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By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has asked the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu to instruct the Collation Officers for yesterday’s election to upload the results from the Polling Units to the INEC server immediately.

Atiku stated that this has become necessary to checkmate some governors who are trying to compromise the results at the local government collation level.

The PDP presidential flag bearer said this in a statement yesterday by his Media Adviser, Mr Paul Ibe in Abuja.

According to Atiku, “It will be a disservice to Nigerians and a negation to democracy for anyone to subvert the will of the people as freely expressed in their votes of yesterday”.

He called on Nigerians to be calm but vigilant to ensure that anti-democratic elements who are masquerading as progressives do not steal their mandate.

The statement said, “And in what is already turning out to be a nail-biting race in the 2023 Nigerian presidential elections, early results from polling units and exit polls indicate that Atiku Abubakar is projected to become the first candidate to meet the mandatory 25% requirement of votes cast in at least 24 states.

“According to the latest projections, Atiku is also set to exceed expectations in at least 10 states, where he is projected to garner over 40% of the votes cast”, it stressed.

Meanwhile, the PDP presidential candidate has expressed gratitude to the Nigerian people for their support so far and pledged to continue to work hard to earn their trust and confidence.

His words, “We are humbled and honoured by the early projections, which indicate that the Nigerian people have seen in Atiku Abubakar the kind of leader that they want to lead them into a brighter future”.

“While it is still too early to predict the final outcome of the elections, Atiku Abubakar’s early success has certainly put him in a strong position as the race enters its final stages.

“From the current figures that are available, Atiku is winning in many states in the 6 geo-political zones. We urge our members and party agents to remain steadfast and watchful”, the statement concluded.

Maku wants prompt distribution of election materials to polling units during guber elections

From Gambo Ahmed lafia

Former minister of information Mr Labaran Maku has appealed to adopt prompt and suitable means of early distribution of election materials to polling units across the state during gubernatorial elections.

Maku who was reacting in an interview with newsmen expressed worry over late arrival of election materials in some polling units in Nasarawa Eggon local government council”.

“Nasarawa Eggon local government council is one of the largest in the Northern Senatorial district but witnessed late arrival of election materials especially in Wakama Ward. I am calling on INEC to take necessary administrative step towards prompt distribution of election materials to respective polling units across the state”.

EU observer lauds INEC election officials, ad hoc staff

Amember of the European Union (EU) Election Observers has commended election officials and ad hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for coordinating the 2023 election well.

The Team Leader of one of the EU observers, Mr Deleen Michel, gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the INEC collation Centre in Surulere, Lagos, on Sunday.

“My Big respect to INEC officials. They have been able to manage the polling centres well.

“The young people of Nigeria who run the polling centres were warm. They did a great job,” he said.

Michel also led his team to Oworonshoki area of Lagos on Saturday before coming to Surulere.

His team members include Van Der Stijl Leonie and Sabi Oinabwhen.

Michel said his team did not experience any problems at the places they visited. (NAN)