Live Updates: Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Decide
9 : 45PM
INEC Suspends Election in 9 Registration Areas in Kogi over Malpractice
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended election in nine Registration Area (RAs) in Kogi over of incidences of electoral malpractices.
The commission confirmed this in a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Member, Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Haruna, on Saturday.
Haruna said that INEC received reports from its officials in Kogi on incidences of electoral malpractices, particularly the incident of result sheets completed before voting.
“Reports indicate that the incidents occurred in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene Local Government Areas. The most serious incidents occurred in Ogori/Magongo, affecting nine of 10 Registration Areas.
“This is entirely unacceptable. Any result not emanating from the Commission’s process in the Polling Units will not be accepted.
“The Commission is determined not to reward bad behaviour. Consequently, the election in the nine Wards in Ogori/Magongo LGA (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu) is at this moment suspended,” he said.
Haruna said that the incidences in the other local government areas were being thoroughly investigated, and the outcome, including the way forward, would be announced in the next 24 hours.
“Meanwhile, as the processes continue, we follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who may have been complicit in undermining the process.
“We have a record of all officials deployed at various levels as supervisors, monitors, technical staff or polling unit officials and all election materials issued to them. Appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary,“ he said.
Haruna assured voters in Kogi that their votes were protected and their wishes would be respected. (NAN)
8 : 15pm
Sorting, Counting of Votes Ongoing in Imo
The sorting and counting of votes in Saturday’s Governorship election in Imo is currently ongoing in most polling units in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent monitoring the poll reports that voting ended in most polling units in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area at about 4.30pm.
At Umunumo Town School 08, Central School Umueze I (010) in Umueze and Central School Umueze II (011) in Umuleke, sorting and counting of votes began by 4.50pm.
NAN further reports that of the 700 registered voters in Central School Ogboama (09), Umuezeala Community in the LGA, only 200 persons were accredited to vote, an indication of voter apathy in the area. (NAN)
8 : 11pm
EFCC Arrests 14 Suspected Vote buyers in Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi, Seizes N11m
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 14 suspected vote buyers in Otueke, Adawari playgrounds in Bayelsa and at various polling units in Imo and Kogi.
EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
According to him, the suspects were arrested on Saturday in intelligence-driven operations that commenced several days before the ongoing governorship elections in the three states.
“Also, a total sum of N11,040,000, comprising N9,310,00 intercepted from suspected vote buyers and sellers in Bayelsa, and N1,730,000 intercepted from electoral fraud suspects across Imo State, were recovered from them.
“Also, two vehicles were intercepted from the suspects. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commission had earlier deployed its personnel to monitor the Saturday’s governorship elections in the three states.
Oyewale had said in a statement on Friday in Abuja that the aim of the deployment was to prevent politicians and their agents from engaging in vote buying during the elections.
He explained that the exercise was part of the commission’s drive to checkmate electoral fraud and associated financial crimes. (NAN)
6:09pm
Vote-buying Overwhelming in Bayelsa Poll, LP Candidate Alleges
Mr Udengs Eradiri, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Bayelsa, says the gubernatorial election held on Saturday in the state has been marred by massive vote-buying.
“The level of vote-buying is overwhelming,” Eradiri said while commenting on the general conduct of the election.
Eradiri who spoke at Agudama-Ekpetiama, Yenagoa Local Government Area, claimed that he was even approached to step down, but declined.
He said he was particularly disappointed about the open cases of vote-buying, because his campaign was partly devoted to educating the people not to sell their votes.
“I had thought my messages against money politics would have been tracking with the people, but I was wrong. I am deeply disappointed, I was wrong.
“My greatest dispoinyment was with a woman from this community whom I offered scholarship to her son, but today sold her vote for N14,000,” he added.
The LP governorship candidate regretted that the electorates seemed to have opted for money instead of voting for the right candidate.
“We have a long way to go in stopping money politics in this country.
“I thought I had found a solution but I was wrong. I did not come into this race to buy votes,” Eradiri added.
According to him, votes were freely traded for between N12,000 and N40,000 per vote. (NAN)
5:00pm
Counting of Votes Begins in Kogi
Counting of votes has begun in most polling units in Lokoja, at the end of voting by accredited voters.
In polling unit 065 ward A, Sabon Gari, INEC officials and party agents were seen counting the votes, after sorting them out party by party.The story was the same at the polling unit 067 ward A, Kogi Hotel Tourism Board, counting was undoing.At polling unit 012 ward A, Crowder Memorial College, counting was yet to begin as officials were still sorting out the votes. (NAN)
4:10pm
Sorting, Counting of Votes Ongoing in Bayelsa
Sorting and counting of votes have commenced in many polling units in Bayelsa State after voting in the governorship election ended at 2.30pm.
At PU 10, Agric Meeting Hall, Attissa 1, Yenagoa, the voting process ended at 2.30pm, while sorting of ballot papers commenced at 2.35pm in the presence of party agents and security personnel.
It was also ongoing at PU 05 Government House Agric, Attissa 1 Ward as at 2.55pm, and PU 047, Afin-Aken Play Ground III, Onopa, Attissa 1 Ward as at 3.02 pm.
The sorting of votes commenced at 3.07 pm at PU 016 Fakulu Primary School (West), Epie lll Ward, while sorting was concluded at PU 035, Ekeki Central Motor Park, Epie lll Ward, where recording of the result was ongoing.
Also at Fankien l and ll/Corpers Lodge Road, Epie lll WaWard Yenagoa, the sorting and counting had been concluded, while result was been uploaded to INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) as at 3.21pm.
The PU Assistant Presiding Officer at the polling unit, Richmond Awipi, said they had successfully uploaded the unit’s election results to the IReV. (NAN)
4:07pm
Uzodimma, Anyanwu Differ on Guber Poll, Amidst Low Voter Turnout
Governor Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, on Saturday expressed diverse views on the conduct of the Saturday governorship election in Imo.
Both candidates spoke shortly after casting their votes at their various polling units amidst low voter turnout.
Uzodimma, who voted at 11:35a.m. at Polling Unit 032, Ekwenja Ukwu-Ozu ward, Omuma community, Oru East Local Government Area of the state, said reports he received showed that the election was peaceful in most parts of the state.
“The election, contrary to what they said on the social media, is going on free, fair and very peaceful.
“You can see how freely I have gone out to cast my votes and also how INEC was able to process my accreditation under a few minutes.
“It is evident for all of us in the country to know that the patriotic people of the state are desirous of having Imo State blossom,” he said.
However, the governor urged those in the opposition allegedly sponsoring mischief and other forms of criminality to repent.
”Some of us are in politics to serve the people and are in politics for the interest of the people.
“We say things as they are really on ground.
“Some are out to confuse the populace. They just go to the social media and fabricate stories and publish.
“But when you visit the polling units, you will now see that there is peace there,” he said.
Uzodimma commended INEC and security agencies for ensuring proper deployment of material and personnel for the election.
“The entire space is manned and occupied and people are responding positively.
“I have not heard any knockout, so I think Imo State is safe and it is good to go.
“I have just voted and some people are still voting.
“At the end of the day, whatever God approved will be announced by INEC,” he said.
On his part, the candidate of the PDP, Senator Anyanwu, expressed worries over reports of alleged ballot box snatching in some areas of the state.
”Though they started very late, which was the problem we had here where others started by 8:00am, I just cast my vote at about 10:25am.
”This is my home town and my people are excited to cast their votes because one of their own is coming out for election,” he said.
He alleged that materials and votes were carted away at about seven wards in Orlu.
He said similar incidents were reported at Orsu and parts of Oru West, wondering why opposition parties would not allow free and fair election in the state.
“We should not encourage hooliganism. When you bring people like that to help you win.
“That is not the type of society we want and a responsible government should not encourage such.
“Imo people are desirous of change but some people are trying to truncate it. It will never work,” he stated. (NAN)
3:55pm
Party Agents, Voters, Observers Laud Peaceful Poll, BVAS
Some party agents, voters and observers have commended the peaceful voting process and seamless Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) deployed for Saturday’s governorship election in Bayelsa State.
They gave the commendation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa.
The respondents agreed that the election was largely smooth and peaceful across Yenagoa Local Government Area.
According to them, there has been no report of any incident of malfunctioning BVAS.
At PU 28, Yenikien 3/Okaka Junction, Epie III Ward, Yenagoa, the Presiding Officer, Chidera Okoye, said that the voting process commenced some minutes after 9a.m.
Okoye added that the BVAS deployed in the Polling Unit (PU) was working perfectly.
Also, the party agents for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jollyman Etizeta, and that of Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), Cleanse Kinika, described the election as peaceful.
Mr Ambrose Kwokor, a civil servant, who voted at the PU, also said that the election was going on peacefully.
“The election has been going on smoothly. There was no cause for alarm in the election so far. The BVAS is also working well,” Kwokor said.
He called on the people to remain peaceful during and after the election.
At PU 011, Yenada Market Square, Epie III Ward, Yenagoa with 822 registered voters, the polling process was observed to be peaceful and orderly.
Mrs Sarah Godfrey, a 60-year-old civil servant, after casting her vote, commended INEC for making special arrangements for elderly persons to vote without hassle.
Godfrey, who recently had a surgery, said that she came out to vote for the future of her children.
“I had surgical operation, but I could not sit down at home without voting. I am doing this because I believe it will be the turn of my children tomorrow,” Godfrey said.
However, an 86-year-old woman, Mrs Mercy Okodo, who came to the polling unit could not find her name.
Okodo expressed disappointment that her name was missing in spite of voting at the same polling unit in the past.
“I’m surprised to be told that my name is not on the voters list, it’s very disappointing,” the octogenarian said.
At PU 10 at Fanghe Primary School, Epie III Ward, Yenagoa LGA, which has 750 registered voters, Mr Andrew Asaba, a businessman, expressed pleasure with the orderly conduct of voters.
Asaba commended INEC for the good arrangements, saying: “I arrived at 10.25a.m and was able to vote at 11.30a.m.”
He urged all stakeholders to remain peaceful for the good and development of the state.
At PU 017, Isiogu Town Square, PU 015, Fakulu Primary School (East) and PU 014, Fankulubo Hall, all in Epie lll Ward, the election was also going on peacefully and orderly.
The presiding officer at PU 015, Mrs Daniel Gold, said the voting process was peaceful and the crowd management was orderly.
“We do not have any issue with voters’ accreditation. Our BVAS is working perfectly,” she added.
Also, at PU 016 Fakulu Primary School (West), Epie lll Ward, with 750 registered voters; PU 019, Fankuku Health Centre, Epie III Ward; and PU 018, Ogriga Town Hall, Epie III Ward, there were no complaints about the election process.
The Presiding Officer for Ogriga Town Hall, Epie III Ward, Miss Benedicta Uche, said no incident regarding BVAS was recorded.
At PU 17, Domingo Ogriga, an Assistant PDP agent, and Mr James Monday of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), said that the process had been peaceful and no issue with BVAS.
Also at PU 10, Agric Meeting Hall, Attissa 1, Yenagoa, the Presiding Officer, Ezeoke Chinozo said that the BVAS was working properly.
An observer with the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr Dankogi Mohammed, said so far, the election has been relatively peaceful in places he monitored.
Dankogi also said that the BVAS have been effective in all the polling units he visited.(NAN)
3:39pm
Votes Sold for N20,000 in Bayelsa, Says CSO
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
An election observer group, Connected Development (CODE), has expressed dismay over verified reports of vote buying, saying votes were sold for as high as N20,000 in Market Square, Ogia Town Ward of Ogbia Local government area of Bayelsa state.
It added that votes buying were also witnessed at Ama-Ukwu Umuawaka Square Ward, of Njaba LGA, Imo state where votes were traded for as low as one N1,000, describing the practice as disturbing and must be halted.
Its Director, Democracy and Governance and head of Uzabe Elections Situation Room, Emmanuel Njoku, disclosed this while addressing a midday press conference in Lokoja, Kogi state.
He noted that it was heartening to report that the overall atmosphere in all three states had been peaceful and calm.
Njoku commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Permit for the early deployment of Adhoc staff and materials which ensured the early commencement of voting in various wards.
He added priority voting for the elderly had been observed in various locations like Mopa-Muro LGA in Kogi (Pandaya Market) and Ekeremor LGA (Ayama Ward) in Bayelsa amongst others.
Njoku added: “Disturbingly, in Bayelsa, Market Square Ogia Town Ward of Ogbia LGA, verified reports of vote buying have surfaced, with amounts going as high as N20,000. This was also observed at Ama-Ukwu Umuawaka Square Ward, of Njaba LGA, Imo state where votes were traded for as low as one thousand naira. This practice is disturbing and must be halted.
“As we anticipate further developments as voting is gradually coming to an end in many polling units across these states, sorting, counting, collation of results, we earnestly call upon all stakeholders to maintain their commitment to a peaceful electoral process.”
Njoku stressed that Bayelsa witnessed delayed voting in Kanabiri comp Ward of Sagbama LGA due to the absence of party agents, and late arrival of INEC officials at Yenogoa-Fankpo Square Ward.
He noted: “An incident in Ekeremor LGA (Azidekeoreyeine Square Ward), involved an individual attempting to abscond with INEC materials, but citizens resolved the situation without injuries. This stands as a testament to the collective power of the masses.
“At Eke-mbutu Market Square Ward of Mbaitoli LGA, Imo state, the BVAS machine malfunctioned and displayed Chinese language, causing a delay that was much later rectified.
“While we cannot conclusively speak to voter turnout at this time, low voter turnout has been reported in some parts of these states. like we observed at Owerri North at Okwu Uratta Primary School Ward.”
3:24pm
APC Supporter Killed in Kogi
Suspected political thugs have gunned down a 35-year-old APC supporter, Umar Hassan, at his Agala Ogane Polling Unit, Anyigba.
Fear gripped voters at the Polling Unit as thugs were on rampage, threatening to kill anyone who votes against the “Igala Agenda”.
An eye witness who identified himself simply as Adamu, told newsmen how susoected SDP thugs invaded the Polling Unit with sophisticated weapons, threatening to kill anyone who “doesn’t vote for the SDP”.
“It was like what we watch in horror movies as they invaded our Polling Unit with very dangerous weapons. Unfortunately, Hassan fell victim and he was gunned down.
“They kept chanting war songs that they will kill anyone who voted against the Igala Agenda. They targeted Hassan being an APC member.
“What surprised me most was that the Military guys that had been targeting APC supporters for arrest and harassment were not on ground to save Hassan’s life. It was so unfortunate”.
It was gathered that there was calm across many Polling Units in Anyigba until the gunmen stormed many units to fight anyone suspected to be an APC member.
Reports showed that the poll had been peaceful so far in the Central and Western Senatorial Districts.
When contacted, the Spokesperson of the APC Governorship Campaign Council, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo condemned the attack and urged security agencies to fish out the killers immediately.
“The gruesome murder of Hassan Umar whose only sin was being an APC member is unacceptable. The security agents in the area should fish out the murderers immediately.
“In the 21st century, it is sad that people are still killed for supporting a particular political party. It is unacceptable and condemnable. We knew the only agenda of the SDP is to wage violence against our people. We must restore confidence in our electoral process”, he said.
SDP could not be reached for response.
2:16pm
Bayelsa Deputy Governor Urges Voters to be Orderly
*Says election is ballot affair, not bullet affairThe Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has urged voters to exercise their franchise with decorum as the election “is a ballot affair not bullet affair”.Ewhrudjakpo gave the advice after casting his vote at polling unit 6, ward 2, Ofoni, Sagbama Local Government Area of the state. He also told the people that election was a civic responsibility not a military activity.Thanking Gov. Douye Diri for choosing him as running mate, Ewhrudjakpo appreciated the people of Ofoni community for always standing by him.He said, “I want to thank God for having the opportunity to come for this second contest and I thank the governor who nominated me to be his running mate, because it is not my right, it is a privilege. “I want to thank Bayelsa people for the massive support and solidarity and I want to thank the people of Ofoni community who have always queued behind me like a solid rock.“We thank INEC for the process so far, but we are concerned about what is happening in Nembe and few other places“We pray that the security agencies and all the other agencies should do the right thing so that people should not be disenfranchised.“Election is a ballot affair not a bullet affair, so people should make it a civic responsibility not a military responsibility.”Ewhrudjakpo expressed concern over glitches in the process in Nembe and called on the people to be patient.“We want to encourage Bayelsa people and Nembe people who have always had those glitches in every election circle.“There is always violence in Nembe, I think it is becoming a little bit too much of a name for them to bear. “We are confident that we are going to coast to victory because the candidates of the other parties have nothing actual to tell us.“We want to plead with the political actors and actresses to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign,” he added. (NAN)
2:11pm
Sylva Votes in Bayelsa, Commends Election Process Despite Delays
Chief Timipre Sylva, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Bayelsa, has commended the general peaceful conduct of the ongoing governorship election in the state.
Sylva cast his vote at about 1p.m at polling unit 4 in Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area.
He said that the election process has so far been smooth in spite of delays in the commencement of voting in the area.
Sylva urged voters to remain peaceful and avoid any act that would compromise the polls.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that election in the 17 polling units in Okpoama commenced at about 11am due to late arrival of election materials. (NAN)
1:51pm
Poll Peaceful in Kogi, No Report of Security Breach, Says DIG Operations
Mr Habu Sani, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of security in the Kogi Governorship Election, says the election so far, is peaceful as no security breach has been reported.The DIG made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Saturday via a telephone interview.He said that from all indications, the electorate and political actors in the poll were behaving well.“As it’s now, there’s no report of breach of security from any part of Kogi.“We thank God that what we have been praying for is indeed manifesting to show a sharp deviation from past experiences in Kogi.“We urge residents to maintain this peace even after the election so that Kogi can continue to experience the desired growth and development as a state, ” he said.According to him, his officers and men alongside other security agencies are doing their bests to ensure that the election remains peaceful till the end.The DIG commended security operatives for displaying high level of professionalism in maintaining peace during the election. (NAN)
1:40pm
LP Faction Accuses Ajaero of Using NLC to Prosecute Personal Agenda in Imo
A faction of the Labour Party (LP) led by Lamidi Apapa has accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NPC) President, Joe Ajaero, of using the NLC to prosecute a personal agenda of both political and economic against the Imo State government.
The party also accused the NLC of hiding under the assault on its president to sabotage President Bola Tinubu’s government.
The National Publicity Secretary of the LP faction, Abayomi Arabambi, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
The party also carpeted organised labour for blocking the roads leading to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport as part of protest against the brutalisation of Ajaero by alleged thugs.
The NLC president led a protest to Owerri, the Imo State capital, against the state government where he was assaulted.
This has led the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) threatening to embark on a nationwide strike on November 14 unless its demands are met.
The statement by the LP faction said: “Joe Ajaero’s indiscriminate use of NLC to prosecute his personal agenda of attempted political and economic conquest of his home state of Imo is an affirmation of his desire to overthrow democracy.
“Just yesterday, he was quoted to have said that nothing is wrong if INEC postpones the scheduled Saturday election and further affirmed their decision to go ahead with the strike by midnight of Monday despite the restraining order granted to the Federal Government of Nigeria by the National Industrial Court.
“What manner of institutionalised manifest executive rascality on display, the first of its kind by a labour union leader with a posture that he is a government on his own. Joe Ajaero’s disregard for rule of law is very alarming and such an action has definitely overstretched the limit of law permissible thus constituting a treasonable felony act.
“Here was a man whose instincts tell him that the people of Nigeria must be made to suffer because his ego was bruised by Imo State workers who are protesting his dictatorial tendencies of attempting to install his cousin as the chairman of Imo State Council of NLC.
“The Minister of Aviation and AeroSpace Development would recollect that some weeks ago, the Federal Executive Council, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved and adopted wholesale the MoU and some of the agreements in the MoU have being implemented. The wage award of N35,000 to federal workers is being paid. The N25,000 to be paid over 6 months to 15 million households is also being executed.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has also demonstrated his commitments to the MoU by the removal of the 7.5% VAT on diesel as demanded by the labour movement and last week launched the Compressed Natural Gas vehicles, which it promised to provide countrywide.
“But despite all this laudable commitment, the Joe Ajaero led military wing supporters of Labour Party are hell bent on going on with the strike and shutting down the economy with the sole aim of political and economic conquest of Nigeria simply because one container loads economist bland petition was dismissed under two mins by the Supreme Court.”
The party urged the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development not to blame it for the actions of some persons.
“We advise the Hon minister to wake up some of the lame duck APC leaderships who out of fear for those toothless Obidient have abandoned the APC ruling party responsibilities to voice their opinions against Joe Ajaero and his military wing of Peter Obi Labour Party support group attempted insurrection through violent overthrow of the administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
“The president’s many appointees are also culpable in the current shenanigans been orchestrated by Joe Ajaero military junta because they have suddenly become voiceless, unconcerned about the legitimacy and safety of the President of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu which has since been confirmed by the Supreme Court.”
01:33 pm
Security Operatives Foil Attempt to Abduct INEC Officials, Materials in Imo
Vigilant security operatives in Imo, on Saturday, foiled an attempt by alleged political thugs to abduct INEC officials and cart away election materials.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident happened at a Registration Area Center in Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area.It was learnt that the attempt by the thugs to whisk away the INEC officials into their waiting vehicle was quickly repelled by the security personnel deployed in the centre.An eyewitness account said that the armed security operatives fired into the air from a distance, when voters in the area raised an alarm over the presence of the thugs.“The thugs quickly retreated into their bus and sped off on hearing the sound of the gun,” the eyewitness told NAN on the condition of anonymity.An unarmed Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) operative at the scene told NAN that “the thugs were coming to hijack the INEC officials and election materials.“But luck ran out on them when some people started shouting during a stampede caused by fear.“It was their shouting that alerted the armed security personnnel, who quickly shot into the air, forcing the thugs to take to their heels,” the NSCDC operative said on the condition of anonymity.NAN also reports that there was heavy presence of security personnel on major roads in the state.In Owerri, the state capital, and its environs, armed security personnel mounted checkpoints at strategic locations as early as 6:00a.m. to enforce restriction on movements.Heavily armed soldiers were seen at different entry points into the city, stopping and searching vehicles, as well as interrogating the drivers and passengers before allowing them to go.A NAN correspondent monitoring the poll also reports that all the polling units in Isu Njaba had materials and INEC officials on ground as early as 8.00am.Consequently, the accreditation of voters commenced at about 8.30am in the area without any security presence at the time of filing the report. (NAN)
Jonathan Votes in Bayelsa Guber Poll, Calls for End to Off-cycle Elections
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the National Assembly to take appropriate legislative measures to stop off-cycle elections in the country.
Jonathan said after casting his vote in the ongoing governorship election in Bayelsa, that it was important for Nigeria to unify its electoral calendar.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Jonathan voted at polling unit 39 in Otazi Ward 13, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa.He told newsmen at his Otuoke country home, that the National Assembly should block the off-season election, because it is neither the best for the country nor a globally acceptable practice. “Basically this is an off-season election, I get worried about off-season elections and will use this opportunity to plead with the National Assembly to block it.“This is not the best practice. The country can elect their people at the same time like the Americans that elect everybody at the same time.“If we continue with this, there will be a time the Nigerian presidential election will be off-season, and NiNigerians ould be worried.“When I say Nigeria presidential election maybe off-season, they may say how and why, but it almost happened in 2007 when I was the running mate to late Umaru Musa Yaradua.“In that election, seven Justices presided over the case, and three of them said the process be annulled while four of them sustained it.“If one had crossed over by now the Nigerian election would have been off-season,” he added. (NAN)
Bayelsa APC Commends INEC
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the success so far recorded in the on-going governorship election in the state.APC Publicity Secretary in Bayelsa, Mr Doifie Boukoribo, gave the commendation shortly after casting his vote in polling Unit 4, Ward 4 Okpo Play Ground II, Okpoama Brass Local Government Area (LGA).Boukoribo, however, expressed displeasure over reports alleging that some APC members were prevented from voting at Sampou and other communities in Kolokuma Opokuma LGA.
He called on security agencies to wade into the situation and ensure that all Bayelsa citizens of voting age exercised their franchise. (NAN)
Local Food Sellers Doing Brisk Business in Lokoja
Local food sellers are taking advantage of Saturday’s Kogi governorship election, to make brisk business in Lokoja, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
A NAN correspondent who went round polling units in Lokoja, reports that food sellers positioned themselves few meters close to polling units to attract patronage from voters after they cast their votes.Some of the sellers were visible outside polling unit 012 ward A, Crowder Memorial College, where they displayed different dishes for voters to buy.Other sellers took strategic stands inside schools were polling units were located selling their wares.A food seller, Madam Jummai Joshua, told NAN that selling food during elections was an age-long tradition in the state, because voters had to eat after voting.
“You know that things are very difficult in the country, we can’t afford to stay at home, because our children must eat,” she said. (NAN)
01:32pm
Heavy Security in Imo
By Tony Icheku, Owerri
There is strong presence of security agents in Imo State and complete shut down of any form of business activities across the State from places like Obowo, Ehime Mbano, Ihitte/Uboma LGAs to Owerri metropolis and adjoining areas.
The security in place comprises joint patrol made up of army armoured vehicles, police and para-military agents.
There are also police and army checkpoints at various locations enforcing the no movement order.
As at 0800am certain sensitive materials were yet to be received by almost all the polling units in Obowo, Ehime Mbano, Ihitte/Uboma LGAs visited.
However, inside Owerri urban, while INEC officials are ready for voters, they are yet to start coming. At booth 15, Aladinma Ward 1 right in the centre of the city, no voter was in sight.
Inside the capital city, voting materials have been received at all the polling units. And accreditation and voting are on going simultaneously
Armed thugs were seen destroying INEC materials at Polling Unit 007 in Umunehi Obiangwu, Ngor-okpala LGA, in the Owerri zone . Voters were dispersed and sensitive materials destroyed.
12:53pm
Bayelsa Decides: Diri Votes, Commends INEC for Seamless Process
Voting in the ongoing Bayelsa State governorship poll commenced early across polling units in Kolokuma/Opkuma Local Government Area with Governor Douye Diri casting his vote before 9a.m.
Diri, speaking after voting at his Kalamaowei Ward 6 polling unit, said the process was smooth and seamless.
He applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the remarkable improvement in the electoral process.
“I think this is an improvement to all elections I have participated in.
“If it continues like this, I want to believe that INEC has improved not only its processes but also the training of manpower that handles the processes.
“I am very satisfied with the process and I do believe it will be like this across the state; BVAS should be used in all the places election is holding.
“But we have concerns about Nembe-Basambri where our members were prevented from entering their community.
“And we received reports of the abduction of an INEC official and a boat mishap incident and efforts by INEC to overcome the incidents.” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate said. (NAN)
12:45pm
Voting Commences in Sylva’s Ward After Three Hours Delay
Voting in the ongoing governorship election has commenced after about three hours delay in Okpoama Ward, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Okpoama Ward Polling Unit-4 has 17 polling centres and is the electoral ward of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Timipre Sylva.
Accreditation and voting across the ward commenced at about 11am after the initial delay in the sorting and distribution of electoral materials to the 17 polling centres.
Already, people have taken queues to vote for the governorship candidate of their choice in an orderly manner.
The area is calm as security personnel, party agents and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials go about their normal duties.
A community leader, Chief Nathan Sobote, who voted at polling centre 6, Okpo play ground, frowned on the delay in the arrival of voting materials, but commended the peaceful atmosphere in the area. (NAN)
12:41pm
INEC Probes Officials Caught with Pre-recorded Result Sheets in Kogi
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it is investigating its staff caught with pre-recorded result sheets in Kogi State.
The commission, in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, said it is taking the situation seriously.
It tweeted: “Our attention has been drawn to a report that filled result sheets were discovered in some polling units in Kogi State.
“The commission views this situation seriously.
“Our senior officials deployed in the state are currently investigating the incident(s). The commission will communicate its decision earnestly.”
12:40pm
INEC Investigate Officials Caught with Pre-recorded Result Sheets in Kogi
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it was investigating its officials caught with pre-recorded results sheets in Kogi state.
The commission in a post on its official X (Twitter) handle said it took the situation seriously.
It tweeted: “Our attention has been drawn to a report that filled result sheets were discovered in some polling units in Kogi State.
“The Commission views this situation seriously.
“Our senior officials deployed to the State are currently investigating the incident(s). The Commission will communicate its decision earnestly.”
12:36pm
Bello, Ododo Applaud INEC, Security Personnel’s Conduct at Off-cycle Guber Poll
Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security operatives for their conduct at Saturday’s off-cycle governorship election in the state.
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election, Alhaji Usman Ododo, gave similar commendation.
Bello spoke after voting at his polling unit in Okene, where he noted that the level of preparedness by INEC and its officials resulted in a smooth conduct of the exercise.
“I commend INEC for a job well done. I also commend security operatives for offering residents of Kogi the peaceful environment to participate in the election without hindrance.
“I am optimistic that our candidate, Usman Ododo, will emerge victorious at the end of the exercise.
“We have come out in numbers to cast our votes. I have just cast my vote and others are casting their votes. It is timely. All materials were deployed within the time stipulated.
“So far, I haven’t heard of complaint from any quarter. The conduct of INEC so far has been so fantastic. All the security agencies have conducted themselves so far very professionally.
“Citizens that are exercising their franchise are doing that freely. There are no hitches; no rancour.
“We are united and we are happy at this exercise. By the special grace of God we are going to come off very triumphant,’’ Bello said.
The governor also did some comparisons between elections held in Kogi over the years and the ones conducted since he got into office in 2015.
“From the benefit of hindsight and looking back at 2019, this brings a strong reminder of an election.
“Incidence of electoral violence in Kogi in my own time is a media creation. Go into history; go into records and compare my own regime and that of the previous ones.
“You will discover that in the regime of Governor Bello, conduct of elections has been violence-free exercises; the freest; the most free, fair and credible.
“Therefore, the issue of violence in our election in Kogi is a media creation and figment of imagination of all those who do not want good things to happen here in Kogi.
“There is nothing like violence. The conduct of free and fair and credible election is in the hands of security agencies and the citizens,’’ he said.
On his part, Ododo also expressed satisfaction at the conduct of security operatives at the election and praised them for ensuring that things were smooth and peaceful.
“While I express confidence at winning this election, I thank Kogi people for turning out en mass to vote in the crucial exercise,’’ he said. (NAN)
12:26pm
Security Operatives Foil Attempt to Abduct INEC Officials, Materials
Vigilant security operatives in Imo State Saturday, foiled an attempt by suspected political thugs to abduct Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and cart away election materials.
The incident happened at a registration area centre in Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area of the state.
It was learnt that the attempt by the thugs to whisk away the INEC officials into their waiting vehicle was quickly repelled by the security personnel deployed in the centre.
An eyewitness said that the armed security operatives fired into the air from a distance, when voters in the area raised an alarm over the presence of the thugs.
“The thugs quickly retreated into their bus and sped off on hearing the sound of the gun,” the eyewitness told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the condition of anonymity.
An unarmed Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operative at the scene said: “The thugs were coming to hijack the INEC officials and election materials.
“But luck ran out on them when some people started shouting during a stampede caused by fear.
“It was their shouting that alerted the armed security personnel, who quickly shot into the air, forcing the thugs to take to their heels,” the NSCDC operative said on the condition of anonymity.
There was heavy presence of security personnel on major roads in the state.
In Owerri, the state capital, and its environs, armed security personnel mounted checkpoints at strategic locations as early as 6:00a.m. to enforce restriction on movements.
Heavily armed soldiers were seen at different entry points into the city, stopping and searching vehicles, as well as interrogating the drivers and passengers before allowing them to go.
All the polling units in Isu Njaba had materials and INEC officials were on ground as early as 8.00am.
Consequently, the accreditation of voters commenced at about 8.30am in the area without any security presence at the time of filing the report. (NAN)
11:27am
Voter Apathy, Absence of Election Materials Threaten Poll
Saturday’s governorship election in Imo State took off in some parts of the state on a shaky note with low voter turnout and absence of election officials and materials at some polling units (PUs) visited.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that in some PUs, some voters were seen, along with security personnel, waiting for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and materials as at 8:30am.
At PU 001 Ekeama Primary School, Awaka I, near Owerri, some voters and security personnel were present, while electoral officials and materials were being awaited.
A voter, Mrs Hilda Nnadi, said that she was confident that the materials would soon be brought to the unit.
“I believe materials will soon arrive and we’ll vote. I’ll be patient,” Nnadi said.
The same situation also prevailed at PU 002 Ekeama Primary School, Awaka II, and PU 003 Community Primary School, Amapu Awaka.
A voter, Mr Fidelis Nwokedi, also expressed confidence in the process.
“It’s an off cycle election and I believe that INEC has all it takes to make it successful.
“I’m hopeful that they will soon be here,“ he said.
The situation at PU 004 Community Primary School, Amapu Awaka II, and PU 016 Emeohe Village Hall, was largely different with low voter turnout, absence of security personnel, INEC officials and materials.
A visibly disappointed voter, Miss Amaka Okpara, said: “Only very few of us are here and there is no security, not even one police officer.
“I will soon leave, go back to my house, if they don’t come.”
A similar situation was recorded at PU 007 Community Primary School, Ihita-Ogada II, PU 008 Ihita-Ogada Village Square and PU 011 Health Centre, Ubah Emii I, where some voters and security personnel were seen waiting for INEC officials and materials.
The same situation was also observed at PU 013 Eziala Village Square, where the voters, who came out in their numbers, were also seen with security personnel waiting for INEC Officials and materials.
At PU 012, Central School, Amaimo, in Ikeduru LGA, which is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s Polling Unit, INEC officials and materials had yet to arrive as at 8:45a.m.
There was also no security personnel at the PU but voters were seen around waiting to exercise their franchise.
A voter, Mr Ibe Chika, said he arrived at the polling unit as early as 8:00a.m. but was disappointed that no INEC official had arrived (NAN)
11:01am
Low Turnout of Voters, Peaceful Poll in Kogi
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
As the governorship election gets under way in Lokoja, Kogi state, low voter turnout marred the election in most of the polling units visited.
At NASFAT Nursery and Primary School, Lokogoma, especially at polling unit 38 and 39, INEC officials were on ground before 7:30 a.m.
Also, at Open space by Ava hotel polling unit, election commenced at about 9:00 a.m.
The Presiding officer had to delay the commencement of voting because they were waiting for other party agents.
At FMC junction polling unit 058, a voter, Mrs Grace Iyere said the election was peaceful and voting was going well.
According to her, “The BVAS is working. Some are saying they need changes, it is only when you come out and vote that you can see the changes.
The election is peaceful. I trekked from my house to this place and the road was free.”
At Ajagbe/Moremi polling unit 008 Ajagbe in Lokoja, a Christian Association of Nigeria Observer, Mr. Ojo Stephen commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said electoral officers arrived at 8:03 a.m, while voting materials were displayed at 8:40 to the electorate.
Stephen noted that accreditation and voting commenced at 8:43 a.m without challenges.
He noted that they had not witnessed anything like vote buying.
According to him, the BVAS machine is working well up till this moment.
While there is voter apathy, the election has been peaceful so far.
11:00am
Low Voter Turnout Mars Guber Poll
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
As the governorship poll gets underway in Kogi State, low voter turnout has marred the election in most of the polling units visited by THISDAY.
At NASFAT Nursery and Primary School, Lokogoma, especially at polling unit 38 and 39, INEC officials were on ground before 7:30 a.m.
Also, at the open space by Ava Hotel polling unit, election commenced at about 9:00 a.m.
The presiding officer had to delay the commencement of voting because they were waiting for other party agents.
At FMC junction polling unit 058, a voter, Mrs Grace Iyere, said the election was peaceful and voting was going well.
According to her, “The BVAS is working. Some are saying they need changes, it is only when you come out and vote that you can see the changes. The election is peaceful. I trekked from my house to this place and the road was free.”
At Ajagbe/Moremi polling unit 008 Ajagbe in Lokoja, a Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) observer, Mr. Ojo Stephen, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said electoral officers arrived at 8:03 a.m, while voting materials were displayed at 8:40 a.m. for the electorate.
Stephen noted that accreditation and voting commenced at 8:43 a.m without challenges.
He noted that they have not witnessed anything like vote buying.
According to him, the BVAS machine is working well up till the moment of filing this report.
While there is voter apathy, the election has been peaceful so far.
9:39am
PDP Accuses APC of Vote Buying in Yenagoa
Segun James in Yenagoa
Barely one hour after the commencement of voting in the governorship election in Bayelsa State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of vote buying in the poll.
The PDP, in a statement signed by the state’s Publicity Secretary, Ebiye Agu Ogoli, called the attention of “the general public to an electoral fraud being perpetrated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) where they have been caught deviously buying PVCs of gullible voters with the sum of N50,000 with intent to rig Saturday’s governorship election; and this is happening in Yenagoa metropolis particularly in Onopa, Amarata and its environs. We are shocked by the desperation of the APC and condemn it in its entirety. We take exception to this absurdity and call on the security agents to arrest the culprits and bring them to book”.
The party instructed the party agents “that they collect the list of BVAS machines sent to the Registration Area; confirm the total number sent; taking note of the serial number of the BVAS machines and cross-check same against the serial number on the master sheet from the RAC centre.
“That on day of election, voters should check to confirm that the BVAS machines read 0 before accreditation commences.
“That BVAS machines be purged to confirm total number of voters accredited before they begin actual counting of ballot papers sent to the polling unit;
“Ensure that no voter approach the ballot box to cast his/her vote with more than one ballot paper; ensure APO’s do not issue more than one ballot paper to any voter.
“Ensure that Presiding Officers display result sheet to the general public before entering the scores of each political party;
“That PDP calls on INEC, the National Commissioner i/c South-south, Supervising REC’s, Electoral officers, SPO’s etc to maintain neutrality, act in a fair and transparent manner with all political parties contesting the governorship election”.
9:36am
PDP Alleges Vote-buying in Yenogoa
Segun James
Barely one hour after the commencement of voting in the governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Bayelsa State Chapter has alleged vote buying against the APC in the election.The PDP in a statement signed by Ebiye Agu Ogoli, State Publicity Secretary, called the attention of “the general public to an electoral fraud being perpetrated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) where they have been caught deviously buying PVC’s of gullible voters with the sum of #50,000 with intent to rig Saturday’s Governorship election; and this is happening in Yenagoa metropolis particularly in Onopa, Amarata and its environs; We are shocked by the desperation of the APC and condemn it in its entirety. We take exception to this absurdity and call on the Security Agents to arrest the culprits and bring them to book. In the meantime, we call on our Party Agents, and potential voters to do the following on election day:
The party insisted “that they collect the list of BVAS machines sent to the Registration Area; confirm the total number sent; taking note of the serial number of the BVAS machines and cross-check same against the serial number on the master sheet from the RAC centre.
“That on day of election, voters should check to confirm that the BVAS machines read 0 before accreditaion commences.
“That BVAS machines be purged to confirm total number of voters accredited before they begin actual counting of ballot papers sent to the polling unit;
“Ensure that no voter approach the ballot box to cast his/her vote with more than one ballot paper; ensure APO’s do not issue more than one ballot paper to any voter.
“Ensure that Presiding Officers display result sheet to the general public before entering the scores of each political party;
“That PDP calls on INEC, the National Commissioner i/c South-south, Supervising REC’s, Electoral officers, SPO’s etc to maintain neutrality, act in a fair and transparent manner with all political parties contesting the Governorship election.”
9: 30am
Electorate queuing for accreditation at Asugo unit 1 Agasa I, Okene local government, Kogi State
9:28am
Election Materials Arrive Early in Yenagoa
There was early arrival of election materials at polling units in Yenagoa.
At the Amarata Ward 6 in Yenagoa Local Government Area, a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent reported that activities started at 7:30 a.m. as materials were being distributed to polling units within the ward.
Security officials were already positioned at strategic points within the ward centre.
Similaye Jonah, an ad hoc staff on election duty, said the materials left the Registration Area Centre (RAC) earlier.
As at 8:00 a.m, polling units around the area were awaiting the materials to set up.
The atmosphere around Yenagoa is calm with light vehicular traffic as pedestrians moved about unhindered. (NAN)
9:24am
Diri Votes in Isampoh
Segun James in Yenagoa
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, voted at exactly 08.40am at his country home, Sampoh in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.
The governor was among the early voters.
Accreditation and voting began on schedule in the community.
9:20am
Kogi Experiences Late Arrival of INEC Officials, Materials at Polling Units
The off-circle governorship election in Kogi State witnessed late arrival of INEC officials at polling units in some parts of the state.
Most places around Lokoja metropolis encountered the late arrival of officials and materials.
INEC had announced that materials and officials were expected to arrive at their centres/polling units by 6:00 a.m.
Places like Adankolo, Lokongoma and Kpata encountered similar challenges.
Mr. Cornelius Stephen, a civil servant who came all the way from Kano to vote, expressed disappointment with INEC, which had assured Nigerians of timely distribution of materials and arrival of officials at polling units across the state.
“This election is different from what we experienced on February 25 and March 18 elections.
“You can see that it’s 7:40 a.m. already, yet only security personnel are around here at St. Luke Primary School, Adankolo within Lokoja 1 Ward A,” he said.
The officials for the ward, however, arrived at 8:15 a.m. and moved to their various polling units.
Abiola Choice, the Presiding Officer (PO), said that they came late to St. Luke Primary School, Adankolo, because of late distribution of materials at the RAC Centre in Crowder Memorial College, Lokoja.
She added: “Even after we got the materials from the RAC (Registration Area Centres), there was no vehicle to convey us to the polling units.
“As you can see, we are trying to set the tables and also paste the voters registers on the walls for the voters to check their names to come forward for accreditation and voting.
“By God’s grace in the next few minutes, we shall be done for the accreditation to commence,” Choice said.
Again, there were no agents of the 18 participating political parties in some of the polling units.(NAN)
9:17am
Accreditation, Voting Under way in Okene
By Ibrahim Oyewale
Accreditation and voting commenced in Okene, Adavi and Okehi local goveremt areas in Kogi Central districts respectively at about 8.00am.
People were seen waiting for accreditation and to vote at Code 9 Owanu ward in Adavi Local Government.
People queueing to vote at Adavi LG
9:10am
Diri Votes in Sampoh
Segun James
The Governor of Bayelsa state, Senator Douye Diri voted at exactly 08.40am at his country home, Sampoh in Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA.
The Governor was among the early voters.
Accreditation and voting began on schedule in the community.
9:04am
Bayelsa Poll: INEC Confirms Abduction of Electoral Official, Boat Mishap
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the abduction of its Supervisory Presiding Officer (SPO) assigned to Registration Area – 06 (Ossioma) in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Mr Wilfred Ifogah, Head of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC State Headquarters in Yenagoa, who revealed the incident in a statement Saturday, said it happened on Friday.
He said the SPO, whose name was not disclosed, was abducted while waiting to board a boat to his area of assignment at Amassoma Jetty.
Ifogah further disclosed that a boat carrying electoral personnel to Registration Area 17 (Koluama) in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area has capsized, but no life was lost, as the 12 personnel and the boat operator were rescued unhurt.
He said: “We, however, lost our result sheets, power banks and luggage containing personal effects of staff.
“The total number of registered voters in the affected registration areas is 5,368 and the number of PVCs collected is 5,311. INEC is making efforts to ensure the conduct of election in the affected area.
“The security agencies have been notified.”
Police spokesperson in Bayelsa, CSP Asinim Butswat, could not be reached for comments. (NAN)
8:49am
1,017,613 Voters to Elect New Governor
A total of 1,017,613 registered voters are expected to determine who becomes the next governor of Bayelsa State as voting opens on Saturday.
In the race are 16 political parties and their candidates including the incumbent, Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Eradiyi Udengmobofa of the Labour Party (LP).
The election will hold in all the eight local government areas (LGAs) of the state, namely Brass, Ekeremor, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Nembe, Ogbia, Sagbama, Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa.
The poll is expected to begin in all the 2,242 polling units across the eight local government areas from 8.30am to 2.30pm or when the last voter on queue finishes voting.
A breakdown of the total registered voters, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shows that 556,085 (54 per cent) are males, 490,767 females (46 per cent), and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWD), 880.
The statistics from INEC also revealed that 42 per cent of the voters are youth between the age of 18 and 34, while those that are 35 to 49 represent 40 per cent.
Elderly voters aged 50 to 67 are up to 159,940, representing 15 per cent of the total registered voters, while those aged 70 years and above are 33,275, representing 3% of the voters.
The number of election officials deployed by INEC include one retuning officer, eight LGA collation officers and LGA supervisors each, 105 registration area collation officers, 225 supervisory presiding officers, 2,244 presiding officers, 6,732 assistant presiding officers, and one consultancy supervisor.
A total of 118 domestic and eight foreign election observers have been accredited to monitor the election across the state.
The INEC has pledged to conduct free, fair and credible election in which the people would determine their own governor.
The security agency also pledged to provide secure environment for the peaceful conduct of the election.(NAN)
6:30am
Tension As Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa Elect Governors
*Uzodinma tackles Athan, Anyanwu, in Imo
*Kogi: Ododo, Ajaka, Dino Melaye in intense contest
*Diri, Sylva, Eradiri, battle for the soul of Bayelsa
*Police ramp up security, deploy 92,000 officers, men
Charles Ajunwa in Lagos, Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja, Tony Icheku in Owerri, Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
Tension remains very high in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states as voters file out this morning to elect governors that will manage affairs in the next four years.Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and his counterpart in Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, are seeking re-election, while Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State who is rounding off his second term, is supporting the All Progressives Congress’ candidate, Usman Ododo, whom he anointed, among the aspirants, to win the party’s ticket.After weeks of acrimonious campaigns, voters are bitterly divided between the leading governorship candidates, with allegations and counter-allegation of violence and rigging by the different camps.Fear of violence is palpable in the three states, but the police and other security agencies have assured voters of maximum security. Indeed, every nook and cranny of the states are heavily policed.As at press time, tough-looking security agents were on the streets of Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) pleaded with the political parties for a peaceful poll.
The commission disclosed that 5,169,692 registered voters who collected their PVCs would cast their votes in the three states today.The breakdown indicates that out of 1,056,862 registered voters in Bayelsa State, 1,017,613 have collected PVCs. In Imo State, the number of registered voters is 2,419,922 out of which 2,318,919 have collected PVCs. In Kogi State, out of 1,932,654 registered voters, 1,833,160 have collected PVCs.The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered restriction of vehicular movement in the three states from 11:59 p.m yesterday to 6.00 p.m today to curb the movement of illicit arms and political thugs.Egbetokun has deployed no fewer than 92,000 officers and men for election duties in the three states.By yesterday morning, the Police had completed its operational deployment in the three states. The IG assured that the force has enough manpower ready for election duty.
Egbetokun said his men will deal with hoodlums who may be planning to snatch ballot boxes during today’s governorship elections.Egbetokun said: “Concerning security at the collation centres, if collation centres have been porous in the past, I’ve said it before now, collation centres in this election will be heavily secured.”The IG also ordered the distribution of additional 220 operational vehicles for election security management across the states.Anti-riot equipment, including water cannons, Armoured Personnel Carriers, helmets, bulletproof vests, and tear gas canisters have also been deployed across the three states.
The IG also announced that dignitaries and Very Important Persons would not be allowed to move around with police escorts on election day, adding that it violates the Electoral Law.“And anyone that does that is violating the electoral law and is liable to prompt arrest, and such people will get dealt with when they’re arrested,” the police chief stated.Also yesterday, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, assured residents of Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states of their security during the governorship elections.This is as he warned political actors against any act of violence in the states.Ribadu stressed that there would be “severe consequences” for anyone found trying to disrupt the elections in the three states.Ribadu noted a monitoring system had been established with monitors deployed to the field to collect any evidence of violence and irregularities.
Kogi StateToday’s gubernatorial election is a three-horse race in Kogi State. The leading contestants are Usman Ododo of the APC, Dino Melaye of the PDP and Murtala Ajaka of the SDP. Analysts argue that the three candidates are from different ethnic backgrounds, namely Ebira, Okun and Igala, respectively and that the voting pattern may likely reflect the same. While APC will dictate the pace in Kogi central, the SDP will make a huge statement in Kogi East and PDP will dominate Kogi West.
Usman OdodoOdodo was, in the last seven and half years, the Local Government Auditor General of Kogi State before his emergence as the flag bearer of the APC. He hails from Okene (Kogi Central) just as the outgoing governor.Ododo, an Ebira, is expected to win the five local government areas in the zone.He will have it tough in Kogi West, where agitation for power shift is intense. However, based on the dividends of democracy enjoyed in the area under Governor Bello, particularly with the establishment of a university in Kabba, Ododo is expected to get a fairly good number of votes here.In Kogi East, the cries of marginalisation and agitations for power shift will deny Ododo significant votes. The influence of the incumbent Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja, and Ododo’s running mate, Joel Oyibo, both from the zone, may however help to attract some votes. The fact that Kogi East has 14 governorship candidates in today’s election may be a plus for Ododo.
Murtala AjakaAs a result of his inability to secure the governorship ticket on the platform of the APC, Ajaka dumped the party and subsequently emerged as the candidate of SDP. Prior to this time, he was the National Deputy Publicity Secretary of APC. With his emergence, the political observers in Kogi State have argued that it may have altered political permutations, with many in his zone seeking a return to power tagged “Igala Agenda.”The rising profile of Ajaka in Kogi East allegedly led to violent clashes between APC and SPD supporters in the state. Ajaka is expected to dominate Kogi East.In Kogi West, the presence of SDP is felt in few local government areas but Ajaka will still make an impact. Ajaka’s chances in Kogi Central are very slim.
Dino MelayeDino Melaye’s emergence as PDP’s flag bearer not only split the party, but also resulted in a gale of defections. The big wigs from the Kogi West axis left the party over alleged doctoring of the delegates’ list at the primary. This notwithstanding, Melaye has put his acts together in his determination to wrest power from the APC.Melaye hails from Aiyetoro Gbede in the Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Unfortunately, some leaders of the party in Kogi West are not happy with 2015 episode when Dino played the role of a spoiler, preventing an Okun son becoming the governor after the sudden death of Audu. However, Melaye may still dominate Kogi West. He will struggle to make an impact in Kogi Central and Kogi East.
Imo StateThe key contestants in today’s election in Imo State are incumbent Governor Hope Uzodinma of the APC, Sam Anyanwu of the PDP and Athan Achonu of the Labour Party. The race is seen as unpredictable and could swing in favour of any of the three leading contenders.
Hope UzodinmaFactors definitely not in Uzodinma’s favour include Imo State’s degeneration from centre of relaxation and hospitality to hotbed of insecurity and violence.Ordinarily, the incumbency factor would have given Uzodinma an edge, but the state’s persisting insecurity could hinder his chances. Some say his actions and body language are contributory factors in the violence and uncertainty in the state.Additionally, there is the populist sentiment that his best had not been good enough for the state.
What stands out in Uzodinma’s favour is the spread of the APC structures across the length and breadth of Imo State.Further enhancing Uzodinma’s chances include the squabbles in the two main opposition parties – PDP and LP.Two jokers Uzodinma may finally play include the ethnic card, and the Federal might. The former two-term Senator of Orlu zone, with its 12 LGAs, is the man to beat today.The Federal might would equally come in handy for Uzodinma as the APC-led federal government would not be willing to lose Imo, its strongest South-east ally, either to the LP or the PDP.APC, as a ruling party is an attractive bait to political elites, some seeking political rehabilitation and revival or as a haven to escape investigation or prosecution for corruption charges. Such big names which had clustered around Uzodinma would bargain for a piece of the pie and support him.
Athan AchonuAchonu is expected to pool the majority of the votes from the Okigwe zone. The Peter Obi LP sentiments would equally enhance Achonu’s chances, especially in the metropolitan capital city of Owerri where collapsing infrastructure, particularly road network, had distanced the people from Uzodinma.But the LP is weakened by internal bickering after its hotly contested governorship primary which led to the exodus from the party of several ‘Obedients’ who would have brought the Peter Obi wave to bear on the election.Besides Ochudo Martin Agbaso, another LP chieftain, General Jack Ogunewe left the party to pick the Action Alliance ticket. Others like Dr Sam Amadi have refused to support Achonu, while some like Dr Fabian Ihekweme, a former Commissioner and one-time gubernatorial candidate had subtly defected to the Uzodinma camp.A decisive Mindshift by the people and a high turnout of voters might favour the LP candidate, but there are fears that the insecurity scare would checkmate such development.
Sam AnyanwuPDP’s internal bickering, including the Emeka Ihedioha factor, may work against Anyanwu’s chances today. It would seem the absence of Ihedioha in the race united his Mbaise people to solidly line up behind Uzodinma.The PDP boasts of widespread structures, but the bickering and sabotage rocking the party had clearly diminished its potential and robbed Anyanwu of the enormous goodwill the party hitherto enjoyed.Findings show that Ihedioha was able to triumph in 2019 by winning with the largest votes from the nine LGAs of Owerri zone and consolidating with votes from one or two LGs from Orlu and Okigwe zones. Would the same formula work for Anyanwu? Perhaps not.While both Owerri and Okigwe zones are bitter that the Orlu zone has had more than its fair share of the governorship, occupying it for 20 out of 24 years of democracy, they do not have a winning formula that could effectively combine their joint 15 LGAs against Orlu’s 12, thus the Uzodimma joker, even as he seems to have votes from Orlu’s 12 LGAs safely under his belt.
Bayelsa StateThe leading candidates in Bayelsa State are incumbent governor Douye Diri of the PDP, Timipre Sylva of the APC and Udengs Eradiri of the LP.
Douye DiriDiri, a former teacher, Organising Secretary of the Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC), hails from Kolokuma/Okpokuma Local Government Area. He was a Senator, a former member of the House of Representatives, and former Commissioner for Youth and Sports in the state.The incumbent governor is looking good for a second term based on his first term performance and the fact that leading opposition parties in the state are in crisis.Diri is heading to the warfront with a more formidable and united party. The PDP has been ruling Bayelsa State since 1999.During the last general election, PDP cruised to victory in most of the seats contested, winning all the National Assembly seats and majority of the state’s House of Assembly seats.
Timipre SylvaSylva, who hails from Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area, based on his antecedent and pedigree, is the strongest among those jostling to wrestle power from Diri.However, his campaign was negatively affected by the failed attempts to disqualify him through the court.He was a former governor of the state for four years and immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.Some members have accused him of running the party as his private estate, they blame the abysmal performance of the party in the state at the 2023 elections on his overbearing attitude.They accuse Sylva of imposing himself as the party gubernatorial candidate to the detriment of a more popular candidate in David Lyon.
Udengs EradiriEradiri is the youngest among the leading candidates at just 47. He is an Engineering graduate from the University of Benin.The former President, IYC worldwide was Commissioner for Youths and later Environment under the Seriake Dickson administration. Eradiri is regarded as the dark horse among those jostling to occupy the Creek Haven.The youth activist turned politician is from Agudama-Ekpetiama, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Key Battle Areas in BayelsaGoing by feelers from the Bayelsa East, comprising Brass, Nembe and Ogbia local government areas, regarded as the APC stronghold and Sylva’s Senatorial District, the APC might cause the PDP some pains here.Diri is expected to win big in the Bayelsa West Senatorial District which has Sagbama and Ekeremor local government areas. This is also home to PDP big wigs like former Governor Seriake Dickson; Fred Agbedi; the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewrujakpor.In Bayelsa Central, one of the largest senatorial districts in terms of land mass and voters’ strength, the key battle will be in Southern Ijaw, where Sylva’s running mate, Joshua MacIver hails from.
Yenagoa, made up of the three local governments, will also be a place where an upset cannot be ruled out. With Eradiri and the Labour Party’s pressure, votes may likely be divided among the three contenders. Reasons being that Eradiri’s LP is targeting the youths, made up of over 70 percent of eligible voters in the state capital.Though it is expected that Diri will get the majority of the votes in Opokuma Local Government Area, being his own local government. Diri looks good to win Bayelsa Central and ultimately return for a second term.
Tension As Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa Elect Governors
*Uzodinma tackles Athan, Anyanwu, in Imo
*Kogi: Ododo, Ajaka, Dino Melaye in intense contest*Diri, Sylva, Eradiri, battle for the soul of Bayelsa
*Police ramp up security, deploy 92,000 officers, men
Charles Ajunwa in Lagos, Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja, Tony Icheku in Owerri, Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
Tension remains very high in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states as voters file out this morning to elect governors that will manage affairs in the next four years.Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and his counterpart in Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, are seeking re-election, while Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State who is rounding off his second term, is supporting the All Progressives Congress’ candidate, Usman Ododo, whom he anointed, among the aspirants, to win the party’s ticket.After weeks of acrimonious campaigns, voters are bitterly divided between the leading governorship candidates, with allegations and counter-allegation of violence and rigging by the different camps.Fear of violence is palpable in the three states, but the police and other security agencies have assured voters of maximum security. Indeed, every nook and cranny of the states are heavily policed.As at press time, tough-looking security agents were on the streets of Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) pleaded with the political parties for a peaceful poll.
The commission disclosed that 5,169,692 registered voters who collected their PVCs would cast their votes in the three states today.The breakdown indicates that out of 1,056,862 registered voters in Bayelsa State, 1,017,613 have collected PVCs. In Imo State, the number of registered voters is 2,419,922 out of which 2,318,919 have collected PVCs. In Kogi State, out of 1,932,654 registered voters, 1,833,160 have collected PVCs.The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered restriction of vehicular movement in the three states from 11:59 p.m yesterday to 6.00 p.m today to curb the movement of illicit arms and political thugs.Egbetokun has deployed no fewer than 92,000 officers and men for election duties in the three states.By yesterday morning, the Police had completed its operational deployment in the three states. The IG assured that the force has enough manpower ready for election duty.
Egbetokun said his men will deal with hoodlums who may be planning to snatch ballot boxes during today’s governorship elections.Egbetokun said: “Concerning security at the collation centres, if collation centres have been porous in the past, I’ve said it before now, collation centres in this election will be heavily secured.”The IG also ordered the distribution of additional 220 operational vehicles for election security management across the states.Anti-riot equipment, including water cannons, Armoured Personnel Carriers, helmets, bulletproof vests, and tear gas canisters have also been deployed across the three states.
The IG also announced that dignitaries and Very Important Persons would not be allowed to move around with police escorts on election day, adding that it violates the Electoral Law.“And anyone that does that is violating the electoral law and is liable to prompt arrest, and such people will get dealt with when they’re arrested,” the police chief stated.Also yesterday, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, assured residents of Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states of their security during the governorship elections.This is as he warned political actors against any act of violence in the states.Ribadu stressed that there would be “severe consequences” for anyone found trying to disrupt the elections in the three states.Ribadu noted a monitoring system had been established with monitors deployed to the field to collect any evidence of violence and irregularities.
Kogi StateToday’s gubernatorial election is a three-horse race in Kogi State. The leading contestants are Usman Ododo of the APC, Dino Melaye of the PDP and Murtala Ajaka of the SDP. Analysts argue that the three candidates are from different ethnic backgrounds, namely Ebira, Okun and Igala, respectively and that the voting pattern may likely reflect the same. While APC will dictate the pace in Kogi central, the SDP will make a huge statement in Kogi East and PDP will dominate Kogi West.
Usman OdodoOdodo was, in the last seven and half years, the Local Government Auditor General of Kogi State before his emergence as the flag bearer of the APC. He hails from Okene (Kogi Central) just as the outgoing governor.Ododo, an Ebira, is expected to win the five local government areas in the zone.He will have it tough in Kogi West, where agitation for power shift is intense. However, based on the dividends of democracy enjoyed in the area under Governor Bello, particularly with the establishment of a university in Kabba, Ododo is expected to get a fairly good number of votes here.In Kogi East, the cries of marginalisation and agitations for power shift will deny Ododo significant votes. The influence of the incumbent Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja, and Ododo’s running mate, Joel Oyibo, both from the zone, may however help to attract some votes. The fact that Kogi East has 14 governorship candidates in today’s election may be a plus for Ododo.
Murtala AjakaAs a result of his inability to secure the governorship ticket on the platform of the APC, Ajaka dumped the party and subsequently emerged as the candidate of SDP. Prior to this time, he was the National Deputy Publicity Secretary of APC. With his emergence, the political observers in Kogi State have argued that it may have altered political permutations, with many in his zone seeking a return to power tagged “Igala Agenda.”The rising profile of Ajaka in Kogi East allegedly led to violent clashes between APC and SPD supporters in the state. Ajaka is expected to dominate Kogi East.In Kogi West, the presence of SDP is felt in few local government areas but Ajaka will still make an impact. Ajaka’s chances in Kogi Central are very slim.
Dino MelayeDino Melaye’s emergence as PDP’s flag bearer not only split the party, but also resulted in a gale of defections. The big wigs from the Kogi West axis left the party over alleged doctoring of the delegates’ list at the primary. This notwithstanding, Melaye has put his acts together in his determination to wrest power from the APC.Melaye hails from Aiyetoro Gbede in the Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Unfortunately, some leaders of the party in Kogi West are not happy with 2015 episode when Dino played the role of a spoiler, preventing an Okun son becoming the governor after the sudden death of Audu. However, Melaye may still dominate Kogi West. He will struggle to make an impact in Kogi Central and Kogi East.
Imo StateThe key contestants in today’s election in Imo State are incumbent Governor Hope Uzodinma of the APC, Sam Anyanwu of the PDP and Athan Achonu of the Labour Party. The race is seen as unpredictable and could swing in favour of any of the three leading contenders.
Hope UzodinmaFactors definitely not in Uzodinma’s favour include Imo State’s degeneration from centre of relaxation and hospitality to hotbed of insecurity and violence.Ordinarily, the incumbency factor would have given Uzodinma an edge, but the state’s persisting insecurity could hinder his chances. Some say his actions and body language are contributory factors in the violence and uncertainty in the state.Additionally, there is the populist sentiment that his best had not been good enough for the state.
What stands out in Uzodinma’s favour is the spread of the APC structures across the length and breadth of Imo State.Further enhancing Uzodinma’s chances include the squabbles in the two main opposition parties – PDP and LP.Two jokers Uzodinma may finally play include the ethnic card, and the Federal might. The former two-term Senator of Orlu zone, with its 12 LGAs, is the man to beat today.The Federal might would equally come in handy for Uzodinma as the APC-led federal government would not be willing to lose Imo, its strongest South-east ally, either to the LP or the PDP.APC, as a ruling party is an attractive bait to political elites, some seeking political rehabilitation and revival or as a haven to escape investigation or prosecution for corruption charges. Such big names which had clustered around Uzodinma would bargain for a piece of the pie and support him.
Athan AchonuAchonu is expected to pool the majority of the votes from the Okigwe zone. The Peter Obi LP sentiments would equally enhance Achonu’s chances, especially in the metropolitan capital city of Owerri where collapsing infrastructure, particularly road network, had distanced the people from Uzodinma.But the LP is weakened by internal bickering after its hotly contested governorship primary which led to the exodus from the party of several ‘Obedients’ who would have brought the Peter Obi wave to bear on the election.Besides Ochudo Martin Agbaso, another LP chieftain, General Jack Ogunewe left the party to pick the Action Alliance ticket. Others like Dr Sam Amadi have refused to support Achonu, while some like Dr Fabian Ihekweme, a former Commissioner and one-time gubernatorial candidate had subtly defected to the Uzodinma camp.A decisive Mindshift by the people and a high turnout of voters might favour the LP candidate, but there are fears that the insecurity scare would checkmate such development.
Sam AnyanwuPDP’s internal bickering, including the Emeka Ihedioha factor, may work against Anyanwu’s chances today. It would seem the absence of Ihedioha in the race united his Mbaise people to solidly line up behind Uzodinma.The PDP boasts of widespread structures, but the bickering and sabotage rocking the party had clearly diminished its potential and robbed Anyanwu of the enormous goodwill the party hitherto enjoyed.Findings show that Ihedioha was able to triumph in 2019 by winning with the largest votes from the nine LGAs of Owerri zone and consolidating with votes from one or two LGs from Orlu and Okigwe zones. Would the same formula work for Anyanwu? Perhaps not.While both Owerri and Okigwe zones are bitter that the Orlu zone has had more than its fair share of the governorship, occupying it for 20 out of 24 years of democracy, they do not have a winning formula that could effectively combine their joint 15 LGAs against Orlu’s 12, thus the Uzodimma joker, even as he seems to have votes from Orlu’s 12 LGAs safely under his belt.
Bayelsa StateThe leading candidates in Bayelsa State are incumbent governor Douye Diri of the PDP, Timipre Sylva of the APC and Udengs Eradiri of the LP.
Douye DiriDiri, a former teacher, Organising Secretary of the Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC), hails from Kolokuma/Okpokuma Local Government Area. He was a Senator, a former member of the House of Representatives, and former Commissioner for Youth and Sports in the state.The incumbent governor is looking good for a second term based on his first term performance and the fact that leading opposition parties in the state are in crisis.Diri is heading to the warfront with a more formidable and united party. The PDP has been ruling Bayelsa State since 1999.During the last general election, PDP cruised to victory in most of the seats contested, winning all the National Assembly seats and majority of the state’s House of Assembly seats.
Timipre SylvaSylva, who hails from Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area, based on his antecedent and pedigree, is the strongest among those jostling to wrestle power from Diri.However, his campaign was negatively affected by the failed attempts to disqualify him through the court.He was a former governor of the state for four years and immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.Some members have accused him of running the party as his private estate, they blame the abysmal performance of the party in the state at the 2023 elections on his overbearing attitude.They accuse Sylva of imposing himself as the party gubernatorial candidate to the detriment of a more popular candidate in David Lyon.
Udengs EradiriEradiri is the youngest among the leading candidates at just 47. He is an Engineering graduate from the University of Benin.The former President, IYC worldwide was Commissioner for Youths and later Environment under the Seriake Dickson administration. Eradiri is regarded as the dark horse among those jostling to occupy the Creek Haven.The youth activist turned politician is from Agudama-Ekpetiama, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Key Battle Areas in BayelsaGoing by feelers from the Bayelsa East, comprising Brass, Nembe and Ogbia local government areas, regarded as the APC stronghold and Sylva’s Senatorial District, the APC might cause the PDP some pains here.Diri is expected to win big in the Bayelsa West Senatorial District which has Sagbama and Ekeremor local government areas. This is also home to PDP big wigs like former Governor Seriake Dickson; Fred Agbedi; the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewrujakpor.In Bayelsa Central, one of the largest senatorial districts in terms of land mass and voters’ strength, the key battle will be in Southern Ijaw, where Sylva’s running mate, Joshua MacIver hails from.
Yenagoa, made up of the three local governments, will also be a place where an upset cannot be ruled out. With Eradiri and the Labour Party’s pressure, votes may likely be divided among the three contenders. Reasons being that Eradiri’s LP is targeting the youths, made up of over 70 percent of eligible voters in the state capital.Though it is expected that Diri will get the majority of the votes in Opokuma Local Government Area, being his own local government. Diri looks good to win Bayelsa Central and ultimately return for a second term.
