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Who Wins Today? Jonathan Or Buhari ?

By Godwin Ijediogor, News Editor, Ibe Uwaleke (Lagos) Bridget Chiedu Onochie (Abuja) and Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu (Benin City)
28 March 2015   |   3:15 am
Although there are many candidates, the contest boils down to two of them: incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This is more so with some of the political parties and candidates queuing behind the duo who are slugging it out for the second time, the first being in 2011 when the incumbent beat his main challenger in the race. But unlike in the past, today’s election would be a keen contest between the two and there might be no landslide victory.
Jonathan&Buhari

Jonathan&Buhari

• As Nigeria Remains On Edge Over Polls Outcome

THE long awaited moment is here at last. Today, millions of Nigerians will go the polls to elect a new president.

Although there are many candidates, the contest boils down to two of them: incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This is more so with some of the political parties and candidates queuing behind the duo who are slugging it out for the second time, the first being in 2011 when the incumbent beat his main challenger in the race. But unlike in the past, today’s election would be a keen contest between the two and there might be no landslide victory.

Since the advent of this Republic in 1999, no presidential election has been so close to call. And of course, so polarised along religious and ethnic lines as this. For Jonathan, it is a last chance to demonstrate what he can do to prove his mettle if he wins. And for Buhari, it is a last chance and last attempt, considering his age. However, many believe it would have been easier for a winner to emerge had the election held last month as earlier scheduled.

Many expect the poll to be more peaceful than it would have been last month, especially with the signing of a second peace accord by the major candidates on Thursday to eschew bitterness and violence during and after the results and winner are announced. Across the country, palpable tension remains, with most non-indigenes on the alert despite assurances by government and security agencies of their safety. There have been last-minute movements/travels and shopping for foodstuffs and even petroleum products as restriction of movement is in place today.

Since Thursday, most major inter-state highways have been busy, as people travelled to their hometowns for safety or to enable them vote where they were registered. At the Lagos Airport, there were normal flight operations, although passenger surge was noticed.

Flight operations at both the international and domestic wings of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos were normal on Thursday and yesterday as most of the airlines maintained their daily schedules and frequencies.

But there was a surge in the number of passengers yesterday as travellers tried to beat the restriction of movement imposed between 5am and 8pm today. The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) announced on Thursday that the Nigerian airspace would remain open in case of any eventuality and that since INEC has announced restriction of movement because of the election, it was left for the airlines to comply or decide otherwise.

According to NAMA, its entire essential staff, particularly air traffic controllers, would be on duty. Going by this development, most domestic airlines have announced cancellation of all flight operations for the today, arguing that the remaining hours of the day after the elections would not be enough to do the normal checking and operate flights.

Above all, most Nigerian airports close by 6pm local time due to visibility problems, as many of them do not have facilities for night operations, including apron lighting and signage, pavement marking, airport beacon, wind cone, lighting and obstruction lighting. For now, the MMIA in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja are the only airports that operate 24 hours a day. Even though normal flights were operated, there seemed to be increased frequencies by the local airlines because many of them would not operate today due to restriction of movement Arik Air, Nigeria’s flag carrier, had indicated that it would not operate any domestic flight today.

But its Corporate Affairs Manager, Ola Banji, said this decision would not affect its international flights since their schedules are in the evening and at night. In the same vein, Dana and Medview Airlines have cancelled their flights today due to the elections. At the international wing, The Guardian gathered that there was unusual passenger surge, but some of them who were interviewed claimed they were making usual trips, adding that their journeys had nothing to do with the elections.

But a staff of one the agencies at the airport told The Guardian that there had been heavy passenger traffic in the past three days. He added that the international airlines had not since January witnessed the heavy passenger traffic they witnessed in the past few days. “People are leaving the country, but I don’t know whether it is because of the elections or not. Most of the airlines are fully booked this time around.

We recorded low passenger traffic in January and February, but all of sudden, the traffic peaked. It is indeed a surprise to me,” he said. In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, even as most residents appeared prepared for the polls, the massive movements out of the city which began before the initial February 14 date, climaxed in the early hours of yesterday. As early as 8 am when The Guardian visited the popular Jabi Park in Jabi District, most travellers were stranded as they could not secure seats in available inter-state vehicles.

A resident who accompanied his sibling to one of Southeast-based transport firms, decried lack of vehicles at the park. He said he had arrived the park as early as 7 am with the intention of securing a seat for his younger sister who was relocating to Abia State, but was told that all the seats had been fully booked. He said he would prefer to be alone in Abuja so that it will be easier for him to leave town in case of pre-election violence.

He however stated that although there is relative peace now, compared to the high level of apprehension experienced before the February 14 date, some Nigerians still fear that there might be pockets of violence by supporters of the loser when results are announced. At Utako market, customers were seen making last-minute shopping.

One of them, Mrs. Mabel Ibeka said she was trying to buy foodstuffs that would last for one week should there be need for curfew or restriction of movement after the today’s elections. Activities were lowest in the National Assembly as most lawmakers and their legislative aides have relocated to their various constituents for the elections. Banks were very busy as most customers made withdrawals. Jimoh Khalid said he needed to keep some cash at home. “We have all prayed for peace and believe that Allah will grant us peace.

But it is also good to have something at hand, so that if the banks fail to open, one can still make some little purchases after the elections,” he said. Those who were not in the banking halls were also seen queuing by the Automated Teller Machine (ATMs) for monetary transactions. In Edo State, political parties made last-minute lobbying and house-to-house moves to woo voters to their sides.

Electoral officials have also indicated their readiness for the elections, as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Mike Igini, said as at Wednesday all logistics required for the conduct of the elections had been put in place. He said all non-sensitive materials for the elections have since been moved to the areas where they were required.

The Nigerian Police and authorities of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have deployed their personnel for the polls. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Joseph Edoigiawerie told The Guardian that the police had deployed over 8,700 personnel and warned that anybody caught fomenting trouble would face the law. Meanwhile, youths and other stakeholders in the electoral system have been urged to shun acts capable of causing violence.

A youth leader, Jude Imagwe, made the appeal in Benin City, the state capital, during a sensitisation and peace road show. He urged youths to continue to shun vices that could jeopardise the election, just as he tasked security agencies to work within the confines of the law.

Imagwe, who is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Students Affairs, appealled to youths to resist the temptation of being lured as thugs, saying that the nation is at the threshold of making history again.

On his part, former Commonwealth scribe, Chie Emeka Anyaoku, yesterday appealed to political party leaders to ensure peaceful polls. His words: “Having acted as Chairman and principal witness to the signing of the Abuja Accord by 12 presidential candidates and their party Chairmen on 14 January, 2015, I wish on the eve of the elections to remind all the signatories of their solemn commitment to the letter of the Accord.

While it may be admitted that the campaigns have not been entirely free of hate speeches and some fracas, I believe that there is a general relief that the incidence of ugly violence has so far been less than what was experienced in the 2011 elections.”

18 Comments

  • Author’s gravatar

    Yes, i know the will on God will prevail today as Nigeria will be great again (Amen) and Buhari will win the poll.

    My Analysis
    Considering the fact that Buhari won all the northern Nigeria in 2011 while Jonathan won the most of the South including SW. see here

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigerian_presidential_election,_2011#/media/File:2011_Nigerian_presidential_election.JPG

    The popularity of PDP has since reduced with lot of defection here and there, so also the popularity of Jonathan has reduced since the “I no get shoes” stories. And GEJ attitude to security and corruption are not really helping him. The last minute attempt to insurgent is not popular. The APC now controls the SW and really behind Buhari.
    If the SW (I know we will) delivers to Buhari and i strongly believe that GEJ dont even have any say in the north (they will still vote for Buhari as they did in 2011), this concludes my analysis that Buhari is having the day today.

    Please, note that you still need to vote. Vote wisely. Vote who you will trust with your money

    Sai Buhari

    ‪#‎NigeriaDecides‬ ‪#‎NigeriaDecides2015‬ ‪#‎SaiBuhari‬

  • Author’s gravatar

    For integrity and credibility in governance – Buhari is the man.

  • Author’s gravatar

    whoever wins should protect their citizens, bring the girls back to their parent at all cost first and foremost, this stings and makes Nigerians look disgusting to the rest of the world.

  • Author’s gravatar
  • Author’s gravatar

    There is no question of who will win in a true and fair election. We are waiting.

  • Author’s gravatar

    Improve the infrastructures and stop the corruptions starting from the president down to laborers, Nigerians need reliable electricity, affordable and available healthcare, stop the braindrains, give Nigerians good road, better regulation of taxation and better utilization of all our resources. Stop buying private jets, expensive cars, having savings abroad and building 50 to 100 bedrooms from our money, remember everything is 6 ft at the end. There some governors the president can emulate, such as Lagos state governor, he is transforming the state, at least trying.
    Treat Nigerians just the way you want to be treated.

    • Author’s gravatar

      WHICH LAGOS STATE THT HAS NOT¨PAID SALARIES IN FOUR MONTHS BECAUSE OF VOTES PROMISED DOCTORS HEAVEN AND EARTH TO GO BACK TO WORK ON THURSDAY TWO DAYS TO ELECTION?
      NOTHING IS FREE IN THIS WORLD IF YOU DONT¨PAY FOR ELECTRICITY YOU WONT GET LIGHT.
      THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO DESERVE COMING TO THE FEDERAL.

  • Author’s gravatar

    REJOICE – CHRIST’S MERCY OVER NIGERIA HAS ARRIVED AT LAST!

    Fellow Nigerians, you read it first from this forum – the last attempt of Mr Buhari to win the presidency has failed. President Jonathan has been re-elected by landslide – 60% of the popular votes. Buhari failed largely due to the company of men he associated himself with: People like Mr. Tinubu (a self-styled Asiwaju of Lagos) and a rebel without cause, Mr. Rotimi Amechie, Governor of Rivers State. The Nigerian people having listened to lies and useless propaganda of the APC for nearly two years and having witnessed how the Lagos State commonwealth has been satanically looted by one man and his wicked cronies decided to give an admittedly imperfect and humble man by the name Jonathan a second chance.

    Ladies and Gentlemen, the real change that Nigeria needs is about to be realized in the form of constitutional restructuring of Nigeria along the path of true federalism and regional/state autonomy and self-government. In case you are wondering why this has happened despite the self-assured proclamations of APC and its many newspaper apologists, the answer is simple: Prayer works, and God still hears hear the prayers of His people. Many Christians have been crying out to God to spare Jonathan and have mercy on Nigeria and the Nigerians yet unborn. The Holy One has just done that for the sake of His name and because of the the love He has for this blessed nation.

    Brothers and Sisters, prepare yourselves to be surprised, as the new regime is born that would be qualitatively different from the old – people will see what a man reformed by the Spirit of the Lord and supported by the prayers of Christians can do for a nation that has long laboured and suffered under the tyranny of previous godless and plutocratic leaders.

    You may also be interested to know in advance that Lagos State is about to be liberated from the strangle-hold of Tinubu as a new PDP government is ushered in for the very first time in Lagos history. Furthermore, Rivers State would be returned to legitimate governance under the government freely elected by popular will. The days of the wicked and heartless plutocratic politicians are coming to an end in Nigeria – starting in fact from 2015. Our Lord God Jesus Christ has shown Himself to be a kind hearted God that listens to the plights of the poor. It is time for Nigeria to taste how good our God is and the hour of deliverance for the nations of Nigeria is very much at hand. So fellow Nigerians rejoice because the hour of God’s mercy over our land has finally arrived – glory and honour be to His great and majestic name. Amen.

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  • Author’s gravatar

    GEJ till 2019, buhari should get ready for another defeat.

  • Author’s gravatar

    the ppl general,may GOD be with you AMEN

  • Author’s gravatar

    I DONT KNOW HOW MANY OF YOU READ JULIUS CEASAR? MACBETH WAS WARNED THUS.’BEWARE OF THE IDES OF MARCH’…. ON THE 15TH OF MARCH HE WAS QUICK TO REMIND THE WITCH THAT HE WAS STILL ALIVE AS SOON AS HE SAW HE SAID ‘IDES OF MARCH IS HERE. AND SHE ANSWERED ‘YES, BUT NOT GONE’ MACBETH WAS MURDERED THAT NIGHT.!!!

    SO HOLD THE ‘SAI BUHARI’ UNTIL THE WHISTLE IS BLOWN. JONATHAN DID NOT WIN SOUTH WEST BUT HE GOT 25% SO HE WON IN THE SOUTH WEST. BUHARI INSPOTE OF THE UNDER AGED VOTERS AND THE MILLIONS PF VOTES HE ‘WON’ IN THE NORTH DID NOT GET THAT IN SOUTH THAT DIDNT PILE VOTES. YOU NEED 25% IN TWELVE TWO THIRDS OF THE STATES TO BE DECLARED A WINNER. UNLESS IF JEGA PLANS ANOTHER MAGIC LIKE THE CARD READERS THAT WERE ABANDONNED HALF WAY MAKING WAY FOR MAGIC VOTES IN THE NORTH.
    FREE FAIR AND CREDIBLE ELECTIONS WAS A JONATHAN PROMISE TO NIGERIANS AND IT IS A PROMISE KEPT EVEN AT THE EXPENSE OF HIS LOSING HIS SEAT AS PRESIDENT. HE DESERVES OUT REPECT. NO PRESIDENT HAS DONE WHAT HE HAS DONE SO FAR. IF GOD HAS FINISHED HIS ASSIGNEMENT THROUGH HIM THEN HE WILL BE VOTED OUT.

  • Author’s gravatar

    Buhari is leading…that’s the news everywhere around the world…..I’m in Finland!