There were more drama and upsets, yesterday, from last saturday’s National Assembly elections as INEC declared former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau winner of Central Senatorial district despite his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) months ago to the PDP.
This is as former Kebi State Governor, Muhammadu Adamu Aliero of the PDP defeated incumbent governor, Abubakar Bagudu of APC, to win Central senatorial district while Enyinnaya Abaribe of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) beat Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to win Abia South ticket.
•How I reclaimed my seat –Lawan
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, yesterday, narrated how he got back his ticket to contest the Yobe North Senatorial seat after an initial setback..
Lawan, who spoke when he received members of the Senate Press Corps in Abuja said he resorted to fasting and prayers alongside his loyalists to win the ticket after his late entry into the race having been reinsiated as the party candidate by the Supreme Court..
“I campaigned for two days – Wednesday and Thursday. We didn’t have time. Even if we didn’t go out to campaign, people were already mobilised. The outcome of the election was the best I ever had because they voted more than at any other time for this 2023. Yobe North people deserve every accolade. In fact, I need your prayers that I’m able to give them the kind of representation that will make them happy because they have made me and all my supporters quite happy,” he said.
•I’ve never lost a battle – Umahi reacts to senatorial victory
Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi has said he has never lost a “battle” in life as God always sees him through challenges and adversities.
He made the assertion, yesterday, in Abakaliki while officially reacting to his victory in the Ebonyi South senatorial district election.
“The southern district should count itself lucky that I emerged because certain things are beyond politics. What excuse could they have given for not sending me to the senate to further fight for them and the entire state. Everyone in Nigeria has acknowledged the miracles in Ebonyi so why should the people not reciprocate with gratitude?” he queried.
He, however, remarked that such upliftments were not by his power but God’s special grace upon him.
•I’ll carry everybody along – Enugu LP Rep-elect
House of Representative-elect for Nsukka/Igboeze-South Federal constituency of Enugu State, Chief Chidi Obetta, says he will carry all constituents along irrespective of political party affiliations.
Obetta, the LP candidate scored 50,881 votes to defeat his closest rival, Chief Vita Abba of the PDP who polled 19, 347 votes to emerge winner.
He will take over from Dr Pat Asadu, who had been representing the constituency in the House of Representative for 16 years.
Nwokolo retains Reps seat, Ukodhiko wins Isoko
PDP candidate for Ika federal constituency, Victor Nwokolo, has retained his seat for the fourth term.
He was declared winner of last Saturday’s election by the Returning Officer, Prof. O.E. Osafili, at the collation center in Agbor.
Nwokolo polled 27,973 votes to beat Labour Party’s Uwanne Utomi who scored 20,437 votes while Doris Uboh of the All Progressive Congress (APC) scored 9,878 votes.
Similarly, PDP candidate for Isoko federal constituency, Jonathan Ukodhiko was also declared winner in Oleh.
Ukodhiko, who is former Commissioner for Energy in Delta State, polled 23,487 votes to defeat his closest rival, Dickson Ebegbare of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) who scored 21,416 votes.
Musa-Maidoki defeats incumbent, Na’Allah to clinches Senate seat
PDP’s candidate for Kebbi South Senatorial district, Garba Musa-Maidoki has defeated APC’s Bala Ibn Na’Allah, who is incumbent senator representing the district in the red chambers.
The PDP candidate scored 75,232 to defeat Na’Allah who got 70,785 votes.
INEC declares 2 Akwa Ibom Reps polls inconclusive
INEC has declared elections in the two federal constituencies of Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika and Ikono/Ini federal constituencies of Akwa Ibom State inconclusive.
In the rescheduled elections for Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika federal constituency, former Information Commissioner and incumbent, Anieakn Umanah of the PDP would have a difficult task to return to the House against APC’s Ezekiel Jumbo who already has a comfortable lead before INEC declared the election inconclusive.
In Ikono/Ini federal constituency, former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Glory Edet of the PDP, will have to overcome more than 4, 000 votes advantage already bagged by sitting member of the House, Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo of YPP, if she must win the supplementary election.
Thomas wins Delta South
APC’s Joel Onowakpo Thomas defeated PDP’s Michael Diden, popularly known as Ejele, and NNPP’s Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (retd) to emerge senator-elect for Delta South Senatorial District.
Ejele was a former chairman of the board of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), while Thomas was former chairman of Delta State Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR).
The APC candidate polled 49, 955 votes to defeat PDP candidate who got 47,656 votes.
Mwadkwon, Agah win Plateau North, Bassa/Jos North
Member representing Barkin-Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Simon Mwadkwon of the PDP has been declared winner of Plateau North Senatorial election.
He polled 155,681 votes to beat LP’s Gyang Zi who scored 79,831 votes, APC’s Chris Giwa got 78,392 while PRP’s Suleiman Yahaya Kwande got 32,670 votes.
•Ekpenyoung as Senator-elect victory for Cross River South people, says Ewa
The emergence of Asuquo Ekpenyoung Jnr as Senator-elect for Cross River South Senatorial District has been described as victory for the people of Southern Cross River.
A congratulatory message to the Senator – elect by the Chairman of APC Lobby Group, Cross River State, Oden Ewa, noted that it was a victory that would propel the people, particularly the younger generation, to aspire for lofty heights and work their dreams knowing that nothing is impossible when committed to it.
‘‘Indeed, nothing can break the collective resolve of a determined people,’’ said Ewa, noting further that, ‘‘your victory at the polls was a poignant manifestation of the people’s faith in you, particularly the young generation, who saw a greater prospect in your candidature and capacity to offer quality representation.
‘‘Today, you personify the bow needed to realise the wishes and aspirations of the people of Cross River South at the Senate. We have no iota of doubt that Cross River South is in safe and able hands.
‘‘We are proud to be associated with you and other APC candidates who emerged victorious in last Saturday’s election.’’
Ewa also commended the people of Southern Cross River for staying true to the goal of electing one of their own, describing them as the heroes and heroines of the struggle. ‘‘And to the electorate, you are the real heroes and heroines,’’ he said, while tasking them to remain resolute in ensuring victory for their candidates in the Gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections scheduled to hold on Saturday March 11 across the country.
‘‘Let your spirits remain unbroken; your collective resolve in pursuit of equity (Back to South) unmitigated as we march towards the Gubernatorial and Assembly elections with greater expectations. Let’s finish the work. We will win again,’’ he charged the people.
