My Congratulatory message to a General, GMB and to a Hero GEJ.

It's a common saying that the end of a thing is better than the beginning. With a hazy start, which heralded a very turbulent journey, it looked like the plane was going to crash land, but these great pilots have safely landed Nigeria in what can be undoubtedly regarded as a highly democratic election process.

Mercy Ebute and MEB readers say a big congratulations to the President elect General Muhammadu Buhari(GMB), for his doggedness and resilience that have made him the President elect, on his fourth trial. We equally congratulate the out-going President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan(GEJ),  for his countless and immeasurable service to Nigeria during his 6 years tenure as President and for his heroic acceptance of defeat in the interest of the Nation's peace, I congratulate you two. May God grant you great grace as you lead the Nation to great heights.

Obasanjo charges Buhari to rid the country of corruption while congratulating him for the victory.

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has congratulated the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari over his victory at the Saturday presidential polls.

Obasanjo in his congratulatory message he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta shortly after Buhari was declared winner of the election, said his government must reposition some national institutions such as Military, security power among others which according to him had been damaged.

He further urged the President-elect to rid the country of corruption , saying ,youth employment, agribusiness, oil and gas, external affairs, cohesiveness of our nation and ridding our land of corruption that had been damage. Continue......

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! - President elect GMB thankyou message to supporters, urges respect for the opponents.

Muhammadu Buhari, the President-Elect of Nigeria, has thanked Nigerians who supported him and the All Progressives Congress.

Buhari took to his Facebook page to thank the supporters and urge people to be respectful to the opponents.

“Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!

“Victory is for all Nigerians. Please be magnanimous in victory and shake the hand of those we contested against.

“We thank President Goodluck Jonathan for being a gracious contestant and accepting the decision of the Nigerian people.

“The work starts today.”

Buhari also urged Nigerians to refrain from getting involved in the molestation of opponents by saying:

“He or she is not with me, whoever does that.”

From Abuses to Praises - Fayose praises Buhari in congratulatory message.

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has urged Nigerians to accept the outcome of Saturday’s presidential election in good faith, saying; “the election result is the will of God and Nigerians, and all lovers of peace, progress and development of Nigeria must accept it”.

Mr. Fayose, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, hailed the resilience and commitment of President Goodluck Jonathan and Mohammadu Buhari.

The governor said the election results should not been seen as victory or loss for any political party, adding that, “To me, Nigerians and democracy won.”

Photos: General Buhari, Prof. Osinbajo, Dangote, Tambuwal and others celebrate victory.

Victory is sweet. President elect General Muhammadu Buhari pictured with Africa's richest man Dangote and others at the APC office in Abuja. A very big congrats to the General. See more photos after the cut......

"The acid test for leadership is performance not promises."- 5 Nation building lessons from Lee Kuan Yew the man who built Singapore.

From scratch, Lee Kuan Yew the founding father of Singapore built the Nation from a third world nation to a first world in a single generation. Sounds like magic, but that is the power of a visionary leader. 

As Nigerians elect new leaders in the 2015 general elections, my thoughts are beyond the agitations trailing the election results, they are rooted in what kind of leader will those who win the various elections be? Nigeria is definitely in a new era, and our newly elected leaders have only one choice; to deliver on good governance, build the Nation and make life better for the people. Yes, it's possible, Nigerians are all set to hold our leaders accountable. If Singapore did it, Dubai, China and even Ghana. Nigerians should take up the challenge, to do whatever it takes to build the Nation. We are next. Continue......

#NigeriaDecides2015: Benue, Bauchi, Niger State Governors and Chris Ngige looses senatorial bid

Three Peoples Democratic Party governors have lost their senatorial bid. The governors are Isa Yuguda (Bauchi); Gabriel Suswam (Benue) and Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu.

In Anambra state also, a former governor, Chris Ngigie, who represents Anambra-Central, lost his seat.

In Kogi State, the senator representing Kogi-West, Smart Adeyemi, lost to former House of Representatives member, Dino Melaye of the All Progressives Congress

In Benue, Suswam was defeated by incumbent Senator, Chief Barnabas Gemade, in the race for the Benue North-East seat.

Gemade, an APCmember, polled 140,715 votes to beat Suswam. 

Read more on PUNCH

Buhari Support Group calls for the arrest of Femi Fani Kayode, says unreleased election results are been rigged by PDP.

Buhari Support Organization, BSO, has alleged that the federal government has entered into an unholy alliance with some Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs with an aim of declaring the PDP winner in the states where the results are yet to be declared public.

The Organization also called for the arrest of the Director, Media and Publicity unit of the PDP presidential campaign organization, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode for announcing on Sunday that PDP was already leading in 23 states even when the independent National Electoral Commission, INEC was yet to official declare the results.

APC takes the lead with 8,520,436 votes in Presidential election results as announced so far by INEC

The presidential election results for 18 states plus the FCT has so far been announced. The APC has 10 states, while PDP has 8 states plus the FCT, Abuja. It's a very tight race.

So far APC is leading with 8,520,436 votes while PDP has 6,488,210 votes. Giving the APC a 2,032,226 score above PDP.

The election result announcement has ended for today. The commission has reconvened till 10am tomorrow. 

Whoever wins, we must accept the results in good faith and shun every form of violence. #SayyestoNigeria. 

2015 Presidential Elections: PDP takes the lead in Akwa Ibom, Plateau and Imo State.

Presidential election result for Plateau state - PDP wins
As announced by Prof Emmanuel Kocha, VC University of Agriculture, Makurdi, RO for Plateau
AA - 178
ACPN - 391
AD - 279
ADC - 406
APA - 618
APC - 429,140
CPP - 237
HOPE - 56
KOWA - 138
NCP - 693
PDP - 549,615 (PDP wins)
PPN - 554
UPD - 54
UPP - 29
Total valid votes - 982,388
Rejected votes - 18304
Total votes cast- 1,000,692

Photos: Mass protest held in Akwa Ibom today over alleged massive rigging.

The APC in Akwa Ibom State took to the streets today to protest what they claim is massive rigging in the state. The protest was led by the APC guber candidate in the State, Umana Okon Umana. They demanded the cancellation of the election and removal of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Austin Okojie. The protesters barricaded the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission. More photos after the cut...

Check out presidential election result for Abia, Kano and 6 other States as released by INEC.

Presidential election result for Abia state - PDP wins
As announced by the VC of UNN, prof. Chukwuma Ozumba, the collation officer of Abia state
AA - 315
ACPN - 2194
AD - 448
ADC - 569
APA - 2766
APC - 13,394
CPP - 1046
HOPE - 125
KOWA - 173
NCP - 745
PDP - 368,303
PPN - 424
UDP - 213
UPP - 330
Total valid votes -391,045
Rejected votes - 1004
Total votes cast - 401,049  Continue.....

Unbelievable - Man stabbed to death by wife over GMB, GEJ presidential election issues in Lagos.

A 26 year old pregnant wife simply identified as Onyiyechi has been arrested by the Lagos state police command for stabbing her husband to death following an argument over the presidential candidates in Saturday's general election at their home in Ejigbo on Sunday March 29th. 

According to a report by Vanguard, the husband was supporting PDP while Onyiyechi supported the APC. An arguement over who would win the presidential election degenerated into a fight with the wife stabbing her husband inside their one room apartment at the 81 military zone junction in Ejigbo

A neighbor in their compound narrated what happened, He said; Continue......

#Must Read: The President Nigeria Badly Needs But Does Not Want By Obiukwu Onyedimmakachukwu

Prof. Oluremi Sonaiya didn't get much chance in the just concluded presidential election, but she made an indelible mark in the heart of many Nigerians as she gallantly campaigned as the KOWA party Presidential candidate. She was outstanding at the various presidential debates and she relentless expressed her visionary agenda each time she was interviewed. Found this write up on her which was published a day to the elections on InformationNg and I agree, even though she got little or no chance at the elections, this woman must be heard. Read the writeup by Obiukwu Onyedimmakachuwku after the cut.....

In photos: Thousands line the streets for the State Funeral of Mr Lee Kuan Yew founder of Singapore.

More than 100,000 people lined Singapore's streets to bid farewell to its founding father Lee Kuan Yew on Sunday, officials said as a week of mourning ended in the city-state he led to prosperity. Check out more photos after the cut......

#MustRead: "Different is good" - Angelina Jolie's very empowering speech @ Kids' Choice Awards.

Since revealing she had a second preventive surgery to lower her risk of cancer, Angelina Jolie made her first appearance on Saturday, the 28th of March at the Nickeledoen's 28th Annual Kids' Choice Awards. The Hollywood actor and philanthropist was at the show with two of her kids, Shiloh and Zahara.

She took to the stage to accept one of the favorite villain award for her role as Maleficent in the live-action re-imagining of "Sleeping Beauty." While accepting the award, she made one of the best inspiring speech ever. She said, as a kid she was different and felt out of place, until one day she realized it was good to different. She also said, causing a little trouble is good for you. Read the speech after the cut.......

Newly elected President to emerge today - JEGA

The Independent National Electoral Commission has said that despite the extension of Saturday’s elections till Sunday in some parts of the country, the results of the presidential poll will be declared on Monday(today).

INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, gave the assurance as some of results from wards, local government areas and states continued to emerge on Sunday.

For instance, results from Osun and Ogun states showed the All Progressives Congress Presidential candidate, Maj.Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, defeating President Goodluck Jonathan.

Photo: 17 year old Kylie Jenner unpacks in her $2.7million Mansion.

Away from election result news in Nigeria, I saw this interesting photo of the Keeping Up With The Kardashian star, Seventeen-year-old Kylie Jenner. She posted on her instagram page, a picture of her posing beside a huge, well packed casper mattress. She was apparently unpacking in her new $2.7million mansion. She posted a caption with the photo that reads: 

"so much work to still be done! IM SO EXCITED. The first thing I'm gonna open are my new @casper mattresses."

The young Kardashians star is a teenage entrepreneur. She collaborated with sister Kendall on a fashion line for PacSun and shoe and handbag line for Madden Girl, among other ventures.

Presidential election result in Ekiti State, GEJ takes the lead.

According to the INEC in Ekiti state, President Jonathan won in all the 16 Local Government Areas of the State in the presidential election.

The Chief Returning Officer for the Presidential election for Ekiti State and VC of Federal University of Technology, (FUTA), Akure, Prof. Biyi Daramola said during a briefing with journalists at INEC office in Ekiti state that president Jonathan scored a total of 176,474 votes while APC presidential candidate Gen. Buhari got 120,332 votes. He PDP also won all the three senatorial seats and 6 House of Reps seats in the state

Presidential election result in Abuja so far: APC leading with 10, 853 votes.

INEC yesterday evening released results for FCT, Abuja and so far, APC is leading. APC won the Presidential election with 10,853 votes while PDP scored 7,762.

Announcing the result, the Returning Officer, Dr. Abdullahi Mohammed Evuti of the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Abuja told journalists that the council has 10 wards and the total number of registered voters is 42, 401, while accredited voters is 20, 017.

A breakdown of votes received by political parties show ACPN 14, ADC 11, APC 10, 853, NCP 25, PDP 7,762, PPN 16, UDP 03, APA 26, AA 09, KOWA 03, CPP 16, HDP 02, AD 05 and UPP 02. Source -Vanguard

INEC collation officer releases presidential result for Ogun State, see who won

The Presidential Candidate of All Progressives Congress, Gen.Muhammadu Buhari has defeated President Goodluck Jonathan in Ogun state as he polled 308,290.

Buhari won in 13 local government areas of the state while Jonathan who is the People’s Democratic Party candidate for the presidential election held on Saturday won in seven out of 20 local governments in the state.

A makeshift figure of former military ruler and presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari stands in an intersection in Kaduna on March 29, 2015. Kaduna, which had been hit hard by interreligious violence during the 2011 election, is awaiting results of the 2015 poll. 

Pres. Jonathan and Gen. Buhari appeals to Nigerians to wait patiently for INEC to collate and announce results.

Read their tweets below:

Goodmorning, please click to join me in a short prayer for Nigeria.

Oh God of creation, Nigerians praise you.

We thank you for the success of the just concluded March 28th and 29th elections and we ask that the results will be the true choice of the people. Contrary to every expectation and declaration of violence and war, the aftermath of the election results shall be peaceful. Whoever becomes our President, whether Buhari or Jonathan, Nigerians will accept the results in peace and no violence shall erupt. We pray that the souls of Nigerians who lost their lives in electoral violence or terrorist attack, rest in perfect peace. We thank you for this is a breaking of a new dawn for our country. Our new leaders will be visionary and their governance will advance   the social economy status of the people. We declare that Nigeria is blessed, and we dwell in peace and unity, AMEN.

Thank you for praying, I wish you and indeed all Nigerians a victorious and peaceful week. 

And remember you are the change you want to see in Nigeria.

#New Nigeria Dream- a dream we must all embrace... pls read this!

Congrats to Nigeria for a successful election day today. I believe day 2 will equally be successful with no violence. And after the results are out, Nigeria will be better for it. There is a new Nigeria we are all aspiring for, that dream we must all embrace, no matter who you are.

Are you are an Activist, a Politician, a Civilian, a Blogger , a Change maker, a Media house, a voice on social media, are you a Nigerian? Then one attribute we must all embrace at this time is the power of a vision/dream. The ability to see beyond our present circumstance and believe even in the face of contrary evidence that Nigeria will rise again! Nigeria will not just rise above her problems but She will rise to as the Giant of Africa and a force to be reckoned with in the world's economy. Yes we can!

Yes we can have politicians who will put up a fight, a fight not of blows, beats or for ‘National cake’ but a fight for Justice, Peace, Freedom and for the right of the very people who elected them.

Yes we can have a New Nigeria! Where the solution for over population is not daily insurgencies that leaves us with the fear of a non-existing Nation if God does not intervene. Yes I see a Nation where the attempt to solve unemployment is not death and injuries. But a Nigeria that is secured and can gainfully employ its citizens is what I see.

#CardReaderFailure: President GEJ's card could have been damaged, Jega says.

INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega says the repeated failure of the card reader to read President Jonathan's PVC at his polling unit in Otuoke, Bayelsa earlier today was a national embarrassment. He also pointed out, his card could have been damaged. He said this in an interview on NTA this night. More of what he said during the interview after the cut...

Sad story of how an all night tagged " Koboko Night" turned into a night mare for 7 ladies.

Seven ladies who went for night vigil for deliverance in a new generation church, located at 2nd Cemetery Road, Benin-City, were allegedly raped by armed bandits who stormed the church at about 4am on Thursday.

The robbers were said to have earlier raided a building near Ewuotubu community where they robbed some tenants living in four different flats in the compound. It was learnt that two persons, including a police officer, were shot dead while others sustained various degrees of injuries in the process.

I will not accept polls cancellation, Buhari says.

Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, General Mohammadu Buhari on Saturday said it would be unfair for anyone to contemplate the cancellation of the presidential polls following a few recorded hiccups.

He said that the challenges were minor to have affected the entire country.

Citing instances, the former Head of State said that what had happened in 5 States could not have presumably affected the remaining 31 State and the Federal Capital territory, Abuja.

He addressed a press conference in his private residence after he and his wife, Aisha had cast their ballots at Kofar Baru 3 in Sarkin Yara “A” in Daura Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Reported from Vanguard

Photos: This is patriotism, elderly sick man carried from hospital bed to cast his vote.

This is a very touching photo. This elderly man, who is sick shows his love for the country. He was escorted to his polling unit by his nurses who took him back to the hospital after he voted. This is highly patriotic!

Tragic: Boat capsizes killing those on board, including APC Epe LGA candidate as they return from voting.

A boat carrying a director in the Ministry of Chieftaincy affairs, Aremo Azeez Adewale, who is also the first son of Olu of Epe, Oba Sefiu Olatunji Adewale and and Muhiz Bello, a local government chairman, APC Epe candidate, capsized this afternoon as the men and others returned from a riverine area in Epe where they had gone to cast their votes. Mourners have thronged the Olu's palace in to sympathize with him.

The prince has since been buried according to Muslim rites at his house in Isasi, Epe. Muhiz Bello was married with three children. Sad. May their souls rest in peace, amen.

INEC Postpones election in 7 federal constituencies in Jigawa State.

This is confirming the news, I earlier hinted.

The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) in Jigawa state has announced the postponement of election in seven out of eleven federal constituencies. According to the resident electoral commissioner in the state, Alhaji Halliru Aliyu Tambawel, the postponement was as a result of lack of sensitive materials including ballot papers and results sheets from the Central Bank of Nigeria to be used for the elections.

He said the federal constituencies where there would be a postponement includes Dutse/Kiyawa, Ringim/ Taura, HadeJia/Kafin Hausa/Auyo, and Jahun Miga federal Constituencies of Jigawa state, others include Gumel/Maigatari/Sule tankarkar/ Gagarawa, Kaugama/Malam-madori and Gwaram Federal constituencies.

#NigeriaDecides - Photos from some polling units + update.

Featured here are photos from some polling units all over the Nation. While some units are pretty ready, a good number of polling units are yet to see the arrival of INEC staff. The report I got said the Security officers arrived in good time. One photo showed a security officer seated alone waiting for the arrival of voters and INEC officers, while many other are of voters who are waiting for INEC staff arrival. There need to be a significant improvement in the arrival of INEC staff . 

Also got some hint that in Jigawa State, the House of Representative election is been shifted for lack of material? Not yet confirmed though. See more photos after the cut.........

#ElectionPhotos: INEC staff getting some rest for the D-Day.

While we enjoyed the comfort of our bed, this was how last night went for some patriotic INEC adhoc staff . They slept over at the INEC office to enable them go early for their duties today. Today is the D-Day and I wish Nigeria a wonderful election day. May the best win and may there be peace, Amen.

I will stand by the signed peace accord - Gen. Buhari declares.

The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari on Friday reiterated his commitment to the Abuja peace Accord.

He said himself and President Goodluck Jonathan signed a new accord reinforcing their commitment to violent-free elections.

This, he said, was a follow- up to the Abuja Accord which they both signed, along with nine other party leaders, on January 14, 2015, to show “our commitment to free, fair and credible elections in our dear country.”

#NigeriaDecidesToday: What we want from our next President - Students.

Today is Election Day. Today, Nigerians will decide who will be at helm of the nation’s affairs for the next four years. Nigerian youths, who form a major part of the nation’s population, are a great determinant in the outcome of the elections. Reading their opinion, it is certain their expectation and that of most people, is for the next President not to leave the people behind.

Although for now, no one can say for sure whether President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, or General Muhammadu Buhari will win the elections, Saturday School Life, SSL, sought the views of Nigerian students to find out what they expect from the next President as well as whether they will play an active role in deciding who he will be.

Election results will be announced 48 hours after election - Jega.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega says that results from today's general election will be announced 48 hours after the elections have been concluded. So expect results on Monday March 30. He said this during a joint press briefing with the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Johnson Olawumi in Abuja yesterday, March 27th.

“For the 2015 elections, we should be able to declare results nationally within 48 hours. Our aim is to im‎prove upon our performance in 2011,” he said.

Wishing my dear country Nigeria, a peaceful, successful and violence free election day. Go out there and vote not fight.

#BeAVoice: Nigerian voices against electoral violence.

Presidential election is few hours from now. Tomorrow , Saturday the 28th of March, 2015 Nigerians will be trooping out in millions all over the States of the Federation to cast their votes and elect who the next President will be. Will it be GMB or GEJ? Anyway your vote will tell. 

No doubt this process have been laden with violence, and threats of even more devastating violence pours in from supporters of the two key politicians. There seems to be fear for the aftermath of the presidential election result. Supporters of the two key Presidential candidates, are allegedly planning to make trouble, should their candidate be on the losing side. To the effect of looming electoral crisis, Nigerians have prayed earnestly for God's intervention, and a good number of well meaning citizens  are lending their voices to a non-violence electoral process. Here are some voices raised on my face book page by patriotic Nigerians appealing to the appropriate quarters to shun every form of violence, speak up against it and fight for the peace of the Land. Nigeria is our home and we must stand up for her peace, unity and prosperity.  #VotenotFight #SayYesToNigeria #SayNoToViolence #Peace4Nigeria. Wishing all Nigerians a peaceful electoral process.  Continue for the voices and more photos:

Tony Elumelu talks surprise birthday celebration + his very inspirational thank you message..

Tony Elumelu one of Africa's richest entrepreneur and a philanthropist turned 52 years on the 22nd of March, 2015. Yesterday, he posted the first photo above which shows him and Peter Okoye of Psquare singing and wrote: 'After today's selection meeting, I walked into a surprise birthday celebration.' He also posted a very inspiring thank you message on his face book page on his birthday. Read the message after the cut........

I shall win this election because Nigerians know exactly who I am. - President GEJ

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan releases a statement, outlining his 4 years plans for Nigeria, if re-elected as the President. After a brief mention of his humble background and divine rise to presidency, he speaks about his vision for Nigeria. I see a Nigeria that works for all, he said. And for his 4 year plans, he promises to deliver growth, prosperity, peace and justice for all. Mr. President, equally trust that he will win the March 28th Presidential elections because he is confident, Nigerians know exactly who he is. Read the full statement below:

“When I was growing up in Otuoke, a small town in Bayelsa, as the son of a boat builder, life was hard. Of nine children to my parents, only two of us survived. But I had the chance to go to school. Many did not. I worked at my studies. God smiled on me. I am here today as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I tell you now: there is not a moment that I forget where I come from, or how tough life can be for so many of us.

#2015Elections: Movement restriction order as released by the Nigeria Police Force.

Read the press statement from the Nigeria Police Force below...

As part of efforts to ensure adequate security in the forthcoming general elections across all the Federation on Saturday 28th March, 2015 and 11th April, 2015, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba, CFR, NPM, NPOM, mni has ordered the restriction on vehicular movements as follows:

(i) Saturday 28th March, 2015, 8.00am – 5.00pm only.

(ii) Saturday 11th April, 2015 8.00am – 5.00pm only