Presidential Election: Obasanjo writes Buhari, Alleges Electoral Fraud, Warns of Pending Anarchy, Wants Counting of Results Stopped

Nigerian Brothers and Sisters, greetings to you all.

I am constrained to speak at this point.

I crave the indulgence of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency General Muhammadu Buhari, to make this statement because I have had opportunity to keep him aware of what I know is happening and the danger looming ahead.  

On many occasions in the past, I have not hesitated to point out lacuna in the action of the President and his government.  But as far as the election issues are concerned, the President has proved beyond reasonable doubt that he will want to leave a legacy of free, fair, transparent and credible elections.

Until last Saturday night, February 25, 2023, the good and noble plan and preparation for the elections seemed to be going well.  For the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a lot of money was spent to introduce Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and the Server for immediate transmission of results from polling units.  It is no secret that INEC officials, at operational level, have been allegedly compromised to make what should have worked not to work and to revert to manual transmission of results which is manipulated and the results doctored.  The Chairman of INEC may claim ignorance but he cannot fold his hands and do nothing when he knows that election process has been corrupted and most of the results that are brought outside BVAS and Server are not true reflection of the will of Nigerians who have made their individual choice.  At this stage, we do not need wittingly or unwittingly to set this country on fire with the greed, irresponsibility and unpatriotic act of those who allegedly gave money to INEC officials for perversion and those who collected the blood money.  Let me appeal to the Chairman of INEC, if his hands are clean, to save Nigeria from the looming danger and disaster which is just waiting to happen.  If the Chairman can postpone elections four days to the election, he can do everything to rectify the errors of the last two days – no BVAS, no result to be acceptable; and no uploading through Server, no result to be acceptable.

Whereas, BVAS and Servers have been manipulated or rendered inactive, such results must be declared void and inadmissible for election declaration.  Chairman INEC, I have thought that you would use this wonderful opportunity to mend your reputation and character for posterity.

Your Excellency, President Buhari Muhammadu, tension is building up and please let all elections that do not pass the credibility and transparency test be cancelled and be brought back with areas where elections were disrupted for next Saturday, March 4, 2023, and BVAS and Server officials be changed.  To know which stations or polling units were manipulated, let a Committee of INEC staff and representatives of the four major political parties with the Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association look into what must be done to have hitch-free elections next Saturday.  Mr. President, may your plan and hope for leaving a legacy of free, fair, transparent and credible election be realised.  Mr. President, please don’t let anybody say to you that it does not matter or it is the problem of INEC.  On no account should you be seen as part of the collusion or compromise.  When the die is cast, it will be your problem as the Chief Executive of the nation.  The Chairman of INEC may sneak out of the country or go back to his ivory tower.  Your Excellency, thank you for hearing me out.  

Compatriot Nigerians, please exercise patience until the wrong is righted.  I strongly believe that nobody will toy with the future and fortune of Nigeria at this juncture.

Long live Nigeria in peace, security, stability and in the hope for greater future.

OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

February 27, 2023

2023: We are Surprised by SOKAPU’s Hanky Panky -Says Middle Belt Group 

A group under the auspices of The Middle Belt Patriotic Front (MBPF) has berated the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) over what it described as its indecision in endorsing a presidential candidate in the forthcoming presidential election billed for Saturday 25th, 2023.

The group described the endorsement of Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi or the LP as hanky-panky by SOKAPU, saying that the move is to sound politically correct despite all the people of Southern Kaduna had gone through over the years.

In a statement made available to Middle Belt Times on Thursday signed by its Secretary General, Mr Iorwuese Samuel, the group said SOKAPU is playing safe at a time the entire nation is at the verge of a make or mar decision.

The statement came at the heel of a press conference held at the SOKAPU national secretariat in Kaduna where the sociocultural organization alongside the Southern Kaduna Leadership Forum adopted Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi as presidential candidates for Saturday’s election.

The statement reads in part;

“We at the Middle Belt Patriotic Front are not only disappointed but shocked and heartbroken by SOKAPU’s endorsement of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

“SOKAPU’s position contradicts the earlier position of the Southern Middle Belt Forum which adopted Peter Obi as candidate for the Southern and Middle Belt regions in the forthcoming presidential election. 

“It is unimaginable that Southern Kaduna will be attempting to be politically correct at such a critical moment despite all the region had suffered in the last decade.

We are of the view that there is no justification whatsoever for such action as other groups across the Northern parts of the country have boldly endorsed their preferred candidates without mincing words or trying to be politically correct.”

Recall that SOKAPU and the Southern Kaduna Leadership Forum on Thursday afternoon endorsed both Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, a decision that has left many people from the region confused as to what such endorsement entails in reality.

Many have taken to their social media pages to question the decision of the group which has been in the forefront of championing the cause of the region in decades.

Controversial APC Senator Ishaku Abbo – expelled from the APC, cleared for Saturday senatorial poll

Senator Ishaku Abbo has been given the go-ahead by the Yola Division of the Court of Appeal to run for senator from Adamawa North in the National Assembly election that will take place this Saturday.

Abbo’s future was in jeopardy after a lower court supported the decision of the APC leadership in his hometown of Mubi North Local Government Area to expel him from the party earlier.

The lower court had found that Abbo no longer enjoyed the benefits of membership, including running on the party’s ticket for the election on February 25.

But on Thursday, the Court of Appeal overturned the High Court’s decision upholding Senator Ishaku Abbo’s expulsion from the APC.

In his ruling, Court of Appeal Justice Isaiah Olufemi Akeju nullified the lower court’s decision and overturned all of its orders against Senator Ishaku Abbo.

The court ruled that the lower court lacked the authority to hear the case and upheld Senator Abbo’s right to run for reelection to the Senate on the APC ticket as a card-carrying member of the party.

The senator was given a N500,000 award by the court as costs against the respondents.

Mubi North executives of APC had moved against Abbo last October by expelling him from the party on an anti-party activity charge after Abbo severally voiced opposition against APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

Babachir Lawal: Obi will usher in a new Nigeria

Babachir Lawal, a former secretary to the government of the federation, is optimistic that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, will bring in a new Nigeria.
“We are all gathered here today because we all desire a change for our beloved country. We want a new Nigeria. We want to take back our country and make it great. And we all believe that the team that can do this for us, is the team of Peter Obi and Datti,” Lawal, who was represented by Prof. Wesley Daniel Nafarnda, said during his welcome address at the National Endorsement Prayer Day for Obi – Datti, organized by the Coalition of Peter Obi Supporters

He said that the 2023 general elections will be notable in many ways because it will be the first time that young people from Nigeria and Nigerians from all walks of life, regardless of their religion or ethnic feelings, will mobilize and support the Obi-Datti ticket in huge numbers.
Lawal continued, “Let’s elect the correct man (Peter Obi), so that Nigeria can become a great country and occupy a position in the committee of great nations.
The former SGF continued by saying that Obi’s history in Anambra state and other areas of life demonstrate that he possesses the traits necessary to be the kind of leader that Nigeria needs right now.

We have all assembled here to once again show our support for our presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Datti-Baba Ahmed, stated the event’s chairperson, Prof. Patricia Obiefule. The unusual aspect of this occasion is that religious leaders from both Christianity and Islam have gathered to support him in prayer and ask God to grant him victory on Saturday.

She continued by saying that the Labour presidential candidate is qualified and experienced to make Nigeria a better and brighter place.

“Beyond the endorsement, we can all see that Nigeria needs help from the myriad crises that have beset the nation, and all hands need to be on deck to save Nigeria,” said Mazi Nice Chijioke, National Director of the Enyimba Progressive Association (EPA). We are making an effort to steer our country in a new direction.

Tiv Traditional Council Tells Monarchs to Respect Traditional Institutions during Elections

Before, during, and after the 2023 general elections, the Tiv Traditional Council (TTC) has warned all traditional rulers in Benue State to abstain from actions that will reflect poorly on the traditional institutions in the state.

This is even as the council warned those in the habit of disrupting elections to steer clear or face severe sanction by the council.

The United States Institutes of Peace (USIP) Network of Nigerian Facilitators held a stakeholders engagement in Makurdi, where the representative of the Makurdi traditional council, MueTer, Ihyarev, his royal majesty Simon Ajoh, issued a warning that any traditional ruler involved in political crises would be immediately suspended and derobed if found guilty.

According to him, “the Tiv Traditional Council has held several meetings with all the political actors in Benue State, where it was clearly stated that any Tiv son, daughter and even residents found indulging in political violence before, during and after the general elections will be sanctioned severely by the council”

In an address, the state chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Akpen Leva, disclosed that the church had commenced sensitizing her members since the previous year against engaging in unwholesome behavior before, during, and after elections.

In order to ensure a peaceful, impartial, and credible election, he stated, “we have trained election monitors and the church has further advised politicians against campaigning on religious principles.”

The state Coordinator, USIP, Saa Aungwa and her counterpart Kengkeng Ati intimated that the aim of the meeting is to engage stakeholders to x-ray challenges faced before during and after elections and as well device ways of nibbing them in the bud.

Middle Belt Generals: General Theophilus Danjuma, Gen. Zamani Lekwot (retd) – others under NCEF endorse Peter Obi

General Theophilus Danjuma, a former minister of defense, and other elder statesmen through the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF), has endorsed Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, ahead of this weekend’s presidential election.

The Christian Elders claim that it is important to take seriously the accusations that some areas were purportedly planning to use violence during the elections.

The NCEF urged Nigerians to elect officials based on their qualifications, skills, honesty, and general health since “a sick country demands hearty leaders.”

Its chairman, Dr. Samuel Gani, and secretary, Pastor Bosun Emmanuel, signed a statement with the title “Resolutions towards 2023 elections: Think new” that contains this information.

Ret. Gen. Zamani Lekwot, Dr. Saleh Hussaini, Vice Chairman (North), Elder Shyngle Wigwe, Vice Chairman (South), Mrs. Osaretin Demuren, Prof. Joseph Otubu, Hon. Justice Kalajine Anigbogu, Ret., Dr. Kate Okpareke, Ret. Dr. Ayo Abifarin, , Ret. Hon. Justice James Ogebe, Ret. Elder

Others are Elder Nat Okoro, Solomon Asemota (SAN), Elder Matthew Owojaiye, DIG P. L. Dabup, Sir John W. Bagu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Prof. Deborah Ajakaiye, and Dr. Taiwo Idemudia.

“In view of the need to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria and the culture of corruption, incompetency, lawlessness, and impunity, which assailed the country in the past 24 years is eradicated, NCEF encourages Nigerians to think new.

“Nigeria requires new leaders, new methods, new policies, and new political parties. In view of the above equity, justice, inclusiveness, and unity produce the preferred future for Nigerians.

“The National Christian Elders Forum is endorsing Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party as the Presidential candidate to be voted for. NCEF encourages all Nigerians of voting age to exercise their civic duty and ensure that they vote for capacity, competency, integrity, and good health. Nigerians, think new!” The statement reads.

Furthermore, the Elders disclosed that Nigerians are beginning to attach importance to capacity and integrity rather than the primordial emotional choices which afforded unqualified and incompetent people access to leadership positions.

“NCEF commends the Federal Government for taking steps to curb vote-buying during the 2023 elections. While the policy of currency change has brought some inconvenience to the people, the long-term benefit should be appreciated. It is crucial that vote-buying must be prevented at all costs to prevent unqualified and incapable persons from bribing their way into power,” the statement added.

I’m Ready To Sacrifice My Senatorial Ambition For Peter Obi To Win – Ortom

In order to guarantee the victory of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom says he is willing to give up his desire to run for the Senate in this Saturday’s elections for the National Assembly.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Ortom is running for the Benue North-West senate seat.

After months of refusing to back Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, whose emergence in May 2022 was regarded by numerous high-ranking party members as unfair, he finally endorsed Obi in January.

While speaking to members of the Igbo community in the state on Monday, the governor of Benue reaffirmed his support for the former governor of Anambra State.

“For me, the issue isn’t even that I’m running for office. Yes, the citizens of Benue State purchased the form for me. I’ve visited them, and they have agreed to vote for me,” he stated.

I am aware that the Igbo are the most interconnected people in the world, he continued. This is your chance to claim that the president is an Igbo man from the South-East.

Ortom identified with those who believed in the unity of Nigeria and working together, saying it was for this reason that he accommodates everybody.

“Then let’s not waste this chance that God himself is giving us. Young people, members of my own community, traditional leaders, and party members from different parties have all told me this. Obi’s situation has nothing to do with the APC, PDP, SDP, or any other party. It concerns Nigeria.

He described Obi as a species that is not bound by ethnicity.

“That is why when I hear some prominent Igbo personalities castigating Peter Obi for contesting the election – is it not you people that have been saying you have been marginalised since after the war?

“The opportunity has come today and you’re still complaining. What do you want?! What are you looking for?  

“The whole country – North, South, East, and West – are saying Peter Obi, and you hear some people say, ‘We don’t want it.’ Haba! Those people should be outcasts.”

SOKAPU cautions against taking El-Rufai’s ‘Naira desperation’ for granted

The Southern Kaduna People’s Union stated on Friday that Nasir El-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna State, should be probed for his objection to the Federal Government’s order declaring that the old N1000 and N500 notes will no longer be accepted as legal money as of February 17.

President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) had declared that the old N500 and N1,000 banknotes were no longer accepted as lawful tender when addressing the nation. He urged Nigerians to deposit their old N500 and 1000 notes with the CBN, but said that the old N200 note would be legal tender for the following 60 days, or until April 10, 2023.

However, in complete disregard to the President’s directives on the N500, N1000 naira notes to be deposited in the various branches of the Central Bank of Nigeria across the country, El-Rufai mandated residents of the state to continue the use of the old naira notes, pending the determination of the matter which is before the Supreme Court.

The governor gave the directives in a state-wide broadcast on Thursday night.

But the SOKAPU in a statement by its Spokesperson, Luka Binniyat, argued that El-Rufai’s “desperation was not ordinary”, declaring that he (El-Rufai) should be investigated.

According to Binniyat, SOKAPU has been observing the curious ongoing drama between Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State and the Federal Government over the new Naira policy.

“The desperation of el-Rufai is not ordinary and we suggest that he should be investigated. However, El-Rufai has gone overboard in his reaction to the response of Buhari to the Supreme Court order.

The statement stated that El-Rufai looked to be heading a gang of APC governors bent on reversing the controversial Naira redesign.

“In his broadcast to the State last night, el-Rufai sounded desperate; he became unduly emotional and abusive and spoke with a lot of braggadocios in the typical manner that has been his public image. He even alleged that there was a plot to stop the 2023 general election and its place an interim government installed.

“He called on Kaduna State citizens to disobey the directives of President Buhari. He insisted that the N500 and N1000 notes are still legal tenders in Kaduna State, contrary to the position of the Federal Government and promised dire consequences on anyone who refused to make transactions with them in Kaduna State.

“It will therefore look like el-Rufai has declared himself a rebel. If this is not treason, then we need another definition of the word.

“If El-Rufai has such goodwill towards the people of Kaduna State why has he not approached the Supreme Court to force the Federal government to wipe out the so-called bandits that have taken over a large portion of Kaduna State creating their own government right under his nose?”

“We are yet to see el-Rufai make a case at the Supreme Court forcing the National Emergency Management Agency to give relief materials to the millions of IDPs in Kaduna State. SOKAPU does not know el-Rufai for charity towards his electorates; we have no records of him on empathy and sympathy to the suffering people of Kaduna State.

“From all accounts, el-Rufai’s most important concern is the flow of raw cash for seamless spendings during elections. But there may be more than meets the eyes. It has been said that there are a few powerful individuals and families that have stashed away billions of stolen Naira which they can’t put in the bank without raising suspicion.

“So, we want to appeal to our members not to be charmed by El-Rufai’s bravado towards the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Government as a genuine act of concern to the citizens.

“He cannot hide under the cover of the suffering we are going through as a result of the new Naira policy and wage his war.”

Governors insisting on the continued circulation of old naira notes do so with the intention of utilizing them to buy votes – SAN

According to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Muiz Banire, the governors’ insistence on the continued use of all old naira notes as legal tender is an attempt to buy votes.

In order to “purchase voters’ conscience,” according to Banire, the governors planned to deceive the public into accepting the “already stocked old notes in their custody.”

“A lot of us might not understand why the Governors are insisting on the old notes being legal tender,” the SAN wrote.  “Certainly, it is not that they don’t know that they do not have the power to declare what is legal tender, neither did they not know that [they] … lack the capacity to enforce any Supreme Court judgment.

He claimed that their true intentions were to deceive naïve prospective voters into taking the already stocked old notes in their possession in order to buy voters’ conscience.

Banire advised people to demand “the true legal tender as stated by the apex bank” in all cases

In his letter, he advised prospective voters to either insist on the real legal cash declared by the apex bank or use any other form of payment they found acceptable.

But he cautioned, “Your conscience is not worth purchasing; if you must collect the money, which is primarily taken from the Treasury, insist on acceptable legal tender and still vote your conscience.

I am working for Peter Obi — Ortom

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Thursday declared that he is working for the emergence of Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, as the next president of Nigeria.

The Governor was a guest at the conference that brought stakeholders from the 276 Council Wards of the state where he stated that his decision was premised on his conviction that Mr. Obi was mentally and physically prepared for the task of getting the country working again.

The Governor received a standing ovation from the attendees who went wild singing his name and the name of the LP presidential candidate when he made the open statement.

Ortom stated that “We must, in this 2023, fashion a new Nigeria, Nigeria that will give the people equity, fairness, and justice.

“The PDP has failed Nigerians, APC has failed Nigerians, political parties have failed Nigerians, even Labour Party has failed Nigerians. We must therefore look at individuals, those people who can deliver.

He stated that the time had come for Nigerians to jettison political affiliation and loyalty and choose a God-fearing, capable and competent hand who would rescue the country from its present sorry state.

He said, “we have come to a time where we must leave out sentiments and save Nigeria by looking at individuals who can lead with the fear of God and provide gainful employment for the youths.

“So, this is not about party, I am not in Labour Party but I am working for Peter Obi. Peter Obi will make sure that we sleep with our two eyes closed. These unnecessary killings that are going on in our country will stop.

“I have chosen to support him. I appreciate you all for choosing Peter Obi. Of the three presidential candidates, Peter Obi has the character, competence to lead Nigeria.”

Mr. Obi, who was supposed to attend the meeting in person but was unable to do so because of adverse weather that caused him to cancel his travel, spoke to the group remotely in the meantime.

The presidential contender commended the people of Benue, in particular Governor Ortom, for their support in ensuring that their efforts will not go in vain.

Mr. Obi stated that he would make every effort to travel to Benue before the polls but added that he would make sure that the state did not remain the same once he took power.