Welcome to Channels Television Live Updates Page for Nigeria’s highly anticipated 2019 General Elections.
A total of 73 candidates are in the presidential race, according to INEC, including incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari, and a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who are the front line flag bearers.
After an intriguing period of political drama and campaigning — heralded by defections and war of words, and the postponement of polls by a week — it is time for Nigerians to know the outcome of their decisions.
Channels TV correspondents are on the ground in all parts of the country to keep you up to date with the latest developments.
Scroll down for the latest updates:
February 27: A Winner Emerges – Thank you for staying with us since Saturday last week.
Join us again for minute-by-minute updates on the governorship and house of assembly elections which will commence on March 9.
04:38 am – INEC Chairman declares Muhammadu Buhari as the winner of the Presidential Election.
The declaration of Muhammadu Buhari as the winner of the Presidential election brings to a conclusion the crucial process of deciding who leads Nigeria for the next four years. READ MORE.
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PARTY
TOTAL VOTES POLLED
1
A
19,209
2
AA
14,380
3
AAC
33,953
4
AAP
8,902
5
ABP
4,523
6
ACD
11,325
7
ACPN
7,223
8
ADC
97,874
9
ADP
54,930
10
AGA
4,689
11
AGAP
3,071
12
ANDP
3,104
13
ANN
16,779
14
ANP
3,586
15
ANRP
4,340
16
APA
36,866
17
APC
15,191,847 ……… WINNER
18
APDA
26,558
19
APGA
66,851
20
APM
26,039
21
APP
3,585
22
ASD
2,146
23
AUN
1,092
24
BNPP
1,649
25
CAP
1,111
26
CC
2,391
27
CNP
1,874
28
DA
2,769
29
DPC
5,242
30
DPP
14,483
31
FRESH
4,554
32
FJP
4,174
33
GDPN
41,852
34
GPN
4,924
35
HDP
1,663
36
ID
1,845
37
JMPP
1,853
38
KP
1,911
39
LM
1,438
40
LP
5,074
41
MAJA
2,651
42
MMN
14,540
43
MPN
2,752
44
NAC
2,279
45
NCMP
1,378
46
NCP
3,799
47
NDCP
1,192
48
NDLP
1,588
49
NEPP
1,524
50
NFD
4,096
51
NIP
2,248
52
NNPP
6,111
53
NPC
10,081
54
NRM
6,229
55
NUP
5,323
56
PCP
110,196
57
PDP
11,262,978
58
PPA
21,822
59
PPC
8,979
60
PPN
4,622
61
PT
2,613
62
RAP
2,972
63
RBNP
1,792
64
RP
2,388
65
SDP
34,746
66
SNC
28,680
67
SNP
3,941
68
UDP
3,970
69
UP
1,561
70
UPN
1,631
71
WTPN
732
72
YES
2,394
73
YPP
21,886
February 26: Collation of Presidential Election results enters day two.
Presidential Election results collated;
STATES
AAC
ANN
APC
PDP
YPP
1)ABIA
212
88
85,058
219,698
720
2)ADAMAWA
282
162
378,078
410,266
109
3)AKWA IBOM
222
95
175,429
395,832
118
4)ANAMBRA
124
45
33,298
524,738
4,091
5)BAUCHI
183
46
798,428
209,313
112
6)BAYELSA
126
37
118,821
197,933
50
7)BENUE
309
201
347,668
356,817
557
8)BORNO
269
29
836,496
71,788
78
9)CROSS RIVER
242
88
117,302
295,737
217
10)DELTA
1,626
320
221,292
594,068
497
11)EBONYI
205
683
90,726
258,573
192
12)EDO
3,106
273
267,842
275,691
531
13)EKITI
400
88
219,231
154,032
68
14)ENUGU
219
141
54,423
355,553
1,379
15)GOMBE
165
78
402,961
138,484
39
16)IMO
467
119
140,463
334,923
676
17)JIGAWA
226
66
794,738
289,895
67
18)KADUNA
243
261
993,445
649,612
196
19)KANO
416
114
1,464,768
391,593
200
20)KATSINA
186
82
1,232,133
308,056
61
21)KEBBI
276
99
581,552
154,282
53
22)KOGI
250
89
285,894
218,207
87
23)KWARA
401
422
308,984
138,184
140
24)LAGOS
8,910
6,946
580,825
448,015
5,733
25)NASARAWA
75
45
289,903
283,847
44
26)NIGER
324
145
612,371
218,052
113
27)OGUN
3,196
1,509
281,762
194,655
553
28)ONDO
4,414
311
241,769
275,901
1,224
29)OSUN
1,022
268
347,634
337,377
189
30)OYO
4,014
1,896
365,229
366,690
1,608
31)PLATEAU
268
796
468,555
548,665
442
32)RIVERS
372
365
150,710
473,971
415
33)SOKOTO
181
124
490,333
361,604
84
34)TARABA
116
35
324,906
374,743
80
35)YOBE
137
37
497,914
50,763
36
36)ZAMFARA
186
24
438,682
125,423
44
37)FCT
583
652
152,224
259,997
1,083
TOTAL VOTES
33,953
16,779
15,191,847
11,262,978
21,886
9:03 pm – Proceedings resume.
7:05 pm – INEC chairman suspends proceedings, says all remaining states will be considered today.
3:30 pm – Proceedings resume with the collation of results from Bauchi.
1:55 pm – INEC chairman calls for a break and suspends proceedings till 3 pm.
He says results from six states will be collated upon resumption.
11:08 am – INEC resumes collation of results. Niger State is first.
00:45 am – INEC chairman suspends proceedings until 10 am, after the collation of results from Ebonyi.
Results from 11 states and the FCT have been collated so far. They are – Abia, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ondo, Osun, and Yobe states.
Upon resumption, Professor Yakubu said they would start with the results from Plateau while that of other states would be considered.
February 25
11:20 pm – Proceedings resume after more than two hours.
9:15 pm – Proceedings postponed for 40 minutes, after which results from Ebonyi and Enugu would be collated.
8:17 pm – Collation of results continues.
6:37 pm – INEC Chairman postpones proceedings till 8 pm.
5:35 pm – Collation of results continues.
04:15 pm – Collation of results has been put on hold for now, until 5:00 pm.
2:25 pm – Collation of results continues.
01:30 pm – Ajimobi Loses Bid For Oyo South Senatorial District To PDP’s Balogun
Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has lost his bid for a seat in the Senate to represent Oyo South Senatorial District.
He was beaten by the candidate of the PDP, Kola Balogun who scored 105,720 votes. Governor Ajimobi polled 92, 218 votes.
01:15 pm – Okorocha Declared Winner Of Imo West Senatorial District
Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has been declared the winner of the Imo West Senatorial District election.
INEC Returning Officer, Professor Ibeawuchi Innocent declared the Imo State Governor the winner having polled 97,762 votes to beat his closest rival Hon Jones Onyereri of PDP who polled 63,117 votes. Read more
01:14 pm: Hoodlums Set INEC Office Ablaze In Imo
An INEC office in Imo state has been set ablaze by hoodlums says an official of the commission.
“Our office at Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state was razed down by fire by unknown persons in the early hours of today,” an official of the Commission, Emmanuella Opara told our reporter.Read More
While awaiting the continuation of the announcement of results, we will be bringing you updates on other developments across the country, where results from National Assembly results are still being announced.
01:00 pm – Announcement of results have been put on hold for now, until 2:30 pm
12:45 pm – Osun State
APC: 347,634
PDP: 337,377
AAC: 1,022
ANN: 268
YPP: 189
12:19 pm – Ekiti State
APC: 219,231
PDP: 154,032
AAC: 400
ANN: 88
YPP: 68
Work, Commercial Activities Resume After Presidential Elections
While Nigerians await the announcement of results of the Presidential Election, work and commercial activities have resumed across the country. See more
12:53 pm – I Dedicate This Victory To God And My Constituents, Says Dogara
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, says he dedicates his victory in the just-concluded National Assembly election in Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency to God and members of his constituency.
Dogara stated this, on Sunday, in a series of tweets after he was declared the winner of the election. He said, “I dedicate this victory to God first and our ever peace loving and resilient people of Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency who defied all odds to return me to the House of Representatives for an unprecedented 4th term”. Read More
11:27 am – YPP’s Ifeanyi Ubah Beats Uba Brothers, Wins Anambra South Senatorial Election
Mr Ifeanyi Ubah, the chairman of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, has emerged winner of the Anambra South Senatorial district election.
Ubah who ran under the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), polled 87,081 votes beating his closest rival, Mr. Chris Uba of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his younger brother the incumbent Senator for the area, Sen. Andy Uba.Read More
09: 53 am – PDP’s Eyakenyi Unseats Senator Nelson Effiong Of APC In Akwa Ibom
Mrs Akon Eyakenyi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has won Akwa Ibom South (Eket Senatorial District), unseating Senator Nelson Effiong of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Result by INEC reveals that Akon polled 122,412 votes while his APC counterpart polled 44,053. Read More
09: 40 am – INEC Declares Ondo South Senatorial Election Inconclusive
The Independent National Electoral Commission in Ondo State has declared the Ondo South Senatorial District election inconclusive over allegations of irregularities.
The INEC Returning officer for Ondo South, Professor Kayode Onifade, on Monday in Okitipupa announced that Otunba Nicholas Tofowomo of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 79,029 votes, while his closest rival, the current Senator, Mr. Yele Omogunwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 51,993 votes at the Saturday’s National Assembly elections. Read More
09:27 am – APC’s Isansi Defeats Chindo Of PDP To Win Katsina Constituency Seat
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) Salisu Isansi has defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Aminu Chindo to win the Federal Constituency seat in Katsina.
The Returning Officer for the House of Representatives election in the state, Dr. Godwin Ojochogu said Isansi polled 58,314 votes to defeat his closest contender, Aminu Chindo of the PDP who polled 21,454 votes. Read More
4:16 am: Collation of results for the presidential elections in Niger State has been suspended till 11:00 am.
The break followed an observation made by some of the political party agents that they needed to take some rest and, therefore, asked the Collation Officer to break the process for a later time.
2:07 am: Collation of results for Presidential Election in Niger State ongoing. Results from 13 local government areas have been collated so far.
See collated results below;
Munya LGA: APC – 13, 717; PDP – 8,530
Edati LGA: APC – 15,961; PDP – 8,168
Bosso LGA: APC – 29,093; PDP – 9,282
Katcha LGA: APC – 16,107; PDP – 5,668
Gurara LGA: APC – 14,377; PDP – 10,210
Rafi LGA: APC – 31,661; PDP – 7,029
Suleja LGA: APC – 30,401; PDP – 17,806
Tafa LGA: APC – 15,176; PDP – 12,778
Agwara LGA: APC – 8,811; PDP – 5,587
Magama LGA: APC – 22,529; PDP – 10,531
Paikoro LGA: APC – 24,690; PDP – 12,494
Chanchaga LGA: APC – 46,886; PDP – 14,220
Shiroro LGA: APC – 29,213; PDP – 10,215
1:01 am: APC’s Mohammed Musa Wins Niger East Senatorial Seat
Mr Musa polled a total of 229,415 votes to defeat PDP’s Ibrahim Ishaku, who got 116,143 votes.
The second runner-up in the election is the candidate of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), Musa Hassan, with 2,665 votes. READ MORE.
February 24
A day after voting, millions of Nigerians are now waiting for the collation and announcement of results.
11:40 pm: CORRECTION! Fadahunsi Adenigba of the PDP has defeated APC’s Famurewa Ajibola in Osun East Senatorial district.
According to the collated results announced, Adenigba polled 114,893 votes, while Ajibola secured 105,720 votes.
11:20 pm: The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, lost the Kwara Central Senatorial District election to Ibrahim Oloriegbe of the APC.
The Returning Officer, Professor Olawale Olatunbosun, announced this after collating the results of the election in the district. READ ALSO.
11:01 pm: Dachung Musa Bagos of PDP has been declared the winner of the Jos South /Jos East Federal Constituency.
Declaring the result, Professor Rahila Gowon, announced that Bagos polled 117,114 votes to beat his closest rival Pam Dungs of the APC with 37,617 votes.
10:32 pm: Dogara Wins
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has won his re-election into the National Assembly.
The lawmaker was declared the winner of the Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency on Sunday in Bauchi State. READ MORE.
9:40 pm: Collation of results ongoing in Gombe North senatorial district.
Kwami LGA: APC – 26,964; PDP – 14,105.
Nadafa LGA: APC – 9,710; PDP – 12335.
Gombe L GA: APC – 60,934; PDP – 31,266.
Dukku LGA: APC – 26,394; PDP – 13,106.
9:35 pm: Collation of results for the presidential election has commenced at the INEC office in Minna, the Niger State capital.
Munya LGA: APC – 13,717; PDP – 8,530.
Edati LGA: APC – 15,961; PDP – 8,168.
Bosso LGA: APC – 29,093; PDP – 9,282.
Katcha LGA: APC – 16,107; PDP – 5,668.
9:30 pm: Collation of results for the presidential election has commenced at the INEC office in Minna, the Niger State capital.
Munya LGA: APC – 13,717; PDP – 8,530.
8:37 pm: INEC has declared Mr Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama of the PDP as the winner of Oredo Federal Constituency election in Edo State.
The Returning Officer, Professor Elizabeth Egbochukwu, announced that Ogbeide-Ihama polled a total of 32, 895 votes to beat his closest rival, Mr Osaigbovo Iyoha, of the APC who scored 23, 352 votes.
8:02 pm: The APC candidate for Irepodun/Osogbo/Olorunda and Orolu Federal Constituency, Mr Olubokuye Oyewo, has emerged the winner of House of Representatives election held on Saturday.
He polled 66, 933 votes to defeat his closest rival and People Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Maruf Adewale, who polled 59,551 and made the candidate the winner as the INEC announced and confirmed the APC candidate the winner.
7:30 pm: Collation of results for Niger East Senatorial district ongoing.
So far, results from six out of the nine local government areas in the district have been collated.
While those of Paikoro, Shiroro, and Rafi LGAs are being expected, see results collated below;
6:50 pm: Collation of results ongoing at the INEC collation centre in Osogbo, the state capital.
APC won the seat of the Osun Central senatorial district by 132,821 votes, while PDP polled 106,779 votes.
While other results are being collated, PDP won the election for Obokun Oriade Federal Constituency by polling 25,329 votes to defeat APC which had 19,725.
6:40 pm: INEC officially opens collation centre for presidential elections in Abuja.
The INEC Chairman and all national commissioners of the electoral body are present at the event. READ MORE.
6:17 pm: INEC concludes collation of results for two Federal constituencies in Niger State.
5:23 pm: Collation of results ongoing at the INEC metropolitan office in Maiduguri.
Five out of the eight local government areas in Borno Central senatorial district have arrived.
INEC Chairman Calls On Security Agencies To Investigate Election Violence
Professor Yakubu asked the security agencies to investigate the cases of violence record in parts of the country during the elections.
He said while the commission was satisfied with the conduct of the exercise, it condemned the violence which claimed the lives of some electorate. READ MORE.
4:34 pm: Results of the Presidential and National Assembly elections from local government areas across Benue State have arrived at the INEC collation centre in Makurdi, the state capital.
4:10 pm: Collation of results have commenced at the INEC office in Enugu state.
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4:01 pm: INEC has collated results from five out of the 10 wards at Wukari LGA in Taraba South senatorial district.
Results from Donga, Ibi, Takum and Ussa are still been awaited.
Gunmen Attack Taraba Village
At least four persons have been reportedly killed by gunmen in Kambari Amar village in Taraba State.
The assailants were said to have invaded the village in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of the state, following the Presidential and National Assembly polls.
The police authorities in Taraba confirmed the incident. READ MORE.
3:18 pm: Collation of results of polls held in Ilorin East LGA concluded. PDP 14,654 polled while APC scored 30,014.
3:14 pm: Bayelsa State government said it has concluded plan to inaugurate a commission of inquiry into the election violence in parts of the state.
The state governor, Seriake Dickson, explained what transpired at Bassambiri during a press conference.
He insisted that election did not hold in that area and accused the military of aiding violence from the opposition.
2:30 pm: INEC concludes collation of results from Asa LGA in Kwara State. APC polls 15,932 while PDP scores 11,252.
Asa is one of the four local government areas in the senatorial district of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.
Others are Ilorin East LGA, Ilorin West LGA, and Ilorin South LGA. Results from other LGAs are being collated. READ MORE.
1:55 pm: Collation of results ongoing at Rivers West Senatorial District, while party agents and journalists await the announcement of the results.
1:50 pm: Collation of results has just begun at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim College of Education in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
1:40 pm: INEC says the collation of results in Bayelsa will begin by 5 pm.
1:30 pm: Voting presently taking place at Majidadi B ward in Bauchi State.
1:25 pm: Some youths in Ohaji Egbema protest at the INEC office in Owerri, calling for credible elections in Imo.
1:23 pm: Collation of results ongoing in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
1:22 pm: Journalists and election observers already seated at the INEC office in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
They are waiting for the announcement of the Presidential and National Assembly Election results in the state.
12:50 pm: Results are beginning to come from some of the local governments in Enugu State.
INEC officials, as well as some election observers and political party agents, are waiting for other results to arrive at the collation centre.
12:40 pm: INEC Headquarters in Edo state, where the presidential election results from the 18 local government areas will be announced.
12:34 pm: Voting continues at 22 polling units in Ihie Ndume in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
12:22 pm: Collation of results for Plateau North senatorial district and Bassa/Jos North federal constituency ongoing at Jos North Local Government Area secretariat.
11:20 am: Collation of results ongoing in some local government areas of Imo State.
11:10 am: Officials expected at one of INEC collation centres in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital
10:30 am: Collation of results ongoing at various wards and registration areas across Bauchi State.
This is Makama Sarkin Baki Ward.
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10:13 am: INEC says there is no extension of voting in Niger State, as elections in all the 25 local government areas ended on Saturday.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Samuel Egwu, said they made sure every electorate cast their ballot while results are still being collated at the ward levels across the local governments.
9:39 am: Collation of election results ongoing at some wards and local government areas in Kaduna North.
9:05 am: Results are been awaited at the INEC headquarters in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
9:00 am: Some women in Nembe and Bassambri areas of Bayelsa are protesting against what they described as a ‘denial’ to allow them to vote.
8:24 am:
INEC officials and party agents wait for results of the Edo South Senatorial election at the Urokpota Hall which is the Senatorial/ House of Representatives collation centre in Benin City the Edo state capital.
INEC Office Attacked, Electoral Materials Burnt
An INEC office at Oriade Local Government Area in Osun state was attacked at about 3 AM on Sunday, officials say.
Suspected hoodlums are said to have besieged the office, shooting at the Commission’s office and destroying parts of its property. READ MORE.
February 23
It is election day in Nigeria! Today, millions of Nigerians will decide who becomes the President of the country and those who will occupy the 469 seats of the National Assembly, for the next four years. Watch the live streaming below;
10:40 pm: Police Confirm Killing In Delta
Two persons have been killed confirmed killed and one other critically injured at Amukpe area in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.
Police authorities in the state told Channels Television that the victims were electorate who were trying to cast their votes at a polling unit in the area.
According to them, gunmen stormed the polling unit while voting ongoing, shooting at voters who scampered for safety.
9:11 pm: Counting of votes ongoing at Tutungo polling unit in Paikoro LGA of Niger, following delay in commencement of voting in the area.
8:30 pm: INEC ad-hoc staff reportedly stranded on the high sea with electoral materials en route Ibaka in Bakassi LGA of Cross River.
7:27 pm: Voting has just commenced at the Sabon Gari polling unit of Nasarawa LGA in Nasarawa.
The electorate are undeterred and have remained on the queue as some residents in the community made provision for electricity.
They, however, expressed hope that they would all exercise their franchise before the card readers shut down.
6:54 pm: The Resident Electoral Commissioner (INEC) in Abia State, Dr Joseph Iloh, extends the voting time in areas where voting did not start on time.
However, some electorate at Urban Mission Hill Primary School in Umuahia North LGA opposed the timing, noting that some materials were missing and they do not want to vote at night.
6:42 pm: Bayelsa State Government House photographer has been shot dead allegedly by armed men in Southern Ijaw LGA.
The government authorities in the state confirmed this to Channels Television. READ MORE.
6:01 pm: Voting still ongoing at the polling unit in Badidi Ward in Lapai, Niger South LGA, where the elections were said to have started late.
Party agents also complained of lateness of arrival of INEC staff and voting materials.
But the situation is different at Area Court Polling Unit 002 in the same local government, as sorting and counting of ballot have begun.
Result Update
At his polling unit in Daura, President Buhari of the APC polled 523 votes to defeat PDP’s candidate, Atiku, who scored three votes.
The former Vice President lost his unit in Yola after polling 167 votes, as against the 186 votes of the President.
5:45 pm: PDP National Chairman just cast his vote in Andoni LGA of Rivers.
5:38 pm: Counting of votes has commenced in most polling units across Gombe.
5:16 pm: Some voters in Sabon Garri West ward in Kano State have expressed anger as their names were allegedly not found on the register and could not vote despite having their PVCs.
Reported Violence In Okota
Suspected thugs reportedly stormed Baba Ewe Polling unit in Okota area of Lagos and destroyed ballot boxes.
The hoodlums were alleged to have chased away voters and the policeman at the polling unit and destroyed electoral materials. READ MORE.
4:29 pm: Heavy rains reported in Owerri and some other parts of Imo.
Many electorate left the polling units immediately after casting their votes as a result of the rain; thereby failed to witness the sorting and counting of the ballot.
4:22 pm: Voting has finally commenced at Olanrewaju Polling Unit in Amuwo Odofin LGA of Lagos.
Card reader malfunction and non-availability of stamps delayed the process.
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Boko Haram Stops Yobe Governor Gaidam From Voting. The terrorists first attacked Gaidam town before carrying out another attack on Bunu Yadi area of the state. READ MORE.
APC national leader Bola Tinubu said those who are monitoring his house and raising alarm of alleged Bullion van sighted in his premises are nothing but mere mischief makers. READ MORE.
4:10 pm: Sorting ongoing at Mountain View polling unit 009 in Jos South LGA of Plateau State.
4:04 pm: One person was reported killed and two others shot in Ibadan South East LGA.
The incident was said to have occurred as suspected hoodlums disrupt counting process and carted away ballot papers at Ward 2 Unit 13 and 14 at Lako compound.
3:40 pm: Electorate protest at Egbelu Agbala ward in Owerri North LGA of Imo state.
The protesters said up till the time of this report, no electoral official or material at the polling unit.
3:35 pm: Voting materials have yet to arrive at Madonna Ward 003 at Works Layout in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
3:02 pm: Sorting of the ballot ongoing at ward 5, polling unit 026 in Alapere, Ketu in Lagos East senatorial district.
02:54 pm: Sorting ongoing at Polling Unit 020 in Badagry area of Lagos.
02:30 pm: The Nigerian Army said suspected hoodlums engaged troops in a shootout in Abonema area of Rivers.
Although the number of casualties has yet to be known, the Army said the suspects attempted to disrupt the electoral process.
02:24 pm: Election is still ongoing In Degema LGA of Rivers State. However, materials for ward 17 were snatched by hoodlums dressed in military uniform, with the SPO in the boat.
Elsewhere, boats conveying materials to Bakana were prevented from accessing the town as a result of shooting in the community. The electoral officials were force to turn back.
2:19 pm: Sorting of ballot papers ongoing at the polling unit at St Andrews Primary School, Ayobo-Ipaja in Alimosho LGA of Lagos.
Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, and some election observers are visiting some polling units in Abuja to monitor the exercise. READ MORE.
1:40 pm: Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, casts his vote at Ungwar Sariki Ward polling unit.
1:30 pm: Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, casts his vote along with his family at Ward 11, Unit 20, Ibadan South West LGA.
The governor, apparently unaware of INEC’s extension of voting time, seeks more time for the electorate to cast their ballot due to late arrival of materials and malfunctioning of card readers at some polling units. READ MORE.
1:11 pm: At Ward 9, Unit 5 in Ayede Ekiti, voters are done casting their ballot and polling officers are only waiting if any more voter would show up before poll closes.
1:11 pm: INEC’s Commissioner in charge of Voter Education, Festus Okoye, says voting time will be extended at polling units which did not begin at the scheduled time of 8am by the amount of hours lost.
He said this while briefing the press on the on-going elections and the challenges faced at the polling units. READ MORE.
12:51 pm: INEC Commissioners about to brief the press at the media center in Abuja.
12:42 pm: No INEC officials and electoral materials in sight in Osu Owerre Ward 1, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, polling unit of a former governor of the state, Ikedi Ohakim.
21:38 pm: Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-makura, casts his vote along with his wife, Dr Mario Al-makura, at the Lungun Wambai Ward in Lafia, the state capital.
He commended the peaceful atmosphere of the process and urged the people to maintain law and order.
12:29 pm: For now, the Presidential and National Assembly elections are going on smoothly in Abia State and turn out of voters is reported to be very impressive.
12:25 pm: In most parts of the oil-producing Local Government Area of Ohaji Egbema in Imo State, card readers are said not to be working but INEC officials are reportedly allowing the electorate to vote manually.
12:17 pm: A presidential candidate, Mr Fela Durotoye, casts his vote at his polling unit in Lagos State.
12:15 pm: Police arrested a woman for stabbing a voter at a polling unit at Lagere area in Ile Ife, Osun state.
A figth broke out between the two after the suspect claimed that the victim was not on the queue and stabbed her with a bottle on the face. READ MORE.
11:56 am: Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, casts his vote after accreditation at his home town in Obudu LGA.
11.50 am: Voters growing impatient at Tafawa Balewa Gabas 1 Central polling unit in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State where the card reader is said not to be working.
Electoral officials have refused to comment on the issue.
11:42 am: Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi has voted and described the exercise and voters’ turnout as impressive so far.
The governor who cast his vote at 11:25 at Isan Ekiti said INEC maximised the period of the postponement to retouch its plans for a better delivery.
He is hopeful that the entire process would be credible in the long run.
11:21 am: APC National Chairman, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, waits on the queue for his turn to vote at Unit 1, Ward 10 in Etsako West LGA in Edo State.
In case you missed these:
Saraki Hails Peaceful Conduct Of Polls, Says Turnout Impressive. He asked the electorate to maintain the peaceful atmosphere and remain patient as they cast their votes.READ MORE.
Vice President Osinbajo, Wife Cast Their Votes In Lagos Professor Osinbajo commended the turnout of voters and INEC officials for a smooth process.READ MORE.
Card Reader Breaks Down At Dogara’s Polling Unit Despite the glitch, Dogara commended the voting process at his polling unit. READ MORE.
11:20 am: Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, gets accredited and casts his vote at Otuocha Ward I, Amaeze Aguleri in Anambra East LGA.
He was satisfied with the conduct of the entire process and calls on voters still home to go and vote. He noted the low voter turnout and said it shouldn’t cause any worry as people will still come out to vote.
The governor said the exercise in the state has been peaceful so far and the conduct of INEC and security agencies was quite commendable.
11:09 am: A presidential candidate, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, arrives at his polling unit in Akabueze in Nnewi, Anambra State.
He condemned the late commencement of the exercise at his ward. READ MORE.
Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), casts his vote at about 11am in Niger State.
11:06 am: Former President Obasanjo arrives at his ward for accreditation and voting.
10:48 am: Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, arrives at his polling unit with his wife to cast his vote.
Kogi Governor Unable To Be Accredited As Card Reader Fails
“I am disappointed at INEC, and I hope my own is an isolated case,” Governor Bello said. READ MORE.
10:44 am: INEC officials and materials just arriving at Unit 1 Ward 3 Market Square Eziala Nsulu, in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
10:42 am: Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, arrives at Amosun ward 6 unit 8 Itagbangba, Abeokuta South Local Government to cast his vote.
10:29 am: Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, and his wife, arrive at polling unit 05 in Toruorula Sagbama Local Government Area.
The card reader fails to authenticate their thumbprints, but they were given the nod to vote.
The governor and other voters expressed their sadness over the faulty card reader, stating that they experienced same in 2015.
10:22 am: The card reader fails to authenticate the Speaker Dogara’s fingerprints.
10:14 am: INEC officials arrive at the polling booths of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo Ward 11, Unit 22 Olusomi compound in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
10:10 am: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi casts his vote at his polling unit in Enugu State.
10:09 am: The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, arrives to cast his vote at Polling Unit 005/006 Agbaji Quarters in Ajikobi Ward, Ilorin West LGA, Kwara State.
10:07 am: Governor Godwin Obaseki arrives ward 4 unit 19 to cast his vote in Edo State.
10:01 am: The former vice president and his wife cast their votes shortly after they were accredited at their polling unit in at Ajiya Ward in Yola, Adamawa State. READ MORE
10:01 am: Mr Adekunle Akinlade votes at unit 002, Ward 003 Ago Sasa, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun West, Ogun State.
The governorship candidate says it is too early to assess the process but from what he gathered from his party agents across the state, the exercise is going smoothly.
10:00 am: Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, casts his vote at unit 3 ward 2 Omi Primary School, Owa-Aliero in Ika North East.
The governor decried the inability of some residents of Asaba to perform their civic responsibility due to the distance of their homes to the voting centres.
9:44 am: Speaker House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, arrives to cast his vote at Gwaranga Primary School polling unit in his village Gwaranga, Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
9:40 am: Some residents of Mile 2 in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State are not pleased with the level of preparation for the elections.
Voters at Polling Unit 022 are still waiting for electoral officials to arrive for the exercise.
9:36 am: Former governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, casts his vote shortly after being accredited.
9:28 am: Materials have arrived at most polling units in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Voting has commenced at Ward 3, Unit 6 and turnout is high amid tight security.
9:14 am: Former President Goodluck Jonathan arrived at his polling unit with former First Lady, Mrs Patience. However, voting has yet to commence as the materials arrived late.
9:07 am: Accreditation and voting commenced simultaneously at Gawetum I, where Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, is expected to cast his vote.
So far that has been no issue of card reader malfunction and the electorate are conducting themselves in an orderly manner.
8:52 am: ‘I Have Faith In The Process’, Obi Says After Casting His Vote
The PDP vice-presidential candidate casts his vote at Agwulu II ward in Anaocha LGA of Anambra State. He said he is satisfied with the process. READ MORE
8:37 am: Party officials, INEC staff and electorate all waiting at Sabon Garri West ward in Kano State for sensitive and non-sensitive materials to be distributed to their various polling units.
8:24 am: Some election materials and personnel for Ciroma, Wakwa Akurba wards still at the collection centre at Dunama Primary School in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
8:15 am: Voting commences in Oredo LG ward 4 in Edo.
8:13 am: Accreditation commenced at one of the polling units in Gombe State. The first electorate to be accredited gets ready to cast his vote.
8:10 am: Some electorate at Magajingari polling unit in Kaduna North check their names on the voter’s list while awaiting electoral officials.
In Edo, no electoral official has arrived at the polling unit at the IDP camp at the International Christian Center Home for the Needy. Hundreds of voters are already on the ground and eagerly expecting to vote.
8:09 am: Members of the ICPC election monitoring group in Abeokuta setting out for the polls in Ogun State.
8:07 am: Buhari, Wife Vote
President Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha, have voted in the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Daura.
The President, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress was accredited just after 8am and voted at 8:07am.
Electoral materials and officials have arrived at several polling units across the nation.
One week after the polls were postponed, Nigerians turned up at various polling units on Saturday morning to vote for the candidates of their choice in the elections. READ MORE
In Yola North, Adamawa State, ad hoc staff arrived at several polling units before 7am.
At Ajiya 012, in Yola North, the staff arrived around 6:37am and in the process of transforming the place into a polling station.The ad-hoc staff arrived around 6:37am and in the process of transforming the place into a polling station.
Deployment of sensitive materials from Central Primary school, Iruekpen, Esan West L.GA of Edo state to polling units.
INEC ad hoc staff set up polling stations for voting in Abuja. Some voters were seen at the INEC office in Karu, checking for their polling units.
7:19am: Sensitive and non-sensitive materials about to be moved to various wards and polling units in Etsako West LGA in Edo State.
Explosion Rocks Borno, Police Evacuate Bomb From IDP Camp
The explosion occurred at a camp of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Maiduguri while some electorate were said to be waiting to get accredited by electoral officials. READ MORE
7:10am: Voting materials being distributed to presiding officers at the Registration Areas Centre in Kaduna North Local Government Area (LGA).
6:30am: INEC ad-hoc staff expected to conduct elections arrived at one of the local governments in Plateau State to collect sensitive materials to be used at their respective polling units.
Police personnel and other security officers, as well as officials of relevant government agencies, are on the ground to provide support.
February 22
Elections: Army Releases Situation Room Hotlines
The Nigerian Army (NA) has released hotlines to its Situation Room from where electoral activities will be monitored.
According to a statement by the army the creation of its situation is in pursuant of its mandate to help create a secure and enabling environment for the conduct of the 2019 General Elections.
No Religion Will Be Imposed On Nigeria, Says Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has refuted claims in some quarters that his administration plans to impose the Islamic religion on Nigeria, describing the allegation as “wicked, deceptive and ungodly”.
In a statement, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, explained that the aim of those behind the allegation is to stoke up religious division for political gains, adding that such persons made similar claims ahead of the 2015 elections but failed. Read More
General Elections: IGP Orders Tight Security Nationwide
Ahead of Saturday’s general elections, the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has issued fresh directives to police formations to tighten all security arrangements put in place to ensure peaceful conduct of the polls.
According to a statement by the Force spokesperson, Frank Mba, the IGP has ordered what he described as a water-tight and robust security arrangement in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Read More
Johnson-Sirleaf Confident INEC Is Ready For Elections
The Head of ECOWAS Observer Mission for the 2019 elections, former Liberian president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, says she is confident in the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to conduct hitch-free elections tomorrow.
Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf who addressed journalists in Abuja, acknowledged the difficulty in organizing an election of such magnitude but expressed confidence in the ability of the electoral umpire to do a good job. Read More
Security Agencies Step Up Surveillance In Abuja Ahead Of Elections
Security agencies have stepped up surveillance in Nigeria’s capital Abuja ahead of the start of the general elections on Saturday.
In various parts of the city, police vehicles and motorcycles were seen on Friday with helicopters Nigerian Air Force helicopters providing aerial surveillance as well. See PhotosHere
British Govt Deploys Over 60 Observers For Nigeria’s Elections
The British government has deployed over 60 observers in 15 states across Nigeria for the general elections.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Liang, said this in a video shared on Friday while urging Nigerians to go out and vote. Read More
The party described the arrest of Senator Ibrahim on the eve of the general elections as “provocative”, and cautioned the police to stop harassing its members.
February 21
Having 93 Or 91 Political Parties Doesn’t Make Sense To Me – Humphrey Nwosu
A former Chairman of the now defunct National Electoral Commission, Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who presided over the conduct of the annulled 1993 Presidential election, says Nigeria has failed to build on “strong foundations” laid in the past.
In an exclusive interview with Channels Television, Professor Nwosu shares his thoughts about Nigeria’s multiparty system, ballot snatching, whether the military should participate in elections and more. Read Here
The INEC said the number of collected PVCs represents 86.36 per cent of the 84,004,084 Nigerians that registered to vote, while 11,228,582 PVCs were not collected.
The Army chief directed Commanders to ensure the restrictions of movement within their commands and carry out a stop and search, saying anyone found culpable should be handed over to the police.
At the meeting of the PDP National Executive Committee, the Mr Secondus criticised President Buhari for ordering security agents to deal with ballot snatchers ruthlessly during the polls.
But the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, defended the President’s position on snatching ballot boxes.
Mr Shehu noted that the order should be seen as a strong message against the long history of savagery associated with elections in the country.
February18
The All Progressives Congress (APC) held a caucus meeting to discuss the issues surrounding the postponement of the general elections. President Muhammadu Buhari sent a strong warning to those planning to engage in electoral malpractice to stay away from the venues of the exercise. He ordered the security operatives to “deal ruthlessly” with anyone who attempts to snatch ballot box during the rescheduled elections.
On his part, the APC National Chairman, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, accused INEC of conspiring with PDP in postponing the elections. He also alleged that there was a foul play in the postponement, in the way, he said, he watched how PDP members were commending INEC for the courage to take the decision.
It also accused the President and the APC of plots to trigger widespread political crisis “to derail our democratic process and plunge our nation into anarchy”.
PDP National Chairman, Mr Uche Secondus, on his part, accused the President of giving marching orders to the security agencies to brutalise voters during the elections. In his words, “the President’s remarks amount to a declaration of war on Nigerian voters and a direct incitement against voters”.
A file photo of Mr Uche Secondus
But APC national leader, Bola Tinubu, defended President Buhari’s order to the security agencies, saying the President was misinterpreted by his critics.
According to him, President Buhari was just reinforcing the fact that “if you are out there snatching ballot boxes, and causing destruction, you are at risk of your own life.”
INEC had insisted that political campaigns and collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remained closed, but the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vowed to reopen its campaigns.
The party stated that INEC erred in prohibiting campaigns, adding that the pronouncement was directly in conflict with the provision of the Electoral Act.
Amid the mixed reactions trailing the postponement of the elections, Nigerians who had fixed key events on the rescheduled dates of February 23 and March 9 have decried the action of the electoral body.
Of this category of people are these young man and lady, Smart and a Grace, who were preparing to get married in Plateau State on February 23, with the hopes that the elections would have held successfully on the initial day.
The couple-to-be shared their plight with Channels Television.
Some critics who claimed that a national commissioner, Mrs Amina Zaraki, was in charge of electoral operations and logistics had blamed her for the challenges that led to the postponement of the elections.
He, however, said the failures of political parties to stick to INEC’s timetables and the petitions against the commission with regards to primaries played a major role in the postponement of the polls.
Below are the activities lined up by INEC in preparation for the rescheduled polls:
Configuration of the Smart Card Readers – Sunday 17th/Thursday 21st February 2019
Completion/confirmation of deployment of materials – Monday l8th February 2019
Receipt and deployment of sensitive materials to LGAs – Wednesday 20/Thursday 21st February 2019
Refresher training for ad hoc staff – Thursday 21st February 2019
Deployment of personnel to RACs – Friday 22nd of February 2019
Election Day – Saturday 23rd, February 2019.
February 16
On the eve of the general elections, there heightened preparations were noticed across the countries from stakeholders in the exercise, even on the part of the electorate as some had to travel to cast their vote.
However, speculations began to emerge over the postponement of the polls as a result of what can be described as a last-gasp meeting of top INEC officials led by the chairman of the commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmoud Yakubu, with other officials at a briefing in the early hours of Saturday, just before the Commission announced the postponement of the general elections. Photo: ChannelsTV/ Sodiq Adelakun.
At exactly 2:44am on Saturday, Professor Yakubu addressed a press conference during which he announced that the electoral body has decided to shift the elections by one week.
INEC Chairman gives reasons for election postponement
Hours after the announcement, the INEC chairman held a meeting with representatives of various political parties and other stakeholders. At the briefing, the INEC chairman ruled out political influence in the postponement of the polls.
APC Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, tackles INEC boss over the timing of announcement.
Professor Yakubu stated that the decision has nothing to do with any kind of influence, but a result of logistical challenges faced in deploying human and material resources for the elections.
Welcome to Channels Television Live Updates Page for Nigeria’s highly anticipated 2019 General Elections.
A total of 73 candidates are in the presidential race, according to INEC, including incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari, and a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who are the front line flag bearers.
After an intriguing period of political drama and campaigning — heralded by defections and war of words, and the postponement of polls by a week — it is time for Nigerians to know the outcome of their decisions.
Channels TV correspondents are on the ground in all parts of the country to keep you up to date with the latest developments.
Scroll down for the latest updates:
February 27: A Winner Emerges – Thank you for staying with us since Saturday last week.
Join us again for minute-by-minute updates on the governorship and house of assembly elections which will commence on March 9.
04:38 am – INEC Chairman declares Muhammadu Buhari as the winner of the Presidential Election.
The declaration of Muhammadu Buhari as the winner of the Presidential election brings to a conclusion the crucial process of deciding who leads Nigeria for the next four years. READ MORE.
February 26: Collation of Presidential Election results enters day two.
Presidential Election results collated;
9:03 pm – Proceedings resume.
7:05 pm – INEC chairman suspends proceedings, says all remaining states will be considered today.
3:30 pm – Proceedings resume with the collation of results from Bauchi.
1:55 pm – INEC chairman calls for a break and suspends proceedings till 3 pm.
He says results from six states will be collated upon resumption.
11:08 am – INEC resumes collation of results. Niger State is first.
00:45 am – INEC chairman suspends proceedings until 10 am, after the collation of results from Ebonyi.
Results from 11 states and the FCT have been collated so far. They are – Abia, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ondo, Osun, and Yobe states.
Upon resumption, Professor Yakubu said they would start with the results from Plateau while that of other states would be considered.
February 25
11:20 pm – Proceedings resume after more than two hours.
9:15 pm – Proceedings postponed for 40 minutes, after which results from Ebonyi and Enugu would be collated.
8:17 pm – Collation of results continues.
6:37 pm – INEC Chairman postpones proceedings till 8 pm.
5:35 pm – Collation of results continues.
04:15 pm – Collation of results has been put on hold for now, until 5:00 pm.
2:25 pm – Collation of results continues.
01:30 pm – Ajimobi Loses Bid For Oyo South Senatorial District To PDP’s Balogun
Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has lost his bid for a seat in the Senate to represent Oyo South Senatorial District.
He was beaten by the candidate of the PDP, Kola Balogun who scored 105,720 votes. Governor Ajimobi polled 92, 218 votes.
01:15 pm – Okorocha Declared Winner Of Imo West Senatorial District
Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has been declared the winner of the Imo West Senatorial District election.
INEC Returning Officer, Professor Ibeawuchi Innocent declared the Imo State Governor the winner having polled 97,762 votes to beat his closest rival Hon Jones Onyereri of PDP who polled 63,117 votes. Read more
01:14 pm: Hoodlums Set INEC Office Ablaze In Imo
An INEC office in Imo state has been set ablaze by hoodlums says an official of the commission.
“Our office at Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state was razed down by fire by unknown persons in the early hours of today,” an official of the Commission, Emmanuella Opara told our reporter. Read More
While awaiting the continuation of the announcement of results, we will be bringing you updates on other developments across the country, where results from National Assembly results are still being announced.
01:00 pm – Announcement of results have been put on hold for now, until 2:30 pm
12:45 pm – Osun State
APC: 347,634
PDP: 337,377
AAC: 1,022
ANN: 268
YPP: 189
12:19 pm – Ekiti State
APC: 219,231
PDP: 154,032
AAC: 400
ANN: 88
YPP: 68
Work, Commercial Activities Resume After Presidential Elections
While Nigerians await the announcement of results of the Presidential Election, work and commercial activities have resumed across the country. See more
12:53 pm – I Dedicate This Victory To God And My Constituents, Says Dogara
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, says he dedicates his victory in the just-concluded National Assembly election in Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency to God and members of his constituency.
Dogara stated this, on Sunday, in a series of tweets after he was declared the winner of the election. He said, “I dedicate this victory to God first and our ever peace loving and resilient people of Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency who defied all odds to return me to the House of Representatives for an unprecedented 4th term”. Read More
11:27 am – YPP’s Ifeanyi Ubah Beats Uba Brothers, Wins Anambra South Senatorial Election
Mr Ifeanyi Ubah, the chairman of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, has emerged winner of the Anambra South Senatorial district election.
Ubah who ran under the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), polled 87,081 votes beating his closest rival, Mr. Chris Uba of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his younger brother the incumbent Senator for the area, Sen. Andy Uba. Read More
09: 53 am – PDP’s Eyakenyi Unseats Senator Nelson Effiong Of APC In Akwa Ibom
Mrs Akon Eyakenyi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has won Akwa Ibom South (Eket Senatorial District), unseating Senator Nelson Effiong of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Result by INEC reveals that Akon polled 122,412 votes while his APC counterpart polled 44,053. Read More
The Independent National Electoral Commission in Ondo State has declared the Ondo South Senatorial District election inconclusive over allegations of irregularities.
The INEC Returning officer for Ondo South, Professor Kayode Onifade, on Monday in Okitipupa announced that Otunba Nicholas Tofowomo of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 79,029 votes, while his closest rival, the current Senator, Mr. Yele Omogunwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 51,993 votes at the Saturday’s National Assembly elections. Read More
09:27 am – APC’s Isansi Defeats Chindo Of PDP To Win Katsina Constituency Seat
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) Salisu Isansi has defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Aminu Chindo to win the Federal Constituency seat in Katsina.
The Returning Officer for the House of Representatives election in the state, Dr. Godwin Ojochogu said Isansi polled 58,314 votes to defeat his closest contender, Aminu Chindo of the PDP who polled 21,454 votes. Read More
Dino Melaye Wins Kogi West Senatorial District
Dogara Wins In Bauchi, Retains House Of Reps Seat
Saraki Loses Senatorial Seat To APC’s Oloriegbe
Gombe Governor, Dankwambo Loses Senatorial Bid
Jigawa Deputy Governor Wins Senatorial Seat
Orji Kalu Defeats Mao Ohabunwa To Win Abia North Senatorial Seat
APC Ousts Olujimi, Wins All Ekiti Senatorial Seats
5:57 am: From Government House To Senate
Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has won the election for the Ogun Central senatorial district.
The governor was declared the winner of the poll by INEC Returning Officer, Professor Ayinde Akanbi, in the early hours of Monday. READ MORE.
5:10 am: INEC has collated results of eight out of 12 local government areas in Imo West/Orlu senatorial district.
Some of the contenders are Governor Rochas Okorocha (APC), Jones Onyerieri (PDP), and Osita Izunaso (APGA). See results collated so far below;
Nkwerre LGA: APC – 5,637; PDP – 4,905; APGA – 662
Ideato South LGA: APC – 24,102; PDP – 3,106; APGA – 2834
Nwangele LGA: APC – 4,997; PDP – 4,519; APGA – 4,853
Oru East LGA: APC – 8,243; PDP – 4,614; APGA – 2,994
Isu LGA: APC – 7,406; PDP – 6,524; APGA – 1,812
Ideato North LGA: APC – 8,028; PDP – 5,174; APGA – 2,276
Njaba LGA: APC – 8,549; PDP – 5,982; APGA – 1,875
Ohaji Egbema LGA: APC – 8,348; PDP – 5,928; APGA – 3,820
4:16 am: Collation of results for the presidential elections in Niger State has been suspended till 11:00 am.
The break followed an observation made by some of the political party agents that they needed to take some rest and, therefore, asked the Collation Officer to break the process for a later time.
2:07 am: Collation of results for Presidential Election in Niger State ongoing. Results from 13 local government areas have been collated so far.
See collated results below;
Munya LGA: APC – 13, 717; PDP – 8,530
Edati LGA: APC – 15,961; PDP – 8,168
Bosso LGA: APC – 29,093; PDP – 9,282
Katcha LGA: APC – 16,107; PDP – 5,668
Gurara LGA: APC – 14,377; PDP – 10,210
Rafi LGA: APC – 31,661; PDP – 7,029
Suleja LGA: APC – 30,401; PDP – 17,806
Tafa LGA: APC – 15,176; PDP – 12,778
Agwara LGA: APC – 8,811; PDP – 5,587
Magama LGA: APC – 22,529; PDP – 10,531
Paikoro LGA: APC – 24,690; PDP – 12,494
Chanchaga LGA: APC – 46,886; PDP – 14,220
Shiroro LGA: APC – 29,213; PDP – 10,215
1:01 am: APC’s Mohammed Musa Wins Niger East Senatorial Seat
Mr Musa polled a total of 229,415 votes to defeat PDP’s Ibrahim Ishaku, who got 116,143 votes.
The second runner-up in the election is the candidate of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), Musa Hassan, with 2,665 votes. READ MORE.
February 24
A day after voting, millions of Nigerians are now waiting for the collation and announcement of results.
11:40 pm: CORRECTION! Fadahunsi Adenigba of the PDP has defeated APC’s Famurewa Ajibola in Osun East Senatorial district.
According to the collated results announced, Adenigba polled 114,893 votes, while Ajibola secured 105,720 votes.
11:20 pm: The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, lost the Kwara Central Senatorial District election to Ibrahim Oloriegbe of the APC.
The Returning Officer, Professor Olawale Olatunbosun, announced this after collating the results of the election in the district. READ ALSO.
11:01 pm: Dachung Musa Bagos of PDP has been declared the winner of the Jos South /Jos East Federal Constituency.
Declaring the result, Professor Rahila Gowon, announced that Bagos polled 117,114 votes to beat his closest rival Pam Dungs of the APC with 37,617 votes.
10:32 pm: Dogara Wins
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has won his re-election into the National Assembly.
The lawmaker was declared the winner of the Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency on Sunday in Bauchi State. READ MORE.
9:40 pm: Collation of results ongoing in Gombe North senatorial district.
Kwami LGA: APC – 26,964; PDP – 14,105.
Nadafa LGA: APC – 9,710; PDP – 12335.
Gombe L GA: APC – 60,934; PDP – 31,266.
Dukku LGA: APC – 26,394; PDP – 13,106.
9:35 pm: Collation of results for the presidential election has commenced at the INEC office in Minna, the Niger State capital.
Munya LGA: APC – 13,717; PDP – 8,530.
Edati LGA: APC – 15,961; PDP – 8,168.
Bosso LGA: APC – 29,093; PDP – 9,282.
Katcha LGA: APC – 16,107; PDP – 5,668.
9:30 pm: Collation of results for the presidential election has commenced at the INEC office in Minna, the Niger State capital.
Munya LGA: APC – 13,717; PDP – 8,530.
8:37 pm: INEC has declared Mr Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama of the PDP as the winner of Oredo Federal Constituency election in Edo State.
The Returning Officer, Professor Elizabeth Egbochukwu, announced that Ogbeide-Ihama polled a total of 32, 895 votes to beat his closest rival, Mr Osaigbovo Iyoha, of the APC who scored 23, 352 votes.
8:02 pm: The APC candidate for Irepodun/Osogbo/Olorunda and Orolu Federal Constituency, Mr Olubokuye Oyewo, has emerged the winner of House of Representatives election held on Saturday.
He polled 66, 933 votes to defeat his closest rival and People Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Maruf Adewale, who polled 59,551 and made the candidate the winner as the INEC announced and confirmed the APC candidate the winner.
7:30 pm: Collation of results for Niger East Senatorial district ongoing.
So far, results from six out of the nine local government areas in the district have been collated.
While those of Paikoro, Shiroro, and Rafi LGAs are being expected, see results collated below;
Suleja LGA: APC – 28,567; PDP – 19,735; ADC – 486.
Bosso LGA: APC – 28,411; PDP – 10,865; ADC – 332.
Chanchaga LGA: APC – 44,775; PDP – 18,238; ADC – 568.
Munya LGA: APC – 13,974; PDP – 8,996; ADC – 65.
Gurara LGA: APC – 14,623; PDP – 10,505; ADC – 384.
Tafa LGA: APC – 15,721; PDP – 12,903; ADC – 230.
6:50 pm: Collation of results ongoing at the INEC collation centre in Osogbo, the state capital.
APC won the seat of the Osun Central senatorial district by 132,821 votes, while PDP polled 106,779 votes.
While other results are being collated, PDP won the election for Obokun Oriade Federal Constituency by polling 25,329 votes to defeat APC which had 19,725.
6:40 pm: INEC officially opens collation centre for presidential elections in Abuja.
The INEC Chairman and all national commissioners of the electoral body are present at the event. READ MORE.
6:17 pm: INEC concludes collation of results for two Federal constituencies in Niger State.
Chanchaga Federal Constituency – ADP – 4,415; APC – 39,391; PDP – 17,869.
Suleja-Tafa-Gurara Federal Constituency – ACD – 37,319; APC – 54,224; PDP – 38,732.
5:23 pm: Collation of results ongoing at the INEC metropolitan office in Maiduguri.
Five out of the eight local government areas in Borno Central senatorial district have arrived.
INEC Chairman Calls On Security Agencies To Investigate Election Violence
Professor Yakubu asked the security agencies to investigate the cases of violence record in parts of the country during the elections.
He said while the commission was satisfied with the conduct of the exercise, it condemned the violence which claimed the lives of some electorate. READ MORE.
4:34 pm: Results of the Presidential and National Assembly elections from local government areas across Benue State have arrived at the INEC collation centre in Makurdi, the state capital.
4:10 pm: Collation of results have commenced at the INEC office in Enugu state.
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4:01 pm: INEC has collated results from five out of the 10 wards at Wukari LGA in Taraba South senatorial district.
Results from Donga, Ibi, Takum and Ussa are still been awaited.
Gunmen Attack Taraba Village
At least four persons have been reportedly killed by gunmen in Kambari Amar village in Taraba State.
The assailants were said to have invaded the village in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of the state, following the Presidential and National Assembly polls.
The police authorities in Taraba confirmed the incident. READ MORE.
3:18 pm: Collation of results of polls held in Ilorin East LGA concluded. PDP 14,654 polled while APC scored 30,014.
3:14 pm: Bayelsa State government said it has concluded plan to inaugurate a commission of inquiry into the election violence in parts of the state.
The state governor, Seriake Dickson, explained what transpired at Bassambiri during a press conference.
He insisted that election did not hold in that area and accused the military of aiding violence from the opposition.
2:30 pm: INEC concludes collation of results from Asa LGA in Kwara State. APC polls 15,932 while PDP scores 11,252.
Asa is one of the four local government areas in the senatorial district of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.
Others are Ilorin East LGA, Ilorin West LGA, and Ilorin South LGA. Results from other LGAs are being collated. READ MORE.
1:55 pm: Collation of results ongoing at Rivers West Senatorial District, while party agents and journalists await the announcement of the results.
1:50 pm: Collation of results has just begun at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim College of Education in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
1:40 pm: INEC says the collation of results in Bayelsa will begin by 5 pm.
1:30 pm: Voting presently taking place at Majidadi B ward in Bauchi State.
1:25 pm: Some youths in Ohaji Egbema protest at the INEC office in Owerri, calling for credible elections in Imo.
1:23 pm: Collation of results ongoing in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
1:22 pm: Journalists and election observers already seated at the INEC office in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
They are waiting for the announcement of the Presidential and National Assembly Election results in the state.
12:50 pm: Results are beginning to come from some of the local governments in Enugu State.
INEC officials, as well as some election observers and political party agents, are waiting for other results to arrive at the collation centre.
12:40 pm: INEC Headquarters in Edo state, where the presidential election results from the 18 local government areas will be announced.
12:34 pm: Voting continues at 22 polling units in Ihie Ndume in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
12:22 pm: Collation of results for Plateau North senatorial district and Bassa/Jos North federal constituency ongoing at Jos North Local Government Area secretariat.
11:20 am: Collation of results ongoing in some local government areas of Imo State.
11:10 am: Officials expected at one of INEC collation centres in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital
10:30 am: Collation of results ongoing at various wards and registration areas across Bauchi State.
This is Makama Sarkin Baki Ward.
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10:13 am: INEC says there is no extension of voting in Niger State, as elections in all the 25 local government areas ended on Saturday.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Samuel Egwu, said they made sure every electorate cast their ballot while results are still being collated at the ward levels across the local governments.
9:39 am: Collation of election results ongoing at some wards and local government areas in Kaduna North.
9:05 am: Results are been awaited at the INEC headquarters in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
9:00 am: Some women in Nembe and Bassambri areas of Bayelsa are protesting against what they described as a ‘denial’ to allow them to vote.
8:24 am:
INEC Office Attacked, Electoral Materials Burnt
An INEC office at Oriade Local Government Area in Osun state was attacked at about 3 AM on Sunday, officials say.
Suspected hoodlums are said to have besieged the office, shooting at the Commission’s office and destroying parts of its property. READ MORE.
February 23
It is election day in Nigeria! Today, millions of Nigerians will decide who becomes the President of the country and those who will occupy the 469 seats of the National Assembly, for the next four years. Watch the live streaming below;
10:40 pm: Police Confirm Killing In Delta
Two persons have been killed confirmed killed and one other critically injured at Amukpe area in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.
Police authorities in the state told Channels Television that the victims were electorate who were trying to cast their votes at a polling unit in the area.
According to them, gunmen stormed the polling unit while voting ongoing, shooting at voters who scampered for safety.
9:11 pm: Counting of votes ongoing at Tutungo polling unit in Paikoro LGA of Niger, following delay in commencement of voting in the area.
8:30 pm: INEC ad-hoc staff reportedly stranded on the high sea with electoral materials en route Ibaka in Bakassi LGA of Cross River.
7:27 pm: Voting has just commenced at the Sabon Gari polling unit of Nasarawa LGA in Nasarawa.
The electorate are undeterred and have remained on the queue as some residents in the community made provision for electricity.
They, however, expressed hope that they would all exercise their franchise before the card readers shut down.
6:54 pm: The Resident Electoral Commissioner (INEC) in Abia State, Dr Joseph Iloh, extends the voting time in areas where voting did not start on time.
However, some electorate at Urban Mission Hill Primary School in Umuahia North LGA opposed the timing, noting that some materials were missing and they do not want to vote at night.
6:42 pm: Bayelsa State Government House photographer has been shot dead allegedly by armed men in Southern Ijaw LGA.
The government authorities in the state confirmed this to Channels Television. READ MORE.
6:01 pm: Voting still ongoing at the polling unit in Badidi Ward in Lapai, Niger South LGA, where the elections were said to have started late.
Party agents also complained of lateness of arrival of INEC staff and voting materials.
But the situation is different at Area Court Polling Unit 002 in the same local government, as sorting and counting of ballot have begun.
Result Update
At his polling unit in Daura, President Buhari of the APC polled 523 votes to defeat PDP’s candidate, Atiku, who scored three votes.
The former Vice President lost his unit in Yola after polling 167 votes, as against the 186 votes of the President.
5:45 pm: PDP National Chairman just cast his vote in Andoni LGA of Rivers.
5:38 pm: Counting of votes has commenced in most polling units across Gombe.
5:16 pm: Some voters in Sabon Garri West ward in Kano State have expressed anger as their names were allegedly not found on the register and could not vote despite having their PVCs.
Reported Violence In Okota
Suspected thugs reportedly stormed Baba Ewe Polling unit in Okota area of Lagos and destroyed ballot boxes.
The hoodlums were alleged to have chased away voters and the policeman at the polling unit and destroyed electoral materials. READ MORE.
4:29 pm: Heavy rains reported in Owerri and some other parts of Imo.
Many electorate left the polling units immediately after casting their votes as a result of the rain; thereby failed to witness the sorting and counting of the ballot.
4:22 pm: Voting has finally commenced at Olanrewaju Polling Unit in Amuwo Odofin LGA of Lagos.
Card reader malfunction and non-availability of stamps delayed the process.
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Boko Haram Stops Yobe Governor Gaidam From Voting. The terrorists first attacked Gaidam town before carrying out another attack on Bunu Yadi area of the state. READ MORE.
APC national leader Bola Tinubu said those who are monitoring his house and raising alarm of alleged Bullion van sighted in his premises are nothing but mere mischief makers. READ MORE.
4:10 pm: Sorting ongoing at Mountain View polling unit 009 in Jos South LGA of Plateau State.
4:04 pm: One person was reported killed and two others shot in Ibadan South East LGA.
The incident was said to have occurred as suspected hoodlums disrupt counting process and carted away ballot papers at Ward 2 Unit 13 and 14 at Lako compound.
3:40 pm: Electorate protest at Egbelu Agbala ward in Owerri North LGA of Imo state.
The protesters said up till the time of this report, no electoral official or material at the polling unit.
3:35 pm: Voting materials have yet to arrive at Madonna Ward 003 at Works Layout in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
3:02 pm: Sorting of the ballot ongoing at ward 5, polling unit 026 in Alapere, Ketu in Lagos East senatorial district.
02:54 pm: Sorting ongoing at Polling Unit 020 in Badagry area of Lagos.
02:30 pm: The Nigerian Army said suspected hoodlums engaged troops in a shootout in Abonema area of Rivers.
Although the number of casualties has yet to be known, the Army said the suspects attempted to disrupt the electoral process.
02:24 pm: Election is still ongoing In Degema LGA of Rivers State. However, materials for ward 17 were snatched by hoodlums dressed in military uniform, with the SPO in the boat.
Elsewhere, boats conveying materials to Bakana were prevented from accessing the town as a result of shooting in the community. The electoral officials were force to turn back.
2:19 pm: Sorting of ballot papers ongoing at the polling unit at St Andrews Primary School, Ayobo-Ipaja in Alimosho LGA of Lagos.
Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, and some election observers are visiting some polling units in Abuja to monitor the exercise. READ MORE.
1:40 pm: Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, casts his vote at Ungwar Sariki Ward polling unit.
1:30 pm: Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, casts his vote along with his family at Ward 11, Unit 20, Ibadan South West LGA.
The governor, apparently unaware of INEC’s extension of voting time, seeks more time for the electorate to cast their ballot due to late arrival of materials and malfunctioning of card readers at some polling units. READ MORE.
1:11 pm: At Ward 9, Unit 5 in Ayede Ekiti, voters are done casting their ballot and polling officers are only waiting if any more voter would show up before poll closes.
1:11 pm: INEC’s Commissioner in charge of Voter Education, Festus Okoye, says voting time will be extended at polling units which did not begin at the scheduled time of 8am by the amount of hours lost.
He said this while briefing the press on the on-going elections and the challenges faced at the polling units. READ MORE.
12:51 pm: INEC Commissioners about to brief the press at the media center in Abuja.
12:42 pm: No INEC officials and electoral materials in sight in Osu Owerre Ward 1, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, polling unit of a former governor of the state, Ikedi Ohakim.
21:38 pm: Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-makura, casts his vote along with his wife, Dr Mario Al-makura, at the Lungun Wambai Ward in Lafia, the state capital.
He commended the peaceful atmosphere of the process and urged the people to maintain law and order.
12:29 pm: For now, the Presidential and National Assembly elections are going on smoothly in Abia State and turn out of voters is reported to be very impressive.
12:25 pm: In most parts of the oil-producing Local Government Area of Ohaji Egbema in Imo State, card readers are said not to be working but INEC officials are reportedly allowing the electorate to vote manually.
12:17 pm: A presidential candidate, Mr Fela Durotoye, casts his vote at his polling unit in Lagos State.
12:15 pm: Police arrested a woman for stabbing a voter at a polling unit at Lagere area in Ile Ife, Osun state.
A figth broke out between the two after the suspect claimed that the victim was not on the queue and stabbed her with a bottle on the face. READ MORE.
11:56 am: Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, casts his vote after accreditation at his home town in Obudu LGA.
11.50 am: Voters growing impatient at Tafawa Balewa Gabas 1 Central polling unit in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State where the card reader is said not to be working.
Electoral officials have refused to comment on the issue.
11:42 am: Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi has voted and described the exercise and voters’ turnout as impressive so far.
The governor who cast his vote at 11:25 at Isan Ekiti said INEC maximised the period of the postponement to retouch its plans for a better delivery.
He is hopeful that the entire process would be credible in the long run.
11:21 am: APC National Chairman, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, waits on the queue for his turn to vote at Unit 1, Ward 10 in Etsako West LGA in Edo State.
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Saraki Hails Peaceful Conduct Of Polls, Says Turnout Impressive.
He asked the electorate to maintain the peaceful atmosphere and remain patient as they cast their votes. READ MORE.
Vice President Osinbajo, Wife Cast Their Votes In Lagos
Professor Osinbajo commended the turnout of voters and INEC officials for a smooth process. READ MORE.
Card Reader Breaks Down At Dogara’s Polling Unit
Despite the glitch, Dogara commended the voting process at his polling unit. READ MORE.
11:20 am: Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, gets accredited and casts his vote at Otuocha Ward I, Amaeze Aguleri in Anambra East LGA.
He was satisfied with the conduct of the entire process and calls on voters still home to go and vote. He noted the low voter turnout and said it shouldn’t cause any worry as people will still come out to vote.
The governor said the exercise in the state has been peaceful so far and the conduct of INEC and security agencies was quite commendable.
11:09 am: A presidential candidate, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, arrives at his polling unit in Akabueze in Nnewi, Anambra State.
He condemned the late commencement of the exercise at his ward. READ MORE.
Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), casts his vote at about 11am in Niger State.
11:06 am: Former President Obasanjo arrives at his ward for accreditation and voting.
10:48 am: Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, arrives at his polling unit with his wife to cast his vote.
Kogi Governor Unable To Be Accredited As Card Reader Fails
“I am disappointed at INEC, and I hope my own is an isolated case,” Governor Bello said. READ MORE.
10:44 am: INEC officials and materials just arriving at Unit 1 Ward 3 Market Square Eziala Nsulu, in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
10:42 am: Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, arrives at Amosun ward 6 unit 8 Itagbangba, Abeokuta South Local Government to cast his vote.
10:29 am: Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, and his wife, arrive at polling unit 05 in Toruorula Sagbama Local Government Area.
The card reader fails to authenticate their thumbprints, but they were given the nod to vote.
The governor and other voters expressed their sadness over the faulty card reader, stating that they experienced same in 2015.
10:22 am: The card reader fails to authenticate the Speaker Dogara’s fingerprints.
10:14 am: INEC officials arrive at the polling booths of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo Ward 11, Unit 22 Olusomi compound in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
10:10 am: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi casts his vote at his polling unit in Enugu State.
10:09 am: The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, arrives to cast his vote at Polling Unit 005/006 Agbaji Quarters in Ajikobi Ward, Ilorin West LGA, Kwara State.
10:07 am: Governor Godwin Obaseki arrives ward 4 unit 19 to cast his vote in Edo State.
10:01 am: The former vice president and his wife cast their votes shortly after they were accredited at their polling unit in at Ajiya Ward in Yola, Adamawa State. READ MORE
10:01 am: Mr Adekunle Akinlade votes at unit 002, Ward 003 Ago Sasa, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun West, Ogun State.
The governorship candidate says it is too early to assess the process but from what he gathered from his party agents across the state, the exercise is going smoothly.
10:00 am: Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, casts his vote at unit 3 ward 2 Omi Primary School, Owa-Aliero in Ika North East.
The governor decried the inability of some residents of Asaba to perform their civic responsibility due to the distance of their homes to the voting centres.
9:44 am: Speaker House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, arrives to cast his vote at Gwaranga Primary School polling unit in his village Gwaranga, Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
9:40 am: Some residents of Mile 2 in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State are not pleased with the level of preparation for the elections.
Voters at Polling Unit 022 are still waiting for electoral officials to arrive for the exercise.
9:36 am: Former governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, casts his vote shortly after being accredited.
9:28 am: Materials have arrived at most polling units in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Voting has commenced at Ward 3, Unit 6 and turnout is high amid tight security.
9:14 am: Former President Goodluck Jonathan arrived at his polling unit with former First Lady, Mrs Patience. However, voting has yet to commence as the materials arrived late.
9:07 am: Accreditation and voting commenced simultaneously at Gawetum I, where Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, is expected to cast his vote.
So far that has been no issue of card reader malfunction and the electorate are conducting themselves in an orderly manner.
8:52 am: ‘I Have Faith In The Process’, Obi Says After Casting His Vote
The PDP vice-presidential candidate casts his vote at Agwulu II ward in Anaocha LGA of Anambra State. He said he is satisfied with the process. READ MORE
8:37 am: Party officials, INEC staff and electorate all waiting at Sabon Garri West ward in Kano State for sensitive and non-sensitive materials to be distributed to their various polling units.
8:24 am: Some election materials and personnel for Ciroma, Wakwa Akurba wards still at the collection centre at Dunama Primary School in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
8:15 am: Voting commences in Oredo LG ward 4 in Edo.
8:13 am: Accreditation commenced at one of the polling units in Gombe State. The first electorate to be accredited gets ready to cast his vote.
8:10 am: Some electorate at Magajingari polling unit in Kaduna North check their names on the voter’s list while awaiting electoral officials.
In Edo, no electoral official has arrived at the polling unit at the IDP camp at the International Christian Center Home for the Needy. Hundreds of voters are already on the ground and eagerly expecting to vote.
8:09 am: Members of the ICPC election monitoring group in Abeokuta setting out for the polls in Ogun State.
8:07 am: Buhari, Wife Vote
President Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha, have voted in the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Daura.
The President, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress was accredited just after 8am and voted at 8:07am.
Electoral materials and officials have arrived at several polling units across the nation.
One week after the polls were postponed, Nigerians turned up at various polling units on Saturday morning to vote for the candidates of their choice in the elections. READ MORE
In Yola North, Adamawa State, ad hoc staff arrived at several polling units before 7am.
At Ajiya 012, in Yola North, the staff arrived around 6:37am and in the process of transforming the place into a polling station.The ad-hoc staff arrived around 6:37am and in the process of transforming the place into a polling station.
INEC ad hoc staff set up polling stations for voting in Abuja. Some voters were seen at the INEC office in Karu, checking for their polling units.
7:19am: Sensitive and non-sensitive materials about to be moved to various wards and polling units in Etsako West LGA in Edo State.
Explosion Rocks Borno, Police Evacuate Bomb From IDP Camp
The explosion occurred at a camp of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Maiduguri while some electorate were said to be waiting to get accredited by electoral officials. READ MORE
7:10am: Voting materials being distributed to presiding officers at the Registration Areas Centre in Kaduna North Local Government Area (LGA).
6:30am: INEC ad-hoc staff expected to conduct elections arrived at one of the local governments in Plateau State to collect sensitive materials to be used at their respective polling units.
Police personnel and other security officers, as well as officials of relevant government agencies, are on the ground to provide support.
February 22
Elections: Army Releases Situation Room Hotlines
The Nigerian Army (NA) has released hotlines to its Situation Room from where electoral activities will be monitored.
According to a statement by the army the creation of its situation is in pursuant of its mandate to help create a secure and enabling environment for the conduct of the 2019 General Elections.
No Religion Will Be Imposed On Nigeria, Says Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has refuted claims in some quarters that his administration plans to impose the Islamic religion on Nigeria, describing the allegation as “wicked, deceptive and ungodly”.
In a statement, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, explained that the aim of those behind the allegation is to stoke up religious division for political gains, adding that such persons made similar claims ahead of the 2015 elections but failed. Read More
General Elections: IGP Orders Tight Security Nationwide
Ahead of Saturday’s general elections, the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has issued fresh directives to police formations to tighten all security arrangements put in place to ensure peaceful conduct of the polls.
According to a statement by the Force spokesperson, Frank Mba, the IGP has ordered what he described as a water-tight and robust security arrangement in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Read More
Johnson-Sirleaf Confident INEC Is Ready For Elections
The Head of ECOWAS Observer Mission for the 2019 elections, former Liberian president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, says she is confident in the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to conduct hitch-free elections tomorrow.
Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf who addressed journalists in Abuja, acknowledged the difficulty in organizing an election of such magnitude but expressed confidence in the ability of the electoral umpire to do a good job. Read More
Security Agencies Step Up Surveillance In Abuja Ahead Of Elections
Security agencies have stepped up surveillance in Nigeria’s capital Abuja ahead of the start of the general elections on Saturday.
In various parts of the city, police vehicles and motorcycles were seen on Friday with helicopters Nigerian Air Force helicopters providing aerial surveillance as well. See Photos Here
British Govt Deploys Over 60 Observers For Nigeria’s Elections
The British government has deployed over 60 observers in 15 states across Nigeria for the general elections.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Liang, said this in a video shared on Friday while urging Nigerians to go out and vote. Read More
INEC Includes Zamfara APC Candidates On The Ballot
INEC said it took the decision following a ruling delivered on Thursday by the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja.
Police Arrest Kwara Senator, Eight Others Over Alleged Killing
Senator Rafiu Ibrahim and others were arrested for their alleged connection with the murder of two persons in Ojoku area of Kwara.
PDP Condemns Kwara Senator’s Arrest, Demands His Release
The party described the arrest of Senator Ibrahim on the eve of the general elections as “provocative”, and cautioned the police to stop harassing its members.
February 21
Having 93 Or 91 Political Parties Doesn’t Make Sense To Me – Humphrey Nwosu
A former Chairman of the now defunct National Electoral Commission, Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who presided over the conduct of the annulled 1993 Presidential election, says Nigeria has failed to build on “strong foundations” laid in the past.
In an exclusive interview with Channels Television, Professor Nwosu shares his thoughts about Nigeria’s multiparty system, ballot snatching, whether the military should participate in elections and more. Read Here
72.7 Million Nigerians Collected PVCs – INEC
The INEC said the number of collected PVCs represents 86.36 per cent of the 84,004,084 Nigerians that registered to vote, while 11,228,582 PVCs were not collected.
I Have Not Resigned, Says Osinbajo
The Vice President took to social media to debunk the speculations, describing them as ‘Fake News’.
NNPC Will Be Sold To Nigerians, Not My Friends – Atiku
He described reports that he intends to sell the NNPC to himself and his friends as false.
February 20
Don’t Lose Hope In Our Electoral System, Buhari Urges Nigerians
“Do not allow the unexpected postponement by INEC to prevent you from exercising your civic right,” President Buhari begged Nigerians.
No Military Escorts For Politicians, Says Buratai
The Army chief directed Commanders to ensure the restrictions of movement within their commands and carry out a stop and search, saying anyone found culpable should be handed over to the police.
We Are Not A Political Party, INEC Rejects Allegations Of Bias
The INEC chairman said they are happy to be criticised but should not be seen as another political party.
February 19
‘You Are Not God’, Secondus Tells Buhari
At the meeting of the PDP National Executive Committee, the Mr Secondus criticised President Buhari for ordering security agents to deal with ballot snatchers ruthlessly during the polls.
Presidency Defends Buhari, Accuses PDP Of Plans To Snatch Ballot Boxes
But the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, defended the President’s position on snatching ballot boxes.
Mr Shehu noted that the order should be seen as a strong message against the long history of savagery associated with elections in the country.
February 18
The All Progressives Congress (APC) held a caucus meeting to discuss the issues surrounding the postponement of the general elections. President Muhammadu Buhari sent a strong warning to those planning to engage in electoral malpractice to stay away from the venues of the exercise. He ordered the security operatives to “deal ruthlessly” with anyone who attempts to snatch ballot box during the rescheduled elections.
On his part, the APC National Chairman, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, accused INEC of conspiring with PDP in postponing the elections. He also alleged that there was a foul play in the postponement, in the way, he said, he watched how PDP members were commending INEC for the courage to take the decision.
Reacting to the President’s directive to the security agencies, the PDP asked Nigerians to hold him responsible for any electoral crisis.
It also accused the President and the APC of plots to trigger widespread political crisis “to derail our democratic process and plunge our nation into anarchy”.
PDP National Chairman, Mr Uche Secondus, on his part, accused the President of giving marching orders to the security agencies to brutalise voters during the elections. In his words, “the President’s remarks amount to a declaration of war on Nigerian voters and a direct incitement against voters”.
But APC national leader, Bola Tinubu, defended President Buhari’s order to the security agencies, saying the President was misinterpreted by his critics.
According to him, President Buhari was just reinforcing the fact that “if you are out there snatching ballot boxes, and causing destruction, you are at risk of your own life.”
Following consultations with political parties, INEC approved the resumption of political campaigns.
February 17
INEC had insisted that political campaigns and collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remained closed, but the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vowed to reopen its campaigns.
The party stated that INEC erred in prohibiting campaigns, adding that the pronouncement was directly in conflict with the provision of the Electoral Act.
Amid the mixed reactions trailing the postponement of the elections, Nigerians who had fixed key events on the rescheduled dates of February 23 and March 9 have decried the action of the electoral body.
Of this category of people are these young man and lady, Smart and a Grace, who were preparing to get married in Plateau State on February 23, with the hopes that the elections would have held successfully on the initial day.
The couple-to-be shared their plight with Channels Television.
The announcement made by INEC caught the attention of human rights activists and organisation within and outside the country. Among those who reacted were the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana.
Some critics who claimed that a national commissioner, Mrs Amina Zaraki, was in charge of electoral operations and logistics had blamed her for the challenges that led to the postponement of the elections.
Reacting to this, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom, Mr Mike Igini, called for an end to the complaints targeted at Mrs Zakari.
He, however, said the failures of political parties to stick to INEC’s timetables and the petitions against the commission with regards to primaries played a major role in the postponement of the polls.
Below are the activities lined up by INEC in preparation for the rescheduled polls:
February 16
On the eve of the general elections, there heightened preparations were noticed across the countries from stakeholders in the exercise, even on the part of the electorate as some had to travel to cast their vote.
However, speculations began to emerge over the postponement of the polls as a result of what can be described as a last-gasp meeting of top INEC officials led by the chairman of the commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
At exactly 2:44am on Saturday, Professor Yakubu addressed a press conference during which he announced that the electoral body has decided to shift the elections by one week.
INEC Chairman gives reasons for election postponement
The postponement of the elections sparked widespread criticism from Nigerians who were shocked by the action of INEC. Some prominent citizens criticised the electoral body while others, as well as members of the international community, called on the electorate to show understanding, given the reasons stated by the commission.
Hours after the announcement, the INEC chairman held a meeting with representatives of various political parties and other stakeholders. At the briefing, the INEC chairman ruled out political influence in the postponement of the polls.
APC Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, tackles INEC boss over the timing of announcement.
Professor Yakubu stated that the decision has nothing to do with any kind of influence, but a result of logistical challenges faced in deploying human and material resources for the elections.
Reacting to the allegations of poor treatment of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he said INEC does not take the welfare of ad-hoc staff deployed for the elections for granted.