₦airaland Forum

President Muhammadu Buhari has pronounced winner of this year’s presidential election.

Mr Buhari who defeated his predecessor to clinch the position in 2015 general election has again trounced his main challenger, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The president polled 15,191,847 votes from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the 36 states in the country to defeat the former vice president who got 11,262,978 votes. POLITICS TIMES reported the stage by stage official results as announced by the electoral body.

In 2015 when he won the election, Buhari defeated his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, then sitting president, with over 2 million votes, and now while seeking a second term in office despite loosing many endorsement he had earned during his days in the opposition, the incumbent president defeated his major challenger with over 4 million votes.

Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) made the pronouncement at the International Conference Centre (ICC) early Wednesday morning at about 4:40AM.

“That Muhammadu Buhari of the APC having satisfied and scored the highest number of votes is hereby declared winner and return elected,” Yakubu said.

While the announcement of results was still in progress, the opposition party called for a halt, rejecting those declared earlier, the electoral body did not heed the call.

Already, the legal team of the two major political parties in the country are warming up to begin their day in court.

Meanwhile, the PDP candidate has been advised to concede defeat and congratulate the incumbent president for his victory at the poll. POLITICS TIMES reports that he is yet to do so as at press time.

Men of the Nigeria Police were seen providing cover to the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) during a protest.

POLITICS TIMES recalls that the separatist group fighting for an independent state of Biafra was outlawed by the federal government in 2017.

The action was taken to curtail the growing influence of IPOB across the South East region after its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, ran away from his country home in Abia State.

Mr Kanu was smuggled out of the country when personnel of the Nigerian Army stormed his residence to cart off the separatist leader. This was after a clash between the separatist group and the military which resulted in casualties.

Since it was proscribed, the growing influence has whittled down especially in the region. As the presidential election draws near, the group has reared up its head calling for the boycott of the general election slated to commence next week.

It started with Kanu appearing in Isreal last year after a year long disappearance from public glare. The IPOB leader promised to come back to the country with hell. He is yet to do so.

He recently claimed Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is from Cameroon. This was after his earlier insinuation that President Muhammadu Buhari, who seeks a second term in office on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), is an imposter from Sudan.

In a trending video clip posted on the internet, members of the group precisely from Aba area of Abia State were seen protesting.

While the protest was ongoing, police personnel who are supposed to thwart the protest and arrest the members of the proscribed group were seen providing cover for the protesters.

This has led critics of the APC led administration doubting if the separatist group was not being sponsored to renew its campaign of election boycott to pave way for the rigging of the general election.

Already, chieftains of the APC and PDP are threatening hell and brimstone should the election be rigged against their favour.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW

Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister, has threatened to unleash hell if the forthcoming presidential election is rigged.

The threat from Mr Fani-Kayode comes two days after Nasir El-rufai, Kaduna State Governor threatened to kill and dispatch bodies of foreigners who will intervene in the general election commencing from next week.

It also comes barely a week the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) threatened war if the election is rigged in favour of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

The actions of President Muhammadu Buhari administration triggered the threats flowing in from left and right although he has repeatedly said he was committed to a free, fair and credible elections.

A recent appointment of his close relation to head the coalition center of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the electoral body conducting the election, and the alleged unconstitutional suspension placed on Walter Onnoghen, embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria, are some of the reference point often cited by critics of the administration as plans by the APC to rig the election.

For the former minister, President Buhari who is seeking a second term in office will loose the election to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the PDP.

He said hell will be let loose should the ruling party thwart the will of the people.

“On February 16th @atiku will defeat @MBuhari and remove his soiled diapers!” Mr Fani-Kayode tweeted Thursday noon.

“And if Buhari insists on rigging his way in and getting INEC to declare false results, all hell will break loose!” he added.

Those threatening to unleash mayhem and thwart the fragile peace being enjoyed by Nigerians are from the two major political parties in the country.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) is planning to implicate top politicians of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in gunrunning and electoral violence allegations, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has said.

CUPP raised the alarm in a statement signed by Imo Ugochinyere, the National Publicity Secretary of the coalition.

Atiku Abubakar, the 2019 presidential candidate of the PDP; Bukola Saraki, Senate President and Dino Melaye, Kogi West lawmaker are those the ruling party is said to be targeting.

“Elements of the ruling party have commenced the branding of some vehicles with the colours of the opposition bearing the photos of these opposition leaders and have acquired arms which will be hidden in the vehicles and the vehicles will be driven to join the campaign convoy of the opposition consensus candidate in Kwara, Kogi and Adamawa and other parts of the country where they have also selected,” the statement said.

“The vehicles will eventually be searched by the police and the arms recovered.

“Their plot will include mobilising thugs and causing violence on the day of such recovery so as to tag the opposition as violent.

“The APC leaders are aware Nigerians now know them for their violence which has trailed their campaigns nationwide.

“Their internal crisis and ‘grab-power-by-all-means’ attitude have catalysed their rejection by Nigerians and they desire to break all the laws to cast the opposition in bad light.

“On poll day, part of their plot include also to use more of these branded vehicles loaded with thugs to disrupt voting and collation in some centres and blame the opposition for violence and disruption of the process which will lead to mass arrest of opposition leaders to give the ruling party advantage to rig and deny the people the opportunity to give their preferred candidates their mandate.”

CUPP also alleged that a minister is coordinating a special security unit to carry out the said plan.

“The security agencies are hereby put on notice that Nigerians will not accept any breach of security being orchestrated by elements of the ruling party disguised in whichever form they choose.

“Nigerians are put on notice to be watchful and vigilant to see through the evil plans of the ravenous group of rulers we have in our country today. They should not be deterred. Their songs of war and plot to rig the elections will be resisted. APC is already in morbid fear of losing elections and all their shenanigans are like the last futile kicks of a dying horse.”

The opposition spokesman also called on Nigerians to remain firm and resolute “as there are yet many members within the ruling party and in very high positions that are fed up with the government and daily supply us with relevant leaks and information to counter all their evil plans.

“A lot more of the information are being utilised quietly to neutralise them. This government has failed and Nigerians are no longer in doubt that they are going out on February 16.”

Nasir El-rufai, Kaduna State Governor, is reportedly banned from stepping his foots in the United States of America.

This was made known by an online news portal known as Sahara Reporters on Wednesday.

The news medium published the claim on Tuesday while condemnation trailed the governor’s threat to kill foreigners who do not mind their businesses at the forthcoming general election.

Although it did not provide evidence to back up its claim, Sahara Reporters said the governor was banned from visiting the U.S in 2010.

The news portal said it got the information from an official of the U.S government which it refused to name.

Aside the Kaduna governor, other politically exposed persons on the ban list includes: Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State; Michael Aondoakaa, former Attorney General of the Federation; former governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili and former Delta State governor, James Ibori.

They were said to be banned for various corruption involving them.

Atiku Abubakar, the 2019 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is also on the ban list but he recently visited the U.S in a bid to clear himself of corruption allegations involving him in that country.

Report has since emerged that the ban on the PDP candidate was temporary lifted to encourage democracy in the country. This claim has not been independently verified by POLITICS TIMES.

Nasir El-rufai, Kaduna State Governor, has claimed his comment, to kill foreigners who intervenes during the forthcoming general elections, does not contains violence.

Mr El-rufai came under criticism on Wednesday for threatening to sniff out lives of foreigners who do not mind their businesses as Nigerians goes to elect its leaders next week.

The governor specifically stated that those who will loose their lives will be sent back to their countries in body bags.

His comments has forced the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to threaten withdrawal from the peace accord it signed last year.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan, the governor on Wednesday said his comments does not contains violence.

In his clarification El-rufai said he was being patriotic by making such comments.

THE STATEMENT IS FULLY REPRODUCED BELOW:

A notorious trait of the characters that constitute the opposition in Nigeria is the manufacture of outrage on flimsy grounds. However, contriving anger on false premises and summoning a din of feverish commentary will not alter the facts. Election season is regarded as silly season in some quarters, but it is a very serious moment.

When Malam Nasir El-Rufai appeared on NTA’s Tuesday Night Live, he made comments every patriot can understand. He stood up for Nigeria’s dignity in the wake of those who would traduce their country and reduce it to the status of a colony in their vain quest for power.

The video of his comments is in circulation. Any fair-minded person with modest familiarity with the English language and unimpaired comprehension can understand it. It does not contain any call for violence. What it is a powerful defence of sovereignty. Are some sections of our political class implying that they will acquiesce in or collaborate with foreign intervention in our country?

Affirming that a country will defend itself against needless intervention is the kind of statement you expect to hear from a patriot. It is not a call for violence. Warning about the consequences of meddling in another country’s affairs is legitimate.

Non-interference in the affairs of other countries is a basic principle of international law. Threatening to intervene in another country implies the use of force. Those who are basing their electoral calculations on foreign intervention need to be discouraged. Only the lawful votes of the Nigerian people should make or unmake governments.

Malam Nasir El-Rufai has issued a powerful call for vigilance and a clear notice that other countries should not mistake the supine posture of the opposition for national weakness.

Malam Nasir El-Rufai has stood firmly against those who have been trying to divide Nigerians on ethnic and religious lines. He is resolutely opposed to violence, and firmly committed to peace and harmony.

Let the false outrage stop.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) has said Atiku Abubakar, the 2019 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), remains a thief despite visiting the United States.

The ruling party has been daring the former vice president popularly known as Atiku to step his foots on the soil of the country to prove his is not corrupt.

He was reportedly banned from the visiting the state over corrupt transactions traced to him.

POLITICS TIMES recalls that since he left office in 2007, Atiku has not visited the US despite owning properties in the country. He reportedly sold some of those properties lately.

On Thursday, the PDP flag-bearer stepped his foot in the US, and this has rattled the APC with some of its officials doubting the authenticity of photos from the visit.

In a statement issued by Adeshegun Labinjo, chairman, US chapter of APC, the party said even though it does not object to Atiku’s entry into the US, “the questionable character of the individual does not evaporate because he has stepped on the soil of America”.

“A thief remains a thief no matter where he or she visits. Obviously, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku has every reason to have kept off the USA given the cloak of corruption he is wearing,” the party said.

“After a long spell of noticeable absence and factual concerns about Alhaji Abubakur Atiku’s antecedents in the USA arising from his dealings with former Congressman William Jefferson of Louisiana, who was convicted and served a jail term on account of bribery resulting from a telecommunication transaction in Nigeria, Atiku is now here again in the US.

“Congressional records point to the fact that Atiku engaged in money laundering through his wife who was then resident in the USA.

“We see Atiku, who is the 2019 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of Nigeria, as a self-centered corrupt Vice President under President Obasanjo’s regime.

“Certainly, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku‘s entry and presence in the USA is a mockery of President Bush Presidential Proclamation 7750 which affirms the denial of US visa to foreign officials involved with corruption and other supporting legislations by the congress. APC-USA believes that Alhajl Abubakar Atiku should be held accountable for his involvement in money laundering,” the statement read.

Shehu Sani, lawmaker representing Kaduna Central at the Senate has dared members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to publish their assets if they claim to be a saint.

Mr Sani threw the challenge on Friday through his social media accounts. The taunt came amidst the controversy surrounding the assets declaration of Walter Onnoghen, Chief Justice of Nigeria.

This challenge comes a day after Nasir El-rufai, Kaduna State Governor, claimed he would have step down from office if he were to be the top jurist accused of failing to declare some of his assets.

Mr Onnoghen is accused for allegedly omitting to declare his assets and illegally operating five domiciliary accounts in various foreign currencies.

The charges were filed by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) on the orders of Abubakar Malami, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). Onnoghen is to be arraigned at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

As the matter was called up at the CCT on Monday, the top jurist was absent, challenging the jurisdiction to try him. He was represented by over 40 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) and some lawyers.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has halted the arraignment of the jurist until January 28.

For the Kaduna lawmaker, members of the ruling party who are without sin should publish or order the CCB to release their assets declaration for to the public.

“Anyone among the ruling political elites who thinks of himself as a saint,should publicly declare his assets or have the courage to ask the code of conduct to publicly publish what he or she declared,” Sani said.

“If you can’t,then you can’t cast the first stone by hiding your questionable wealth under official secrecy,” he advised.

Meanwhile, Rotimi Amaechi, has been accused of spearheading the plot to oust the top jurist.

Recently, the party, in a bid to woo opposition politicians who they have been tagging as corrupt, promised to forgive those who might have erred once they join their fold.

Nyesome Wike, Rivers State Governor, has alleged that Rotimi Amaechi, Transportation Minister, was behind plots to remove Walter Onnoghen, embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Mr Wike made the claim on Thursday at the campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Eleme Area of the State.

Mr Onnoghen is accused for allegedly omitting to declare his assets and illegally operating five domiciliary accounts in various foreign currencies.

The charges were filed by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) on the orders of Abubakar Malami, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). Onnoghen is to be arraigned at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

As the matter was called up at the CCT on Monday, the top jurist was absent, challenging the jurisdiction to try him. He was represented by over 40 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) and some lawyers.

Later in the day, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja halted the arraignment of the jurist.

Naming the minister as the arrow head of the plot, the governor said the meeting where the plot was hatch was held in Abuja.

“At that meeting in Abuja last Monday, Amaechi confessed that he is the person behind the illegal crisis facing the CJN,” Wike said in a statement signed by Simeon Nwakaudu.

“He (Amaechi) bragged that he will destroy the CJN the way he brought Former President Goodluck Jonathan down,” he added.

The governor said the plot by Amaechi to destroy the nation’s judiciary will finally consume the minister.

Efforts by POLITICS TIMES to get the reaction of the minister were unsuccessful Thursday night.

The issue of cabal holding sway in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, first came to limelight when his wife, Aisha Buhari, alerted the nation of their existence.

Mrs Buhari first alleged that her husband’s government has been hijacked by those who where not part of the campaign train of the president when her husband sought election into the exalted office.

When she made the claim, Mr Buhari said his wife should not been taken seriously as her role in his life does not exceed ‘the other room.’

Recently, the wife of the president has repeated her claim. But this time gave the cabal’s numeric strength without naming them.

She said 2 men unknown to Nigerians when her husband sought to be elected president where the cabals she talked about. POLITICS TIMES hopes she will name those men when next she repeat her claim.

Her husband, the president has challenged her to state the influences the cabal has over his government.

The latest cabal revelation is coming from a staunch critics of the administration, Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister.

The former minister named 8 men he is alleging to be the cabal. Some of those he named have been shown the exit door to the seat of power.

The cabal members accroding to Fani-Kayode includes: Sani Zangon Daura, Mamman Daura, Ismaila Isa Funtua, Babagana Kingibe, Hamed Ali, Abba Kyari, Abdulrahman Dambazzau and Lawal Daura.

He named them in a tweet on Monday, adding that: “I know them ALL well. Some are educated, reasonable and fair-minded whilst others are shallow, primitive and dangerous.”

His assertion comes a day after that of an ex-presidential aide, Reno Omokri, who dugged out an old photo of Godwin Emefiele, governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, supposedly bowing down to take instructions from Mr Funtua

The old photo shared by Omokri, showing Mr Emefiele supposedly taking instructions from Mr Funtua in the presence of Mr Dambazzau.

POLITICS TIMES reels out the little we know about the alleged cabal members.

Sani Daura: A former minister under the administration of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo. He is from Katsina State.

Mamman Daura: A nephew and long time close associate of the president. He is a journalist who hails from Katsina too.

Ismaila Funtua: A crony of Buhari, is the chairman of Bulet International Construction Company.

Babagana Kingibe: Former Secretary to Government of the Federation. He hails from Borno State.

Hamed Ali: Head of Nigeria Custom Service (NCS). He is a staunch ally of the president.

Abba Kyari: Chief of Staff to President Buhari.

Abdulrahman Dambazzau: Interior Minister.

Lawal Daura: Oust director-general of the State Security Service (SSS) who ordered the siege laid at the national assembly this year.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are said to be sleeping on duty on its promise to monitor the sources of campaign spendings.

The assertion is coming from Senator Shehu Sani, lawmaker representing Kaduna Central at the Senate.

The EFCC had, at a one-day retreat for 36 state governors and key election stakeholders held in Abuja last month, warned politicians against misuse of public funds for the forthcoming general elections.

At the event, the anti-graft agency pledge to closely watch the deployment of finance by political parties to ensure that the use of public funds to finance election is curbed.

“To minimise corruption and the use of public funds to fund political parties and finance elections, there is need for greater effectiveness,” Ibrahim Magu, the acting chairman of the EFCC said at the event.

“In enforcing the provisions of the various electoral laws in Nigeria especially as they relate to penalties upon breach of their provisions.

“Political parties should be required to keep proper records of all incomes, contributions and expenditure, and to open their books for inspection by relevant security agencies after every electioneering cycle,” Magu added.

But for the Kaduna lawmaker, the anti-graft agency has turned a blind eye to the campaign spending that has been going on thus far.

“Somewhere I read anti corruption agencies warning and threatening that they will monitor campaign spending ;and Somewhere I read about serving state Governors comfortably donating cars and Buses for Campaigns,” Senator Sani said in a tweet on Monday.

Earlier in the month, an All Progressive Congress (APC) lawmaker at the House of Representatives donated about 110 vehicles to the President Muhammadu Buhari re-election campaign team.

Umar Bago (Niger State) during the presentation of his donation called on the electorate to vote for continuity in the 2019 general elections by re-electing the Mr Buhari.

Recently, another donation of 18 vehicles was made to boast the campaign team of the president. The gift came from a serving state governor.

Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo State governor said the donation was in furtherance to his commitment to the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President, Yemi Osinbanjo.

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