Nigeria 2023 Presidential Election: Tinubu, Atiku, Peter Obi, Others Battle to Succeed Buhari (LIVE UPDATES)

2023 Polls: In Kano, Security Forces Thwart Violence Clash Among APC, NNPP Supporters

Men of the Nigerian Police Force have quelled a scuffle that could have degenerated into a violent clash at Polling Unit 004 in Kabuwa Ward, Kano State.

It was learnt that the brawl started when supporters of the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian People Party stormed the polling unit and started taking pictures of voters casting their votes inside the cubicle.

Angered by the development, the agent of the All Progressive Congress (APC) engaged the NNPP supporters and grabbed one of their phones.

But in the process, the phone fell and its screen shattered.

It took the intervention of security agencies at the polling unit to restore calm and order.

However, it was learnt that voting has since resumed peacefully.

Violence erupts as voters beat up INEC officials in Abuja

INEC officials beaten by voters over allegation of thumbprinting and telling voters no ballot papers in LEA Primary School, Lugbe.

INEC cancels voting in 7 polling units in Kogi

The election process in seven polling units of Kogi East Senatorial district has been cancelled, with two polling units cancelled in Anyigba, Dekina council area, and the other five in Omala council area of Kogi state.

One of the cancelled units was Unit 01, Abejukolo ward in Omala LGA. Thugs allegedly disrupted the polling units, firing shots into the air and causing panic, resulting in an abrupt end to the voting process.

Ganduje casts votes in Kano

The Kano governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has cast his vote in the state.

Abdulsalami Abubakar casts his votes

Former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar arrives polling unit in the company of his wife and family members to cast his vote.

"Every Nigerian on queue will vote" - INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has said every Nigerian in the queue will vote despite delays.

Yakubu said no matter how long it takes, everyone waiting before the close of voting at 2.30 pm will be allowed to vote.

While acknowledging that officials and materials arrived some polling units late, he said information from across the country indicate that the BVAS machines were functioning optimally.

He said an attack by suspected bandits in Alawa area of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State delayed the deployment of men and materials to the area.

On the complaint by some parties that they could not find the tags for their agents, he said the commission allowed the parties to nominate their own agents and upload the names on a dedicated portal which they did.

“We did not interact with them directly."

He said the agents’ tags were dispatched to the states and collected by the state chairmen of the parties.

Yakubu added that some of the parties failed to submit names of agents for some polling units.

He warned that the commission will not accept more than two accredited agents for the collation of results.

Finally, Shettima casts vote in Maiduguri

The Vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kashim Shettima, eventually voted at his Shettimari unit in Borno state, after initially leaving his polling unit due to the late arrival of polling materials and officials,

Shettima said he was optimistic about the electoral process.

The former Borno governor urged all contestants to accept the outcome of the election in good faith.

He said:

”Nigerians need to work for the greater good of the nation. The longer journey is the call for national unity and progress."

Concerning the challenges that affected his chance to vote earlier, Shettima said it is normal, in view of the huge tasks involved in organising elections in a populous country like Nigeria.

His words:

“It’s too early to give judgment on INEC, we need to give them the benefit of doubt.

“I believed INEC is pragmatic enough to extend the voting up to 6 pm or even 10 pm to enable the public to exercise their right to vote."

Thugs disrupt elections, steal BVAS machines - INEC

INEC's chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Saturday, February 25, claimed that thugs attacked two different polling units in two states in Nigeria,

Yakubu, who briefed journalists in Abuja, said voting continued in the two polling areas as backup BVAS machines were provided.

He also said voting was delayed in a part of Niger State due to an attack by bandits in the area.

Yakubu also noted that there was a late arrival of electoral officials and materials in many polling units across Nigeria.

He said the commission would resolve the problem by ensuring that anyone that was in the queue by 2:30 am would be allowed to vote, no matter how long it takes.

Wike finally casts his vote in Rivers

Governor Nyesom Wike finally cast his vote after an initial delay. He cast his ballot at about 12:45 pm.

Voter apathy in Owerri

Drama at Girls Secondary School Akwakuma polling unit in Owerri as residents refuse to vote after INEC announced that they are without result sheets.

Residents insist on seeing a result sheet before voting.

Jonathan casts vote at his polling unit

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience, have cast their vote at Unit 39, Ward 13, Otuoke, Ogbia LGA.

Saraki cast vote in Kwara, makes sends message to Nigerians

Bukola Saraki, a former Senate President, has cast his vote in his polling unit.

After casting his vote, Saraki said:

"I’ve just cast my vote!

"It’s important for each of us to fulfill our civic duty by playing an active role in shaping our democracy!"

Senate President Lawan casts his votes

Senate President Ahmad Lawan has cast his votes at Gashua, in Yobe state.

Confirming this, Lawan wrote on his Twitter page on Saturday, February 25.

"Earlier this morning, I joined other well-meaning Nigerians at my polling unit in my home town of Gashua, Yobe State to cast my vote in the Presidential and National Assembly election taking place across the country."

See his tweet below:

Bauchi governor votes, says BVAS efficient

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi has cast his vote in his hometown, Yelwan Duguri in the Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.

Mohammed arrived at his polling unit, Barki Dutse Primary school, Unit 8, alongside his wife, Aisha on Saturday, February 25.

Hailing the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), for the efficiency of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the governor said:

“I’m highly impressed with the large turnout of voters. The exercise is quite peaceful with no rancor.

“I can see that the electoral umpire INEC is doing very well.

“And with the way the people are coordinated, I think our democracy is growing.↳

“I expect the PDP to win this election, by the grace of God.

“The BVAS has been efficient. When I came here, I voted without any hitches.”

"My prayer is for Tinubu’s victory despite low turnout" - El-Rufai

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna has said his prayer is for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to win.

El-Rufai at his polling unit on Saturday, February 25, decried the low turnout of voters across the state and reported cases of the ballot and BVAS missing in some parts.

The powerful northern governor called residents to come out and exercise their franchise.

He said:

“We are grateful to Almighty God for bringing us to this day when all Nigerians will decide who will lead them for the next four years.

“In Kaduna State so far, as at the time I came here, everything has been going on smoothly.

“There have only been three incidents. Last night a rice mill was attacked by people suspected to be PDP thugs. The Police are investigating.

“This morning, we got report of one incident in Southern Kaduna where BVAS and ballot boxes were snached and in Soba where two ballot boxes were also snached.

“Of course, these are no incidents at all because whether you snach ballot boxes or BVAS or not, it doesn’t matter, the technology has gone beyond the primitive rigging system that political actors are used to.

“So, I must commend INEC for this improvement. So far everything appears orderly across the state; all the reports we are getting are positive.

“My only concern is low voter turnout, people are not coming out to vote.

“I want to appeal to everyone to please come our and vote, because you have once in four years opportunity to pick your leaders and you should take seriously.

“It is the leaders that you select today that will run the affairs of your country for the next four years.

“So, please don’t stay back at home, come out and vote. And remember anytime you don’t come out to vote, you are giving opportunity to people you don’t like two more votes, because your vote will reduce the gap by one, but if you don’t come out, you are giving them by default two more votes.

“There is still time between now and 2:30pm to come out and vote. I have been here on the queue for the past 45 minutes, waiting for my turn to vote.

“My wife has voted because the queue for women surprisingly this time is shorter than that of men.

“So, I am appealing to mothers tho finish cooking and come out vote, because it is what you do today, that will determine the direction of your state and country for the next four years.

“But, so far, everything has been peaceful.”

Obasanjo votes, hails BVAS

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former Nigeria president, voted at his polling unit 2, ward 11 situated inside Olushomi compound, Totoro – Sokori in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State at about 10:40 am.

Obasanjo noted Nigeria was making progress in its electoral process with the Bimodal Voter’s Accreditation System (BVAS).

The former president who arrived at the polling unit around 10.25 am, noted the BVAS ensured the credibility, transparency, and fairness of the election.

Peter Obi, wife cast vote at his polling unit

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, and his wife have both cast their votes in his polling unit in Anambra.

Kwankwaso casts votes in Kano

The New Nigerian People Party, NNPP presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has just arrived at his polling unit, Tandu, PU 005 in Madobi LGA to cast his vote in the ongoing 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections.

He expressed optimism about his emergence as president while speaking with journalists.

Peter Obi arrives at his polling unit

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has arrived at his polling unit in Anambra state to cast his vote.

Voting ongoing at Peter Obi's polling unit

Election process ongoing at the polling unit of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, at his Aguleri county home, Anaocha LGA of Anambra state.

However, Obi yet to cast his vote.

Buhari, Aisha cast votes in Daura, Katsina, declares APC will win "from Daura to Lagos"

President Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha, have cast their votes in Daura, Katsina.

A presidential media aide, Buhari Sallau, has shared photos of Buhari showing his ballot paper before casting it in the box.

Moment Buhari showed his ballot paper at a polling unit in Katsina.

The President dressed in white flowing gowns and a wine/white colour cap told newsmen that all his candidates “from Daura to Lagos” would emerge victorious.

Tinubu casts his vote at polling unit,boasts he will win 2023 presidential election

Tinubu has cast his vote at his polling unit in Ikeja, Lagos.

The former Lagos governor also expressed certainty that he will emerge victorious in the ongoing presidential election.

Asked if he will congratulate the winner if he loses, Tinubu said, "I will win".

Gun shots heard at Okigwe Road, Owerri

Gun shots heard at Okigwe Road, Owerri Polling unit - Government Secondary School Owerri, Owerri Municipal.

Tinubu casts his vote

The APC's presidential flagbearer, Bola Tinubu, has cast his vote at his polling unit in Ikeja, Lagos state.

Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi arrive polling unit

the APC's presidential candidate, Tinubu, and his wife, Oluremi, have both arrived at his polling unit.

The couple was seen by Legit.ng walking to the polling unit in Ikeja on Saturday, February 25.

Bola Tinubu arrives Polling Unit

Rowdiness everywhere, security overwhelmed as Bola Tinubu makes effort to cast his vote at his polling unit in Lagos state.

Heavy security operatives deployed at Kwankwaso's polling unit

Heavy security operatives deployed at the polling unit of the NNPP's candidate, Kwankwaso. The candidate is yet to arrive as of 10:08 am.

Tinubu's daughter, wife arrives Polling Unit

Tinubu's daughter and Iyaloja General, Folashade Tinubu arrive father's polling unit.

Also, Tinubu's wife, Senator Oluremi, has arrived at her husband's polling unit.

Voters Register pasted at Tinubu's Polling Unit

At 9.52 am, Voters Register is currently being posted at Bola Tinubu's Polling Unit.

Also, the voting cubicle is being set up at Tinubu's Polling Unit, at 9.55 am.

Atiku casts votes at his polling unit in Adamawa

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cast his vote in his hometown of Adamawa.

Speaking after performing his civic duty, Atiku expressed optimism that the process will be hitch-free for voters.

The former vice president said the process was simple and easy and that he cast his vote without any problem.

INEC officials arrive at Tinubu's polling unit

At 9.32 am, INEC officials finally arrive polling unit where Tinubu is expected to vote. They are, however, yet alight from their bus to start setting up.

EFCC officers seen at Tinubu's polling unit in Lagos

Some EFCC officials have been sighted at the Polling Unit in Ikeja, Lagos state, where Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress is expected to vote today, Saturday, February 25.

Voting at Tinubu's polling unit in Lagos about to start

It's 8.53am and the Polling Unit where Bola Tinubu is expected to vote is just being set up. No INEC official sighted yet.

Journalists and foreign observers are waiting for the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu at his polling unit, Ikeja.

Voting starts at exactly 8:30 at Ward 8, unit 1, Boripe LG,Osun State

For voters at Ward 8, unit 1, Boripe LGA, Osun state voting has already started.

Legit.ng's has gathered that the exercise started at exactly 8:30 am.

Voting set to commence at Kwankwaso's ward in Kano

Voting is about to start at Polling Unit 001, Kwankwaso Malamai Primary School, Kwankwaso Ward, Madobi LGA, Kano state.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is known to be a force to reckon with in the state and across the northern region in the election.

At Kwankwaso's polling unit, people have lined up, but the voters register is yet to be sighted.

All Inec ad-hoc staff and security operatives are on ground.

2023 Elections: ICPC Seizes N2m Notes Linked to Politician

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Friday, February 24, in Bauchi, detained one Hassan Ahmad for alleged possession of N2 million in old and new notes.

The arrest was carried out on Friday by 33 Artillery Brigade deployed to Alkaleri in the northern state.

ICPC's spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, in a statement on Friday, said Ahmad was arrested with N900,000 cash in new notes and N1.1 million in old notes.

Via Twitter on Friday, the agency disclosed:

“The funds, which were packed in a “Ghana Must Go” bag, comprise six bundles of one thousand naira new notes of N600,000; six bundles of five hundred naira new notes of N300,000, and old two hundred naira notes of N1.1 million."

2023 Elections: We'll declare results speedily - INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it is planning to make the collation and declaration of the 2023 general elections as fast as possible.

INEC's chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said this at his media briefing in Abuja on Friday, February 24.

Yakubu said that the process will not be affected by any hitch due to the recent economic crisis caused by the naira re-design policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He said:

“I just want to say that we will ensure that it (result declaration) will be done speedily. I can’t put a finger on the number of days or hours it will take, but it will be done speedily. We are aware of the anxiety and the need for us to conclude the process quickly, it will be concluded quickly."

Osinbajo arrives hometown in Ogun state for 2023 elections

Ahead of the 2023 general elections coming up today, Saturday, February 25, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has arrived at Ikenne Local Government Area.

According to Laolu Akande, Osinbajo, the vice president has been holding series of meetings with All Progressives Congress (APC) and community leaders at his residence.

Akande added that his principal will be voting at Polling Unit 14, Egunrege in Ikenne.

Below are photos of Osinbajo in his hometown:

Can you vote without PVC?

It's very important to understand that report claiming you can cast votes at your polling units without PVC is fake.

INEC's Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victor Aluko, restated that no one will be allowed to vote without their Permanent Voter Cards.

“INEC has not reviewed that slogan. No PVC, no voting. It still subsists. And we have been drumming into the ears of Nigerians, that they should please ignore these social media posts that are circulating everywhere," he said.

How to Check Live Results from Polling Units on INEC Portal

INEC has provided a portal where, with your smartphones, you can get access to live results from all the polling units across the country.

To learn how to use this portal to check the results, click here.

How to Check Your Polling Units Locations Through SMS and INEC Website

Are you confused about which polling units you are supposed to vote? Worry not. INEC has provided two ways you can check the location of your polling units.

Check out this report to find out how you can locate your polling units either through SMS or the INEC portal.

2023 Elections: INEC Fixes New Date for Enugu East senatorial Poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the Enugu East Senatorial Election to Saturday, March 11.

The rescheduling of the election which is in line with the Electoral Act 2022 came after the death of Oyibo Chukwu, the Labour Party's candidate for the seat.

INEC's chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, February 24, said the exercise will take place alongside the gubernatorial and Assembly elections on March 11.

2023 presidency: Police nabs Atiku's campaigner with cash

The police have arrested a member of the House of Representatives, Dr Chinyere Igwe, with an unspecified amount of foreign currencies.

Igwe, who represents Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2, in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, was arrested on Friday morning along Aba Road in Port Harcourt.

The Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko has confirmed the arrest and shared further details.

Part of the police report on the arrest read:

"Police Officers from Rivers State Command deployed to INEC Headquarters Aba Road today 24/2/2023 at about 0245hrs, while on stop and search, arrested one Hon Chinyere Igwe, member House of Representatives representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency with a cash sum of 498,100 USD inside a bag in his ca..."