly, if we organise the Ime-Obi meeting, we inform members beforehand, and in the meeting, we also set up a communique committee that drafts the resolution or communique arising from the meeting which will be presented before the general house for ratification,” he said." | Uche Okwukwu, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Atiku, Chief John Nwodo, 2019 presidential election | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/nwodo-under-fire-over-atiku-endorsement.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | ‘Buhari a misunderstood statesman’ | "Nigerians misunderstanding President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership style is due to their inability to appreciate him as a statesman in politics. The Deputy Director General of the Buhari Presidential Campaign Council, Arc. Waziri Bulama, made this observation in a chat with newsmen yesterday in Maiduguri. “Having ruled this country in the military administration; having attained the rank of a major general in the Nigerian Army; and having participated in managing the country’s affairs in many capacities at the highest level, Buhari sees himself as a statesman in politics, and this is what people should know,” Arc. Bulama said." | Buhari, politics, Arc. Waziri Bulama, Maiduguri | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/buhari-a-misunderstood-statesman.html |
| The Guardian.ng | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | We would build on Dankwambo’s legacies, Nafada assures | "Gubernatorial candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Gombe State, Senator Usman Bayero Nafada, has assured the people that he would continue with the noble policies of the incumbent administration in the state if elected into office in the forthcoming general election. Nafada said since “everyone in Gombe State attest to the facts that the administration of Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo has done remarkably more than words can express,” he would build on the foundation of good governance laid by the governor in Gombe State. In a statement made available to The Guardian by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor, Alhaji Abu-Ubaida Ibrahim Kuna, Senator Nafada made the remarks when he met with members of Gombe Concerned Citizens Forum in Gombe on Sunday." | Governor Ibrahim Alhassan Dankwabo, Gombe State, Semator Usman Bayero Nafada,PDP Gubernatorial candidate, good governance | https://guardian.ng/politics/we-would-build-on-dankwambos-legacies-nafada-assures/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Again, INEC promises credible polls, says era of landslide victory over | "Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has said that the era of landslide victories in the nation’s elections is over, assuring that he will conduct the best election in Nigeria’s history. However, the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) has called on the electoral umpire to ensure that the 2019 general elections are free, fair and credible and without interference from any quarters. Speaking at its 10th General Assembly yesterday in Abuja, Yakubu vowed that INEC would not compromise the polls, adding that the commission is not supporting any candidate and will carry out its duties with the fear of God. “Elections are no longer won landslide. In most of the recent elections we conducted, the margin between the winner and the runner-up was just a little above 300 votes. And so, INEC will conduct the best election in Nigeria history,” he said." | INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, NCTRN, Nigeria history | https://guardian.ng/news/again-inec-promises-credible-polls-says-era-of-landslide-victory-over/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | APC Senatorial Candidate Pledges to Ensure Devt of Lagos East | "The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Lagos East Senatorial District, Hon. Bayo Osinowo, has said that his passion to bring more federal presence and dividends of democracy to the masses informed his aspiration. Osinowo, representing Kosofe Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly, gave the promise at a Town Hall meeting organised by “Team Pepper Mobilisation Committee” in the constituency. The event, which held at CMD, Magodo, Lagos, was attended by party leaders, members, artisans, youths groups, market men and women among others. The event, tagged “Pepperito Meets Kosofe Stakeholders” also had in attendance some traditional rulers and religious leaders. According to Osinowo, the meeting is to feel the pulse and the needs of the people of the district again before proceeding to represent them at the senate The lawmaker, popularly known as “Pepperito, Unifier and Stabilizer” said that his intention was to pursue the wishes of the people and put smiles on their faces if he emerged the winner of the February 16 polls. Osinowo, who commended the National Leader of the party, Senator Bola Tinubu, for his role along with other progressive leaders, said that Lagos and the entire Yoruba states had been known for progressive politics since the days of the late Chief MKO Abiola." | APC, Hon, Bayo Osinowo, Kosofe Constituency I, Lagos State House of Assembly, Senatoria Candidate | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/29/apc-senatorial-candidate-pledges-to-ensure-devt-of-lagos-east/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Pull Nigeria Back from the Brink of Extinction, Wike Charges Voters | "Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has called on Nigerians to pull the country from the brink of extinction by voting out President Muhammadu Buhari, who he said has failed the country. He said Nigeria is at crossroads and everyone is under obligation to salvage the country from the grip of a non-performing tyrant. He spoke at the weekend during the 2019 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign rally at State School 1, Bori. He said: “On February 16, 2019, all Nigerians should persevere at the polling units to ensure we vote Atiku Abubakar and other PDP candidates and sack President Muhammadu Buhari. “Nigerians is at a crossroad and anything can happen at any time. The enemies of the country will never succeed”. He urged Nigerians to defend their votes and their permanent voters cards because the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government has set up a committee to steal PVCs." | Governor Nyesom Wike, Rivers State, Nigeria, APC, PDP | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/28/pull-nigeria-back-from-the-brink-of-extinction-wike-charges-voters/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | Buhari can’t fix Nigeria — Titi Abubakar | "Wife of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hajiya Titi Atiku Abubakar, has appealed to Nigerians to “kick out” President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 16 election, saying his government has lost its way. Mrs Abubakar said Buhari, who is candidate of the APC, has crippled the nation’s economy and brought hunger and poverty to Nigeria, but assured that if elected, Atiku would “get Nigeria working again.” She also kicked against the emergence of Mrs Amina Zakari as chairperson of the Presidential Election Collation Centre Committee, saying, “we don’t want Amina Zakari in the collation room.” Mrs Abubakar, who spoke in Abuja at an event with theme, ‘Kick Out Hunger, Kick Out APC’, also said Buhari lacked knowledge of the economy and should not be allowed by Nigerians to realise his second term ambition so as to avoid shutting down the nation." | PDP, Mrs.Titi Abubakar, Buhari, Atiku, APC, PDP, Mrs. Amina Zakari | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/buhari-cant-fix-nigeria-titi-abubakar.html |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | 2019: I am confident of winning – Buhari | "President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday expressed optimism that he would win the forthcoming presidential election, saying “victory is with us”. The president spoke at the inaugural meeting of the 2019 APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He appealed to the members of the council to be dedicated and committed to the task ahead. “I would like to appeal to you to dedicate and commit yourself once again to the task at hand. There is no doubt that victory is with us: it is ours, but that shouldn’t mean we should rest even for a moment. “Even though we are confident of winning, I urge you to work as hard as you can so that we can maximise the scale and extent of our victory.""" | Buhari, 2019 APC Presidential Campaign Council, presidential election | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-i-am-confident-of-winning-buhari.html |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | Election: Buhari will do better than 2015 – Amaechi | "President Muhammadu Buhari will win the 2019 presidential election with even a better margin compared to 2015, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said. Amaechi, who is the Director-General of the Buhari Campaign Organisation, spoke exclusively to Daily Trust in his office yesterday. He said he has no doubt President Buhari will perform better in 2019 even as he assured the APC won’t be involved election rigging. “We will do better in 2019. A part of the 2015 election was rigged by PDP. But this time we are closing all rigging against even ourselves. If you speak to the President, one of the things he says is that he wants to bequeath to Nigerians the ability to choose their leaders and be held accountable for the weakness and strength of those leaders.""" | Buhari, 2019 presidential election, Rotimi Amaechi, 2015 election | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/election-buhari-will-do-better-than-2015-amaechi.html |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | President, APC using state resources for campaign – Atiku | "President Muhammadu Buhari and his party the All Progressives Congress (APC) are using state apparatus and resources for the elections in violation of the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, said yesterday. Atiku, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Paul Ibe, said the National Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu had in December, last year, warned political office holders against using state resources or apparatus for their campaigns, or deploying same against their opponents. “However, in negation of the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, the Buhari administration and the APC has taken to the illegal deployment of state resources to its advantage for the election. “We wish to remind President Buhari and the APC that the use of state videos released by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture is illegal under the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.""" | Buhar, Atiku, Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), Paul Ibe, APC, PDP | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/president-apc-using-state-resources-for-campaign-atiku.html |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | 2019: COAS urges officers to remain apolitical | "The Chief Of Air Staff (COAS), Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, has called on officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force to remain disciplined and apolitical as the 2019 general elections approach. He made the call in Jos, Plateau State, yesterday at the official commissioning ceremony of 18X2 Bedroom accommodation built for the Air Force personnel at 551 Nigerian Air Force Station. Represented by the Chief of Administration, Nigerian Air Force Headquarters Abuja, Air Vice Marshal Kingsley Lar, the COAS said: “Let me remind personnel that they must remain disciplined and apolitical as the 2019 general elections are approaching. Personnel are allowed to exercise their civic duty by electing candidates of their choice on election days without meddling into politics”" | Chief of Air Staff (COAS), Nigerian Airforce, 2019 general elections, apolitical, Plateau State, Air Vice Marshal Kingsley Lar | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-coas-urges-officers-to-remain-apolitical.html |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | 2019: Politicians causing fear among Nigerians — CAN | "The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. Samson Ayokunle, has said that the desperation of politicians ahead of the 2019 elections was generating anxiety among Nigerians. Ayokunle said this yesterday in Abuja during the nationwide “special prayers for the 2019 polls and release of captives” organised by CAN. Urging the citizens not to be worried and assuring them that the polls would be credible and violence-free, the CAN leader also warned electoral officers against manipulating the 2019 election results to favour any particular candidate. He urged the people to be the focus and expect the positive outcome of the polls, warning the youths against being used to cause violence during the elections." | CAN, Dr. Samson Ayokunle, 2019 elections, politicians, Nigerians, violence-free | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-politicians-causing-fear-among-nigerians-can.html |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | PVC buying threat to 2019 polls – Saraki | "Senate President Bukola Saraki has said that the allegation that some politicians were planning to purchase Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) was a major threat to the successful conduct of this year’s general elections. Saraki said it was a threat because it could become the single factor to decide where victory swings in the election. The Senate President therefore advised the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, to immediately call a meeting of stakeholders with the aim of formulating plans and ideas on how to render useless the intention of such politicians. Saraki, while reacting to a statement credited to Prof. Yakubu that some politicians were already scheming to purchase PVCs, urged the INEC boss not to stop at raising the alarm but immediately devise water-tight arrangement to make futile the efforts of such unscrupulous politicians." | Senate President Bukola Saraki, PVC buying, general elections, INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pvc-buying-threat-to-2019-polls-saraki.html |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | Remi Tinubu’s NASS office burgled | Remi Tinubu’s NASS office burgled | National Assembly office, Remi Tinubu, CCTV HP screen, burglars, Nifemi Aje | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/remi-tinubus-nass-office-burgled.html |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | Gov Ishaku, APC, UDP candidates absent at Taraba peace accord signing | "Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State, governorship candidate of the PDP, Sen. Aisha Alhassan, immediate past minister of Women Affairs and candidate of United Democratic Party (UDP), and Alhaji Sani Danladi of the APC were absent, yesterday, at the peace accord signing ceremony. The signing of the peace accord took place at the Taraba State Police Command headquarters in Jalingo. However, 14 other governorship candidates, including Mr Kefas Sule of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), who is contesting on the platform of All Blended Party (ABP) signed the peace pact." | Governor Darius Ishaku, Taraba State, Sen. Aisha Alhassan, Alhaji Sani Danladi, Taraba State Policer Command, Mr Kefas Sule | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/gov-ishaku-apc-udp-candidates-absent-at-taraba-peace-accord-signing.html |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | Parties protest alleged relocation of collation centre | "Constituents and supporters of Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, have kicked against an alleged plan by INEC to relocate a collation centre ahead of the forthcoming elections. The protesters from Bogoro, Dass and Tafawa Balewa, the speaker’s constituency, alleged that INEC wanted to relocate the said collation centre from Zwall in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area to Dass. They presented a protest letter at the INEC office in Bauchi, yesterday, on behalf of the coalition of political parties contesting for Dass, Tafawa Balewa Bogoro constituency. Speaking, Bauchi South PDP Zonal chairman, Isa Babayo Tilde, said they wanted INEC to sustain the status quo by not relocating the center from Zwall to Dass in the interest of peace, justice and fairness." | Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Bogoro, Dass, Tafawa Balewa, Isa Babayo Tilde, INEC, Bauchi, forthcoming elections | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/parties-protest-alleged-relocation-of-collation-centre.html |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | Amosun forecloses Senate president ambition | "Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday, ruled out Senate president’s ambition if elected as senator representing Ogun Central in the ninth legislature. Amosun submitted that with the position of Vice President currently occupied by Professor Yemi Osinbajo, an indigene of Ogun State, it was not feasible for the APC to concede Senate Presidency to the South West. The governor spoke, yesterday, when he kicked off his ward-to-ward campaign in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state." | Ibikunle Amosun, Senate President, Ewekoro Local Government, Ogun State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/amosun-forecloses-senate-president-ambition.html |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | Okorocha: Imo people know their next governor | "Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has said that the governorship election has been won and lost as the people already know who will govern them in 2019. Okorocha, who spoke when the new General Officer Commanding (GOC), the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Maj. Gen. A. C. Maikobi, paid him a courtesy call at the government house Owerri, urged the military to ensure free and fair elections. The governor also called for severe punishment for politicians who adorned hoodlums with uniforms and armed them during elections." | Governor Rochas Okorocha, Imo State, Maj. Gen A.C. Maikobi, elections, next governor | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/okorocha-imo-people-know-their-next-governor.html |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | Bode George endorses Agbaje for Lagos governorship | "A former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has ended insinuations of a rift between him and the party’s candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, as he has officially raised his hand and that of his running mate, Haleemat Busari, endorsing them for the March governorship election in the state. This was the outcome of a stakeholders’ meeting which ended on Wednesday evening held at Chief George residence. At the end of what was called a family meeting, George also dismissed insinuations that the PDP in Lagos was divided, saying that was the figment of imagination of the ruling party." | Chief Olabde George, Jimi Agbaje, PDP, Lagos State, goverorship candidate | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/bode-george-endorses-agbaje-for-lagos-governorship.html |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | Nigerians have no better candidate than Buhari — Kano first lady | "The wife of Kano State governor, Dr Hafsat Umar Ganduje, yesterday, said Nigerians have no better presidential candidate than incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari. Speaking during a campaign in Dawakin-Tofa Local Government, Dr Hafsat said opposition political parties were nothing but ghosts. She said the APC was the only active political party in the country, adding that APC had been improving the wellbeing of Nigerians in the last four years. Dr Hafsat said the APC-led government in Kano State had empowered women and youth at all levels." | Dr. Hafsat Umar Ganduje, Dawakin-Tofa Local Government, APC-led government, Buhari, Kano | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/nigerians-have-no-better-candidate-than-buhari-kano-first-lady.html |
| The Guardian.ng | Friday, January 11, 2019 | APC governors absent from Buhari’s campaign council meeting | "Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were conspicuously absent yesterday as President Muhammadu Buhari presided over the inaugural meeting of his re-election campaign council. The session was held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The governors are expected to function as state coordinators and council members. At the inauguration of the council, last week, Buhari had announced that APC chieftain and former Lagos State governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would head his campaign. The party, however, faulted the insinuation that the governors’ absence was a mark of disaffection. In a terse statement, APC spokesman, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said: “The agenda for the meeting had to do with drawing the timetable and deciding on the messaging. It didn’t require everyone in the council to be present. Meanwhile, this is not the inaugural meeting. After the inauguration on Monday, there have been not less than three meetings of the council.”" | APC governors, Buhari, Tinubu, Lanre Issa-Onilu, Abuja | https://guardian.ng/news/apc-govs-absent-from-buharis-campaign-council-meeting/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Friday, January 11, 2019 | We have not endorsed Atiku presidential bid, says Ohanaeze Ndigbo | "Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday denied endorsing the presidential aspiration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Rumour had made the rounds that Ohanaeze Ndigbo was part of the Igbo groups that met in Enugu late last year at a meeting presided over by Constitutional lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabueze to endorse Atiku. It was further said that the purported endorsement was a way to show gratitude for Atiku picking Mr. Peter Obi as his running mate. But at a press briefing in Enugu to mark its second year in office, the leadership of the Igbo socio-cultural organization said it was yet to adopt any candidate. “We did not endorse Atiku Abubakar, neither have we adopted any presidential candidate. We made it clear that we are committed to ensuring the restructuring of Nigeria for the benefit of the people. We have said that we would identify with candidates whose restructuring agenda tallies with our views. We also made it clear that Ohanaeze would meet sometime this month to ventilate the issue and be able to arrive at a conclusion. “The president general, who was away to the United States of America, flew in that same day of the meeting in Enugu and was able to go for the meeting based on the invitation extended to him. When he got in there, resolutions arrived at were foisted on him, but it does not mean that Ohanaeze Ndigbo endorsed Atiku and he made it clear that day that Ohanaeze was going to meet at a later date on the restructuring issue and the party that answers to the call of not just Ohanaeze Ndigbo but even the southern leaders forum which Ohanaeze is a part of. So it is erroneous to say that Ohanaeze Ndigbo has endorsed Atiku”, the group insisted yesterday." | Ohaneze Ndigbo, PDP, Atiku presiential bid, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Mr. Peter Obi, United States of America | https://guardian.ng/news/we-have-not-endorsed-atiku-presidential-bid-says-ohanaeze-ndigbo/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Friday, January 11, 2019 | Buhari set to assent to PWD bill, says Izunaso | "Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Kpakpando Foundation for Persons with Disabilities (KFPD), Senator Osita Izunaso, has stated that President Muhammadu Buhari will soon sign the Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) Bill into law. Izunaso stated this yesterday when he met with PWDs from across the country in Abuja. He said that the plight of the PWDs would be addressed by the time a legal framework is put in place. “The country stands to benefit immensely from the content of that law. So, we have to keep pressing. Anyway, the President is not somebody you have to press much for something that has to do with people who are vulnerable because there are very important aspect of that bill that need to be put in place almost immediately. “The bill is seeking to establish a national commission for persons with disabilities. Once there is a commission, people would be represented on behalf of the six geo-political zones. And when there is a commission, there would be budgetary provision in all our national budgets,” he said." | Senator Osita Izunaso, Kpakpando Foundation for Persons with Disabilities (KFPD), PWD bill, Buhari | https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-set-to-assent-to-pwd-bill-says-izunaso/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Friday, January 11, 2019 | Agbaje, Sanwo-Olu absent as guber candidates debate good governance | "Good governance formed the crux of the debate, organsied by Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and Strategy and Innovation for Development Initiative (SI4DEV) for candidates contesting the gubernatorial election in Lagos State. Candidates took turns to reel out their manifestos to the people, in their quest to upstage the candidates of the two major political parties in the state-All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Congress. While exuding confidence and passion for the people in their arguments, the contestants looked forward to a better state, lamenting the ills of the current administration that has been in power for 20 years. The debate, which was held at Civic Hive, Yaba, was moderated by a radio presenter with Inspiration FM, Mr. Adeniyi Kunnu." | Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), debate, Mr. Adeniyi Kunnu, APC, PDP, Sanwo-Olu, Agabje | https://guardian.ng/politics/agbaje-sanwo-olu-absent-as-guber-candidates-debate-good-governance/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Friday, January 11, 2019 | Court adjourns ruling in Ebonyi APC guber primary suit to February 6 | "A Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, yesterday adjourned ruling in a suit filed by Professor Benard Odoh in the September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2018 All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election to February 6, 2019. He had in the suit, challenged the outcome of the exercise, in which Senator Sonni Ogbuoji was declared winner. Odoh, who polled 519 votes, was declared the first runner-up, while Ogbuoji got 785 votes and was declared winner by the Senator Domingo Obende-led electoral committee. The plaintiff in the originating summons filed on October 19, 2018 with suit No: FHC/AI/CS/50/2018, alleged that there were widespread irregularities during the primaries. He said the electoral fraud was perpetrated through the use of fake delegates list for Ikwo and Ezza South local government areas totaling 31 electoral wards, which he claimed gave undue advantage to Ogbuoji, who is the fourth defendant in the matter." | Federal Hight Court, Abakaliki, APC guber primary, Senator Domingo Obende-led electoral Committtee, Professor Benard Odoh | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/court-adjourns-ruling-in-ebonyi-apc-guber-primary-suit-to-february-6/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Friday, January 11, 2019 | CJ to re-assign Sowore's suit against NEDG, BON | "Chief Justice of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Ishaq Bello, is expected to assign the suit filed by the African Action Congress (AAC) and its presidential candidate, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, against the National Election Debate Group (NEDG) and Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) from the vacation judge to a judge in a sitting court. NEDG and BON, the organisers of the presidential debate, had invited only five parties to the debate scheduled for January 19, exempting AAC and over 30 others. This prompted the AAC presidential flagbearer to drag the organisers to the Abuja high court, which, at its second sitting on Tuesday, removed the third defendant, John Momoh, from suit. After the second sitting, the presiding judge, Justice Danlami Senchi, referred the matter to Bello for re-assignment as the has court resumed." | FCT High Court, Ishaq Bello, Mr.Omoyele Sowore, African Action Congress (AAC), NEDG, BON, John Momoh | https://guardian.ng/news/cj-to-re-assign-sowores-suit-against-nedg-bon/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Friday, January 11, 2019 | Let your votes determine your destiny, cleric urges Nigerians | "For Nigerians to overcome poverty and have a better life, they must determine their own destinies by voting their conscience in the February 16, 2019 presidential election. General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Reverend Felix Meduoye, who proclaimed 2019 a year of peace for the Church and country, gave the charge during a media briefing on the state of the nation at the Church headquarters in Lagos. Focusing on infrastructure deficit, insecurity, challenge of leadership and the economy, he restated that the country was presently going through trying times, adding: “There is apprehension in the land as a result of the political, social and economic issues in Nigeria. “Political leadership has failed the nation and this is evident in all levels-judiciary, legislature and executive. The failure of leaders to provide the needed direction has left the country comatose, as the nation’s human and material resources have not been well harnessed for development.”" | Nigerians, Reverend Felix Meduoye, Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, destiny | https://guardian.ng/news/let-your-votes-determine-your-destiny-cleric-urges-nigerians/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | Buhari to Campaign in 36 States, Says He Will Win | "The All Progressives Congress (APC) has set out campaign plans that will see President Muhammadu Buhari visiting all the 36 states of the federation with a grand finale rally in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. THISDAY gathered from presidency sources at the strategy and inaugural meeting of the party’s presidential campaign council, held at the Presidential Villa Thursday that the party has scheduled its national campaigns to last for 18 days commencing on January 12. “The next stage of presidential campaign has been scheduled to begin next Saturday, January 12 in Bauchi. “The plan is for the president to campaign in all the 36 states, though some states will be paired so as to conclude the tour in 18 days,” a source said. The meeting, which was presided over by the president, who assured the participant he was sure of victory at the February 16 poll, was, however, not attended by any of the party’s governors that are members of the council." | APC, Buhari, Abuja, presidential campaign, 36 States | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/11/buhari-to-campaign-in-36-states-says-he-will-win/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | Dogara: Northern Elders’ Conspiracy of Silence Fuelling Insecurity | "The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Thursday said northern elders were not doing enough to end the insecurity in the region, contending that their conspiracy of silence fuelled the escalation of the challenge. Dogara spoke in Lafia during the party’s launch of its presidential campaign in Nasarawa State, where the National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, asked the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, particularly in Lagos State, to account for their wealth. Also speaking at the event, the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, promised to commit 40 per cent and 30 per cent of his government to women and youth. Dogara wondered why the Borno elders that were so vocal in 2015 suddenly became silent despite the escalation of Boko Haram crisis in the state. The speaker said the 2019 election is not about President Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku, explaining that it is a referendum about insecurity and hunger in the land." | Hon.Yakubu Dogara, Atiku, Buhari, APC, PDP, Northern Elders, insecurity | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/11/dogara-northern-elders-conspiracy-of-silence-fuelling-insecurity/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | Over 1m PVCs Unclaimed in Oyo, Says REC | "The Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Mutiu Agboke, Thursday lamented that out of the 2,934, 107 registered voters in the state, only 1, 958, 069 have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), leaving 1, 004, 577 cards uncollected. He also said the final list of governorship and House of Assembly candidates that will reflect the withdrawal, replacement and substitution of candidates done by the various political parties in the state will be published on January 31. The REC said this at the inaugural meeting of Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), stating that the final list of presidential and National Assembly election candidates will also be made public on January 17. Agboke called on the owners of the unclaimed PVCs to utilise the available window for collection and visit INEC office in the local government areas and other designated areas. The REC, who said the commission was ready for the elections, charged the heads of security agencies in the committee to ensure adequate security for all ad hoc staff, INEC offices and election materials as well as provide peaceful atmosphere for voting." | Mr.Mutiu Agboke, PVCs, Oyo State, ICCES, Local Government Areas, INEC office | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/11/over-1m-pvcs-unclaimed-in-oyo-says-rec/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | INEC Enumerates Seven-step Procedure for Voting on Election Day | "The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Thursday released the steps a voter would take to cast their vote on Election Day during the general elections, starting with the presidential and National Assembly polls on February 16. This is as the German government urged the commission to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the polls. The electoral body enumerated seven steps, itemising them on its verified Twitter handle, @inecnigeria" | Seven-step voting procedure, INEC, German government, @inecnigeria | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/11/inec-enumerates-seven-step-procedure-for-voting-on-election-day/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, January 11, 2019 | General Elections: Nigeria May Turn to Killing Field, Odinkalu Warns | "A former chairman of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has raised the alarm that there were enough arms in the hands of private citizens in the country to create a killing field if next month’s elections are not free and fair. This is coming as ex-militant leaders in the Niger Delta region have expressed worries that politicians are stockpiling large arms and ammunition to unleash terror and mayhem against suspected political opponents with sole aim of rigging next month’s elections. Speaking yesterday on the Morning Show of Arise News, a sister broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspaper, Odinkalu said his greatest fear is violence, adding that this can only be averted if the police, the biggest security outfit in the country, is seen to be neutral in the activities leading to the election. “If the security services don’t behave responsibly and with neutrality, there are enough arms in private hands in the country to create a free-for-all killing field and I don’t think anybody should pray for that,” he said." | Prof. Chidi dinkalu, General Elections, killing field, Niger Delta region, politicians | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/11/general-elections-nigeria-may-turn-to-killing-field-odinkalu-warns/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | No gov’t money for campaign – Buhari | "President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his commitment to eliminate corruption in campaign financing in the country, pledging that he will not authorise the use of any money from the treasury for his re-election campaign. Speaking at the close of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, President Buhari directed cabinet ministers to take advantage of technology to reach out to voters on the need to return the All Progressives Congress (APC) led administration in next month’s general elections. “As political parties spread their ideologies and views to every nook and corner of the country, the issue of cash payment to voters and its corrupting influence in electioneering has once again become a topical issue.""" | Buhari, FEC, APC led administration, campaign | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/no-govt-money-for-campaign-buhari.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | APC set to receive Mu’azu as Buhari holds rally in Bauchi | "The All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to receive a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmad Adamu Mu’azu, Daily Trust learnt from multiple sources yesterday. This is coming on the heels of defection to the APC by the suspended PDP National Deputy Chairman, Senator Babayo Garba Gamawa, Alhaji Kaulaha Aliyu, a close ally of the former governor and other PDP chieftains. Mu’azu, a former governor of Bauchi State had been out of Nigeria for over three years until December 2018 when he returned and gave out his daughter in marriage." | APC, Ahmad Adamu Mu' azu, Senator Babayo Gamawa, PDP chieftains, Bauchi State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apc-set-to-receive-muazu-as-buhari-holds-rally-in-bauchi.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | Police, INEC, residents confirm closure of Maiduguri–Damaturu road | "The Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, Abdulmaliki Sunmonu; the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the State, Ahmad Makama as well as residents and motorists confirmed that the Damaturu-Maiduguri-Potiskum Road was closed for hours yesterday. Most traders also said the situation prevented them from getting to the markets in Gaidam and Potiskum. The REC told newsmen at the venue of the signing of the peace accord by politicians, scheduled for yesterday that the event was postponed owing to the closure of the road. “Most of these people we are expecting will come from other local governments of the state and the roads linking to Damaturu have been shut down by the army. Therefore, we’ve agreed to shift the programme to a later date of Thursday, next week, January 17”, he stated." | Abdulmaliki Sunmonu, Ahmad Makama, Damaturu-Maiduguri-Potiskum Road, Gaidam | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/police-inec-residents-confirm-closure-of-maiduguri-damaturu-road.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | Tor Tiv places curse on politicians who cause violence | "Paramount ruler of Tiv people worldwide and chairman of Benue State Traditional Council, Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, has asked politicians in the state to eschew violence in the forthcoming general elections or risk coming under curses of the land. He said any politician who would cause violence would suffer the consequences of such action. Ayatse spoke in Makurdi during the signing of the peace pact by 32 governorship candidates of various political parties vying for elections in the state, an event organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission." | Tor Tiv, Prof. jmaes Ayatse, INEC, violence | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/tor-tiv-places-curse-on-politicians-who-cause-violence.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | We need new security architecture for 2019 polls – INEC | "Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has called for new security architecture for the 2019 elections consistent with the provision of Section 29 (3) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended). Professor Yakubu spoke, yesterday, at the regular quarterly meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). He said learning from the experience of some of the 195 off-season elections conducted since 2015, it was pertinent to draw attention to the need for a different approach to the deployment of security forces during elections. The INEC chairman said the Nigeria Police Force remained the lead agency for election security, while other security agencies would play a supportive role." | INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, 195 off-season elections, Nigeria Police Force, new security architecture | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/we-need-new-security-architecture-for-2019-polls-inec.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | Lamido, police differ over PDP zonal rally in Jigawa | "Police in Jigawa State have allegedly disrupted the flag off of the North West PDP zonal campaign in Gumel town of the state. The police allegedly dispersed the crowd after throwing canisters of teargas at the venue of the zonal campaign. Stern looking policemen were strategically positioned after using their vehicles to barricade the Maigatari road which led to the venue of the rally. Addressing party faithful, yesterday, after they reassembled at a different venue along Hadejia road, the leader of the party and former governor of the state, Sule Lamido, said the Police Commissioner, Bala Zama Senchi, called them in the morning informing them of the decision of the police to withdraw the approval earlier given for the flag off campaign." | Police, Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, Bala Zama Senchi, North-West PDP, zonal rally | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/lamido-police-differ-over-pdp-zonal-rally-in-jigawa.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | Ekiti gov’ship: Tribunal adjourns judgment indefinitely | "The Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja has adjourned sine die (indefinitely) judgement following the conclusion of hearing of the case. The petition was filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, against the election of Mr. Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as governor. The chairman of the tribunal, Justice Suleiman Belgore, announced yesterday that the tribunal would communicate the judgment date to the parties 48 hours before the delivery." | Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition, Abuja, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, PDP, Justice Suleiman Belgore | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/ekiti-govship-tribunal-adjourns-judgment-indefinitely.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | C/River: Gov’ship hopeful seeks reconciliation with minister | "The APC gubernatorial candidate in Cross River State, Senator John Owan-Enoh, has approached the minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Usani, for peace and reconciliation following the High Court rejection of the latter’s request for him to be declared as the authentic candidate of the party. In a public statement issued in Calabar, Senator Owan-Enoh urged Pastor Usani and his supporters to sheathe the sword and embrace peace in the overall interest of APC and Cross River State “so that together we can rescue our state from mediocrity and bad governance.” He said he strongly believed that responsible politics all over the world was premised on compromise or give-and-take, without which development would be seen in the dividing line between savagery and barbarism. “Politics of civility and enlightenment for which our state is renowned over the years should be uppermost in our minds. Losers should accept their defeat with equanimity and winners share their victory with magnanimity,” he stated." | Senator John Owan-Enoh, Pastor Usani Usani, APC, Cross River State, reconciliation | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/c-river-govship-hopeful-seeks-reconciliation-with-minister.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | I’m probing Kwankwaso – Ganduje | "Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje says he is probing his predecessor, Sen. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso over multi-billion naira 5 kilometre road projects. Ganduje who dropped the hint yesterday while inaugurating 12 campaign committees for his second term bid, said Kano Stat government had taken the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Ganduje explained that the EFCC had gone far in its investigation into the matter in terms of how the money meant for the construction of 5 kilometre roads in the 44 local governments of Kano state were diverted for Kwankwaso’s presidential campaign in 2015." | Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, EFCC, Kano State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/im-probing-kwankwaso-ganduje.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | Gunmen attack Atiku campaign office in Akure | "About 10 armed men, yesterday, stormed the campaign office of PDP presidential candidate, Abubakar Atiku, in Akure, the Ondo State capital where they assaulted security guards and destroyed posters. The Atiku Campaign Organisation in the state has decried the midnight attack, describing it as barbaric, and fingering members of the opposition APC. A statement issued by the spokesman of the Atiku Campaign Organisation, Ondo State chapter, Mr. Kayode Fasua, said some hoodlums suspected to be working in favour of the ruling APC attacked the building." | Armed men, Atiku, campaign office, Atiku Campaign Organisation, Ondo State, hoodlums, Mr. Kayode Fasua | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/gunmen-attack-atiku-campaign-office-in-akure-2.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | PDP loses 450 members in A/Ibom | "The PDP in Udung Uko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has lost over 450 members to the APC. The defectors joined the APC yesterday during a visit to the APC Campaign Office along Four Lanes in Uyo. They were led by Mr Obiosio Obisio, the PDP Udung Uko Local Government chapter Youth Leader, Messrs Peter Effanga and Sam Effiong, two other members of the chapter executive and Ulap Nyong Edumoh, the proprietor of St. Dominic Comprehensive College, a popular school in Oron Local Government Area. Mr Obiosio said with their coming APC would win all the elections in Udung Uko, one of the five local government areas in Oron Nation, the third largest ethnic group in Akwa Ibom State." | Akwa Ibom, Udung uko Local Government Area, PDP, APC Campaign Office | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pdp-loses-450-members-in-a-ibom.html |
| The Guardian.ng | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | UN, INEC urge better security over north-east crisis, polls | "The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, has expressed concern over the deteriorating state of insecurity in the north-east, saying thousands of civilians have fled due to Boko Haram attacks. Kallon expressed his worry in a statement released by Head of Communication, Samantha Newport, in Maiduguri yesterday. He disclosed that the December 26, 2018 clash between troops and the Islamist sect in Baga town triggered massive displacement of people. “The impact of the recent fighting on innocent civilians is devastating and has created a humanitarian tragedy,” he said." | Mr. Edward Kallon, Boko Haram attacks, Samantha Newport, UN, INEC, North-East crisis | https://guardian.ng/news/un-inec-urge-better-security-over-north-east-crisis-polls/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | Youths to determine next president, says online poll | "If the final list of registered voters for the 2019 general election recently released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will determine the outcome of the poll, whosoever must emerge as Nigeria’s next president has to be popular among the youths. This constitutes 50 per cent of the registered voters. According to the commission’s figure, total number of registered voters in the 18-35 age bracket is 42, 938, 458 (51.11 per cent) while those between 36 and 50 years are 25,176,144 (29.97 per cent)." | registered voters, INEC, Youths, online poll | https://guardian.ng/politics/youths-to-determine-next-president-says-online-poll/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | Ogun APC guber candidate promises free education, others | "Hope for a better life for indigenes and residents of Ogun State, particularly in terms of provision of free education and equitable distribution of resources, was revived yesterday, when the gubernatorial candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Dapo Abiodun, flagged off his ward-to-ward campaign. In what sounded as a likely return to Pa Obafemi Awolowo’s development model, the APC governorship candidate assured the people, who turned out in a carnival fashion for the rally, that if elected governor in the March 2 poll his administration would embark on tuition-free programme in Ogun State. He also promised to grant full autonomy to local government councils in the state, stressing that such gesture would help to provide good governance and bring government closer to the people at the grassroots." | Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, free education, APC | https://guardian.ng/politics/ogun-apc-guber-candidate-promises-free-education-others/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | Don’t drag military into politics, Nigerians warn government | "Following the announcement of the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, that his ministry will soon launch a massive national campaign in support of the military, especially in its fight against insurgency and insecurity, concerned Nigerians have warned the Federal Government about the danger of desperately dragging the military institution into the murky waters of politics. Those who reacted to the minister’s comments, which he made during a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, included a former Deputy National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George; human rights lawyer, Dr. Femi Aborisade; a former president of Igbo Think Tank, Aka Ikenga, Chief Goody Uwazurike, and National Coordinator, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko. Mohammed said government believed the men and women who are risking all to keep Nigerians safe deserve the support and prayers of all Nigerians, not vilification, insults and other acts that are capable of dampening their morale." | Alhaji Lai Mohammed, national campaign, military, politics, APC, PDP, Chief Olabode George, HURIWA | https://guardian.ng/politics/dont-drag-military-into-politics-nigerians-warn-government/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | Lagos APC says NURTW thugs not needed to win election | "The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has denied affiliating with hoodlums in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), saying the party does not need them to win elections. Its publicity secretary, Joe Igbokwe, at a press conference yesterday added that it would be a waste of time for the opposition to want to use the fracas during APC campaign on Tuesday against the party. Confirming injuries and loss of lives at the event, he condoled with the bereaved families. Igbokwe also commended the security officers at the rally, saying the situation would have been worse if they didn’t manage it well." | APC, NURTW thugs, Joe Igbokwe, Lagos State, election | https://guardian.ng/news/lagos-apc-says-nurtw-thugs-not-needed-to-win-election/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | Tambuwal urges labour to seek review of revenue sharing formula | "Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has assured workers of his readiness to implement the N30,000 minimum wage once passed into law, just as he asked labour leaders in the country to intensify agitation for a review of the nation’s revenue sharing formula. The governor spoke while receiving Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) members who were at the Government House to agitate for the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers. He stated that too much money was concentrated at the centre; hence the need for the sharing formula to be reviewed, so that state workers could be properly remunerated. Appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to start the anti-corruption war by properly remunerating public servants, Tambuwal explained that the revenue sharing formula should be reviewed every five years. " | Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto State, revenue sharing formula, minimum wage, NLC, Buhari | https://guardian.ng/appointments/tambuwal-urges-labour-to-seek-review-of-revenue-sharing-formula/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | Tambuwal urges labour to seek review of revenue sharing formula | "Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has assured workers of his readiness to implement the N30,000 minimum wage once passed into law, just as he asked labour leaders in the country to intensify agitation for a review of the nation’s revenue sharing formula. The governor spoke while receiving Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) members who were at the Government House to agitate for the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers. He stated that too much money was concentrated at the centre; hence the need for the sharing formula to be reviewed, so that state workers could be properly remunerated. Appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to start the anti-corruption war by properly remunerating public servants, Tambuwal explained that the revenue sharing formula should be reviewed every five years. " | Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto State, revenue sharing formula, minimum wage, NLC, Buhari | https://guardian.ng/appointments/tambuwal-urges-labour-to-seek-review-of-revenue-sharing-formula/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | Abe Frustrating Peace Efforts in Rivers APC, Cole Alleges | "The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Mr. Tonye Cole, has said that despite all entreaties, his rival for the party’s ticket, Senator Magnus Abe, has frustrated all efforts to amicably settle the crisis rocking the party. Cole said he has sat down with Abe over the issue, but regretted that the senator has refused to listen to reasons, a situation that may cost the party the governorship ticket if not resolved in time. Speaking yesterday on The Morning Show on Arise News, Cole insisted that he is the candidate that is recognised by both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the party at the national level, saying that they must be ready to move forward because “we can no longer substitute candidates now. It is a position that can’t change any more. I am the candidate and I am ready to work together with Abe. We must work for the state.”" | APC, Mr. Tonye Cole, Senator Magnus Abe, Rivers State | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/10/abe-frustrating-peace-efforts-in-rivers-apc-cole-alleges/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | Don’t Eat ‘Food’ Given by Politicians, INEC Tells Corps Members | "The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members to steer clear of politicians’ ‘food’ in the forthcoming elections, saying it will not hesitate to sanction anyone who betrays public trust by accepting gifts from politicians. The commission also warned the corps members not to struggle with thugs during the polls in order not to endanger their lives INEC Electoral Officer for Jos South Council Area in Plateau State, Aisha Lawal, gave the warning during a sensitisation training organised for the corps members in Jos Wednesday. She said: “Let me warn you. You know politicians can be desperate. On no account should any corps member eat any food provided by politicians on election day because if you eat their food and get poisoned or sleep off on duty to enable them steal the card reader and other materials, you will be held responsible. “During the polls, when thugs come and say ‘give me’ just give them what they want because your life is more important than anything else.”" | INEC, NYSC, corps members, food, thugs, Aisha Lawal | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/10/dont-eat-food-given-by-politicians-inec-tells-corps-members/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 10, 2019 | George, Agbaje Reconcile to Wrest Power from Lagos APC | "In their bid to wrest power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, and the party’s governorship candidate, Jimi Agbaje, Wednesday reconciled their differences. At the ceremony which was witnessed by PDP leaders in the state including former deputy governor, Senator Kofo Akerele-Bucknor, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, former minister, Abimbola Ogunkelu, Remi Akitoye and Eddy Olafeso among others, George tagged it a “family meeting” which was meant to strengthen peace and the deepen amity in the party. “We are here to discountenance the deliberate misinformation running riot out there. Contrary to the misleading opinion in some sections of the media, our party is not disrupted by any in-fighting. We are woven in a united vision, summed up in a thoughtful unanimity of purpose. “We are emboldened by a well-articulated truth and summative defining purpose and shared beliefs. Yes, we might have had our differences in the past during the strongly contested gubernatorial primary. But that is now in the past. The contest had been won and lost. We have moved forward.”" | Chief Bode George, Jimi Agbaje, APC, PDP, Lagos State, Chief Ebenezar Babatope, Senator Kofo Akerele-Bucknor | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/10/george-agbaje-reconcile-to-wrest-power-from-lagos-apc/ |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | Voter register rose by 50% in 20 years | "More Nigerians may vote in this year’s general elections than they did anytime in the last 20 years when the country returned to democratic rule, Daily Trust reports. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday revealed that 84 million Nigerians have been registered to vote in the general elections starting on February 16. This represents an increase of 27 million over the 57 million that were registered in 1999. INEC yesterday made available to each political party, a copy of the entire national register of voters in fulfilment of the legal requirement. The INEC National Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who performed the task at the regular quarterly meeting with political parties in Abuja, said the final register for the 2019 general elections stood at 84,004,084 voters after the mandatory display of the register in all polling units nationwide for claims and objections from 6th- 12th November 2018." | Voter Register, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, political parties | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/voter-register-rose-by-50-in-20-years.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | Buhari seeks Senate confirmation of Tukur as NFIU director | "President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday requested for the Senate confirmation of the nomination of Modibbo Hamman Tukur as the Director of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). The nomination, according to a statement by the Presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina was in accordance with the provision of Section 5(1) of the NFIU Act 2018. He said a letter dated January 7, 2019 has been written to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, seeking the confirmation of the nominee by the Upper Chamber. Tukur who hails from Adamama State, is a holder of Master of Science (MSc) degree in International Business." | Buhari, Modibbo Hamman Tukur, igerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Senate President | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/buhari-seeks-senate-confirmation-of-tukur-as-nfiu-director.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | 2019: APC has no candidates in Rivers — Court | "A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt yesterday nullified the primaries conducted by both Rotimi Amaechi and Magnus Abe’s factions of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State. The court restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any candidates of the party for the 2019 general elections in the state . The court also nullified all nominations of the APC in the state for the forthcoming elections. According to the court, the APC cannot participate in the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly elections in the state." | Federal High Court, APC, Rivers State, INEC, National Assembly | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-apc-has-no-candidates-in-rivers-court.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | Politicians acquiring arms, recruiting thugs — Oba of Benin | "The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II,says politicians are acquiring arms and recruiting youths as thugs for the forthcoming general elections. He spoke yesterday in Benin while meeting with the chairmen and members of the various political parties and the Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs . “We understand that politicians are acquiring arms and recruiting youths as political thugs to prosecute election. It is God that gives power and using violence to get power is condemned by the Edo State Traditional and Chiefs condemned such act in its entirety,” he said. Oba Ewuare charged politicians to play by the rules of the game; and the youth, not to allow themselves to be used for violence." | Oba Ewuare II, Edo State ouncil of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, general electiobs, thugs, arms | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/politicians-acquiring-arms-recruiting-thugs-oba-of-benin.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | 2019: NOA begins nationwide voter sensitisation | "The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has embarked on a nationwide sensitization and education of voters on the proper ways of casting votes in order to reduce the number of void votes during collation. At a press conference in Abuja, yesterday the NOA director general, Garba Abari, said the agency was flagging off the sensitization in all the 774 local governments across the country by mobilizing its staff fully in the 36 states of the federation. He decried the high number of void votes had frustrated some voters in the past which has led to voter apathy where voters believe their votes didn’t count hence the need for the agency to carry out the campaigns on three critical issues. “The sensitization campaign focusing on reducing the challenge of voided votes, sensitisation for peaceful general elections, and sensitization against vote buying and selling,” he said." | National Orientation Agency (NOA), Garba Abari, voter sensitisation, local governments, voter apathy | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-noa-begins-nationwide-voter-sensitization.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | Get your PVCs, Kaduna church tells members | "The president of the United Church of Christ in Nations, Reverend Amos Kiri, has called on all members of the church and other Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) before the general elections. The reverend father made the call in Kaduna yesterday while delivering a speech at the end of a three-day national fasting and prayers organized by the church. The clergy, represented by the vice president of the church, Reverend Emmanuel Nama, called on all Nigerians to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner before, during and after the elections. The reverend also asked the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of Leah Sharibu who has been in Boko Haram captivity since last year." | PVCs, Kaduna Church, Reverend Kiri, Reverend Emmanuel Nama | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/get-your-pvcs-kaduna-church-tells-members.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | Why Tinubu will be fully in charge of my campaigns — Buhari | "President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, said the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will fully be in charge of his second term campaigns. Buhari who made the disclosure during the inauguration of his presidential campaign council at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, said he would not allow his job to suffer during his campaigns. The president who said the campaigns would be based on their performance in the last three and half years, urged the council members to resist being provoked. “Even though we have only 40 days, this campaign is going to tax us all because we intend to touch all corners of our great and vast country. But I must also add that though we will all be deeply involved, I would like to assure the nation that I will do my part without making governance or my work suffer,” Buhari said." | Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, second term campaigns, International Conference Centre | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/why-tinubu-will-be-fully-in-charge-of-my-campaigns-buhari.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | CSO demands Amina Zakari, IGP’s removal | "The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded the removal of Mrs. Amina Zakari as the collation officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for this year’s general elections. HURIWA in a statement signed by its management, yesterday, also demanded the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, who is due for retirement upon attaining the statutory age of 60 on January 15. The CSO, said it will in the next 48 hours coalesce with 35 other CSOs in requesting the intervention of the National Assembly and all the organisations that partner with INEC including the UN and major world leaders over the issue." | Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), INEC, Amina Zakari, IGP Ibrahim Idris | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/cso-demands-amina-zakari-igps-removal.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | PDP launches campaign in Katsina, promises to reintroduce Yar’adua blueprint | "The PDP in Katsina State has flagged off its presidential and gubernatorial campaigns with the promise of reintroducing policies and programmes of its past governors, late Umaru Yar’adua and Ibrahim Shehu Shema. Speaking at the launch, its gubernatorial candidate, Sen. Yakubu Lado, said these “two great sons” of the party had laid a solid blueprint for growth and development of the state which the APC administration allegedly abandoned. According to him, free education, job creation and security which were enjoyed in the past were no more, adding that “within 100 days in office, the PDP will restore security which the present administration has admitted it can’t provide.”" | PDP, gubernatorial candidate, Sen. Yakubu Lado, Yar' Adua blueprint, free education, Shehu Shema, campaigns | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pdp-launches-campaign-in-katsina-promises-to-reintroduce-yaradua-blueprint.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | Olujimi accuses Fayose of hijacking Atiku’s campaign council in Ekiti | "The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, has accused former Governor Ayodele Fayose of hijacking Atiku Abubakar Campaign Council in Ekiti State by allegedly injecting his cronies in all strategic positions. In a petition to the National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Uche Secondus, Olujimi called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to disband and reconstitute the council. The senator urged Secondus to compel Fayose to adhere strictly to the resolution reached by stakeholders at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ado Ekiti on December 28, 2018 on how the council should be composed to forestall cracks and crisis in the party ahead of the general elections. In the petition dated January 6, 2019, the senator argued that only immediate dissolution of the highly ‘lopsided’ campaign council could avert unnecessary cleavages in Ekiti PDP, warning that failure to accede to the request could dim the party’s chances in the state." | Senator Biodun Olujimi, former governor Aydele Fayose, Atiku Abubakar Campaign Council, Ekiti State, National Working Committee (NWC), Chief Uche Secondus | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/olujimi-accuses-fayose-of-hijacking-atikus-campaign-council-in-ekiti.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | Ndoma-Egba enjoins C/River to reciprocate Buhari’s love with votes | "The chairman of the Board of NDDC and former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, has called on the electorate in Cross River State to reciprocate the love President Muhammadu Buhari has shown them by giving him bulk votes next month. He said the president singled out the state and gave her several key federal government appointments which did not happen before. Speaking with journalists in Calabar, Ndoma-Egba said the performance of the president, who despite the low voter support he had in Cross River State in 2015, demonstrated such love and affection for the state by ensuring the ongoing rehabilitation of the Calabar-Ikom-Ogoja highway, as well as the award of the reconstruction of the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene highway." | Seator Victor-Egba, Buhari, NDDC, Calabar-Ikom-Ogoja highway, Cross River State, bulk votes | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/ndoma-egba-enjoins-c-river-to-reciprocate-buharis-love-with-votes.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | Campaign: BCO drums support for Tinubu | "The Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) said, yesterday, that it has no doubt that Senator Bola Tinubu will deliver as co-chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council. The group, which vouched for Tinubu, said the former governor of Lagos State will not disappoint the party and its presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, in the onerous task given to him. In a statement signed by its Director of Communications and Strategic Planning, Malam Gidado Ibrahim, the group said Tinubu had what it took to deliver, considering that he had political structure and outreach. Gidado said they had to stand by Tinubu considering the “rising discontent within the APC over the composition of its presidential campaign council inaugurated, yesterday, by President Buhari.”" | Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO), APC Presidential Campaign Council, Malam Gidado Ibrahim, Buhari | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/campaign-bco-drums-support-for-tinubu.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | I’ve no godfather for Ogun gov’ship — ANRP candidate | "The governorship candidate of Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) in Ogun State, Mr Adewale Omoniyi, has declared that he does not have a godfather in politics. Speaking with newsmen in Lagos on his chances at the March 2 governorship election, Omoniyi said the people of the state have seen through all the governorship candidates and decided to settle for him. According to him, almost all the candidates and parties had one godfather or the other pushing for them ahead of the poll except him, adding that though he had mentors guiding him, he would only be responsible and accountable to the people of Ogun State as governor." | ANRP, Mr Adewale Omoniyi, governorship election, godfather, Ogun State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/ive-no-godfather-for-ogun-govship-anrp-candidate.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | Lagos 2019: No rift between party leaders, Agbaje – PDP chair | "Amidst rising concerns over the campaign trajectory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, the party chairman, Dr. Ademola Dominic, said there is no rift between the party and its candidate. Daily Trust reports that there had been concerns among stakeholders and members of the party that the governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, had been running a “solo campaign” since he emerged as candidate. Sources said at most of his gatherings and interactions with people, members of the state working committee and other party leaders were always conspicuously absent. It would be recalled also that during a press conference to formally kick-start his campaign, many party leaders were absent. But the state chairman in an interview with Daily Trust, yesterday, dismissed insinuations that all was not well with the party leadership and the governorship candidate." | PDP, Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje, solo campaign, Dr. Ademola Dominic, Lagos 2019 | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/lagos-2019-no-rift-between-party-leaders-agbaje-pdp-chair.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | Ex-Borno Governor Goni defects to APC | "A Second Republic Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Mohammed Goni has announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Goni, 77, who was also the Borno State governorship candidate of the PDP in 2011, announced his defection after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Villa. He visited the president together with some North East politicians including Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South). The former governor told State House Correspondents that he defected to the APC to support the second term bid of President Buhari." | Alhaji Mohammed Goni, PDP, APC, Borno State, Senator Ali Ndume, Buhari | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/ex-borno-governor-goni-defects-to-apc.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | Lawyer wants INEC to reject AA candidates for Ondo elections | "A civil rights activist and legal practitioner, Kayode Ajulo has written to the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmoud Yakubu over the conduct of the elections in Ondo State. In a letter to INEC which was made available to Daily Trust, Ajulo argued that the Action Alliance (AA) party did not conduct any primary and therefore does not have a candidate for this year’s general election. He citing the case of the APC in Zamfara State whose failure to conduct primaries within the time stipulated by the law denied it the opportunity to have a candidate for the general elections in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act. “Please note that the law clearly states that all parties must submit their list of candidates to your commission not later than sixty (60) days before the date of any election and further states that parties can substitute the names of candidates before the deadline for final submission of names; only when they have conducted primaries that is duly observed and certified by INEC,” he wrote." | Kayode Ajulo, INEC, Action Alliance (AA), INEC, Ondo State, Electoral Act, APC, Zamfara State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/lawyer-wants-inec-to-reject-aa-candidates-for-ondo-elections.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | Atiku pledges jobs creation, revival of Ajaokuta | "A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 16 elections has promised to give top priority to jobs creation if elected. Atiku, who made the pledge on Monday in Lokoja during the PDP presidential campaign flag off, lamented the current high rates of unemployment and resultant poverty prevalent in the country. He assured that his administration would ensure the revival of the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Complex which he noted, has the potential of generating millions of jobs for the people and boosts the nation’s economy. According to him, his administration would restructure Nigeria in such a way that the people of Kogi State would enjoy maximum benefits of the abundant resources the state is endowed with. Atiku, who decried the high level of hunger, poverty, insecurity and hardships under the APC-led government, urged the people of Kogi State to vote for all PDP candidates from “top to bottom” in the forthcoming election to change the negative narrative and get “Nigeria working again”." | Atiku, PDP presidential campaign, APC-led government, insecurity and hardship, forthcoming general elections, Ajaokuta Steel Complex | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/atiku-pledges-jobs-creation-revival-of-ajaokuta-steel-coy.html |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | Centre decries attack on INEC, calls for citizen vigilance | "The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has expressed apprehension over the unending attacks, as well as the elaborate disinformation campaign being orchestrated by partisan actors against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The executive director of the centre, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, said, yesterday, in a statement that while CHRICED was not holding brief for INEC, it was within their patriotic mandate for civic education to point trends in the polity, which posed threats to the credibility of the electoral process. According to him, with barely few weeks to the 2019 general elections, there was no mistaken the fact that the attacks against INEC by some partisan interests were well calculated to achieve sinister objectives, including attempt to undermine voter confidence and the acceptability of the outcome of the polls." | The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), INEC, Comrade Dr. Ibraim M. Zkirullahi, 2019 general elections, partisan interests | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/centre-decries-attack-on-inec-calls-for-citizen-vigilance.html |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | 2019 elections: Play by rules, IG charges FCT police | "The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has charged officers and men of the FCT Police Command to play by the rules during their deployment for the general elections in the capital city. Idris made the charge yesterday while declaring open a 2-day “Capacity Building Training for Officers and Men of FCT Police Command on Elections Security Management” organised by the Command in collaboration with Hi-Tech Security Services and Training Ltd." | IGP Ibrahim Idris, 2019 general elections, FCT Police Command | Daily Trust Newspaper, Tuesday, Monday 8, 2019 (Page 22) |
| The Guardian.ng | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | INEC takes delivery of 500,000 PVCs in Imo State | "Ahead of next month’s general elections, Imo State officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has taken delivery of additional 500,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The commission has been saddled with the problem uncollected PVCs even after it made several public pronouncements on the need for registered voters in the state to collect them. Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Professor Francis Chukwuemeka Ezeonu, confirmed this through the Head, Voter Education and Publicity, Sunday Adedoyin, during a one-day capacity building organised for journalists and INEC publicity officials by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy." | INEC, PVCs, REC, Professor Francis Chukwuemeka Ezeonu, Voter Education and Publicity, Westminster Foundation for Democracy | https://guardian.ng/news/inec-takes-delivery-of-500000-pvcs-in-imo-state/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | PDP defends Atiku’s absence at Obi’s reception in Awka | "The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has defended Atiku Abubakar’s absence at a reception held for his running mate, Peter Obi in Awka, the Anambra State capital. This followed insinuations that Atiku deliberately shunned the inter-denominational Church service/reception held for Obi at the weekend. Director-General of the Atiku/Peter Campaign Council, Dr. Harry Oranezi, explained that Atiku was not factored into the programme. He said it was meant for PDP chieftains, as well as its members and supporters from the state. Oranezi, a former member of the House of Representatives, further disclosed that the event was necessitated by the need to welcome Obi home after his appointment as Atiku’s running mate. " | PDP, Atiku, Peter Obi, Awka, House of Representatives | https://guardian.ng/news/pdp-defends-atikus-absence-at-obis-reception-in-awka/ |
| The Guardian.ng | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | Ezekwesili promises education, poverty alleviation at campaign kick-off | "Presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, yesterday, said that poverty reduction, creation of jobs and giving Nigerians equal access to education would top her agenda as president. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the palace of Emir of Karu, a suburb of Abuja, where she flagged off her campaign, Ezekwesili maintained that her party’s plan to lift 80 million Nigerians from poverty “is realisable”. Noting that the ACPN manifesto effectively anticipated the needs of ordinary Nigerians, she promised to deliver on all her campaign promises. “Our own politics is a good politics because we are putting the citizens first. It is not a politics of politicians, but politics of the Nigerian people. For me, it is the Nigerian people that will be at the centre of governance,” she said." | ACPN, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, poverty alleviation, education, Emir of Karu, Abuja | https://guardian.ng/news/ezekwesili-promises-education-poverty-alleviation-at-campaign-kick-off/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | LP Government will Create Factories in 16 Kwara LGs, says Aremu | "Ahead of March 2, 2019 governorship elections in the country, Kwara state governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP) Comrade Isaa Aremu Monday said his government if elected will create factories in the 16 councils in the state. He also promised to raise literacy level in the state at 90 per cent even as he pledged that elderly persons of 60 years of age and above will enjoy special cash grant. Aremu, a former deputy president of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) disclosed this in Ilorin, during the 23rd media interactive session organised by the Kwara State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for candidates seeking political offices in the state ahead of 2019 general elections. Aremu, an economic expert, said there was the need to resuscitate the moribund industries in the state if the economy of the 51 year-old state must pick up again. He said the rationale behind the revival of industries and companies by his government was a calculated attempt to generate massive employment opportunities. He also said that the gesture would increase the state Gross Domestic Products (GDP) for better living of all and sundry." | 2019 governorship elections, Comrade issa Aremu, NLC, 2019 general elections, Kwara State | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/08/lp-government-will-create-factories-in-16-kwara-lgs-says-aremu/ |
| ThisDaylive Online | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 | INEC: Political Actors Buying PVCs from Voters | "With 38 days to the general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday said it has credible information that political actors are going round buying Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), and financially inducing them to collect the Voter Identification Numbers (VIN) on their PVCs. The electoral body also stated that after the mandatory display of voters’ registers in all polling units nationwide for claims and objections from November 6 – 12, 2018, the final register for the 2019 general election stands at 84,004,084 million voters. Reacting swiftly to the alarm raised by INEC on the PVCs buying, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council yesterday said it had been vindicated, adding that it had raised the alarm severally over the fact that the APC and its agents had been involved in the act of buying PVCs, particularly those that were yet to be collected. The INEC National Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, raised the alarm yesterday in Abuja at the Quarterly Consultative Meeting with political parties, where the commission presented the 2019 voters’ register and electoral guidelines to the parties." | INEC, PVCs, Voter Identification Number (VIN), political actors, voters, 2019 general elections | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/08/inec-political-actors-buying-pvcs-from-voters/ |