Buhari presents APC Victory Flag to Tinubu 04:01 pm
President Muhammadu Buhari has presented the All Progressives Congress (APC) Victory Flag to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, winner of the just concluded party’s presidential primary election.
Tinubu shakes hands with Osinbajo as he gives his victory speech 03:02 pm
Tinubu floored other candidates to emerge the party's flagbearer as he won with 1271 votes.
After President Muhammadu Buhari returned to the arena, Tinubu went to the podium to shake hands with the Commander-in-Chief and his wife, Aisha.
Tinubu also stopped briefly to shake hands with Osinbajo and exchanged a few words.
In his victory speech, Tinubu admonished Nigerians to love each other beyond religious differences. He added that progress is not about killing one another.
Tinubu speaking after his victory 03:01 pm
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu speaking after his victory at the APC Primaries.
The moment Tinubu was declared the 2023 presidential candidate of the APC 02:58 pm
Tinubu wins 02:13 pm
Tinubu secures 1271 votes to emerge as APC presidential candidate
Jubilation as Tinubu obtains highest votes 01:40 pm
Results so far 01:16 pm [UPDATED]
Tinubu - 1271
Ahmed Lawan - 152 votes
David Umahi - 38
Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima - 4
Emeka Nwajiuba - 1
Amaechi - 316
Osinbajo - 235
Yahaya Bello - 47
Tein Jack-Rich - 0
Tunde Bakare - 0
Rocha Okorocha - 0
Ikeobasi Mokelu - 0
Ben Ayade - 37
Ogbonnanya Onu - 1
Void - 13
Tinubu jumps into early lead as vote sorting begins 10:02 am
Tinubu’s name was mentioned more often as organisers of the party’s presidential primaries at Eagle Square sorted 2 ballot boxes out of 40.
Rochas and Bakare score zero votes on the first ballot box 09:23 am
Rochas Okorocha and Tunde Bakare get zero vote from the first ballot box. 39 more ballot boxes to be opened.
Here's the likely winner of APC presidential ticket 09: 20 am
Going into the convention, the contest was reduced to a four horse race as the likes of Bola Tinubu, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi were expected to share the largest chunk of the votes.
However, the convention got off to a surprising start as aspirants began to pull out of the race and threw their weights behind fellow aspirants.
Opening the floodgate of withdrawal was the former Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio, followed by Senator Ibikunle Amosun, a former Ogun state Governor.
Ekiti state Governor, Kayode Fayemi, former House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, Senator Ajayi Boroffice from Ondo state, Jigawa state Governor, Abubakar Badaru, and the only female aspirant, Uju Ken-Ohanenye also joined the withdrawal train.
All the aforementioned aspirants have all declared their support and endorsement for Tinubu.
Tinubu leads the polls on first ballot box 08:52 am
90 percent of the votes announced so far goes his way.
First ballot box cut open 08:44 am
The first ballot box has been cut open. Sorting has started.
Agents to introduce themselves 08:29 am
Aspirants' agents are asked to come forward to introduce themselves and name the aspirants they represent before the sorting starts.
Sorting and vote counting about to commence 08:14 am
It's all set. The committee is about to count the votes as we get closer to unveiling the APC presidential flag bearer for the 2023 general elections.
Voting ends 08:08 am
Voting has ended. Ballot boxes being taken to the place where the votes will be sorted and counted.
Ekiti State delegates approach the polls to cast their votes 06:40 am
It's the turn of 48 accredited delegates from Ekiti State to vote.
Oshiomhole leads Edo State delegates to vote 06:28 am
Former National Chairman of the APC and former Gov of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole leads Edo delegates to vote.
Enugu Delegates proceeding for voting 06:14 am
Voting continues this morning 6:00 am
12:01: Professor Yemi Osinbajo has the podium
The only thing missing from this moment is the DJ playing 'Dior' by Ruger to mark the occasion.
11:59: Uju Ohanenye dances onto the stage
She then says, "I decided to come onboard because I feel Nigeria needs a mother."
As she rounds out, the DJ plays the classic, 'Sweet Mother.' Before she steps down for Tinibu.
11:39: Yahaya Bello calls for a minute silence for the lives lost in Owo, Ondo State
He then says, "We might be playing politics today but let's think about the future."
11:30: Yahaya Bello addresses the APC convention
The Kogi State governor, who earlier raised hell on the APC over his exclusion, addresses the convention.
11:18: Atiku fires shots at the APC
The PDP Presidential flagbearer tweeted, "The APC can gloss over everything, but not its scorecard for the mandate Nigerians gave to the party. The 2023 elections will be a referendum on the failed policies of the administration."
11:20: Nicholas Felix steps down for Osinbajo
Nicholas Felix, the man who came third during the 2019 general elections has stepped down for Professor Yemi Osinbajo, becoming the first person to do so.
11:09: Amaechi brags on stage
The former Rivers State governor said, "I am the most experienced of all the candidates. If you vote for me, I will improve the economy."
10:48: Pastor Tunde Bakare steps up
He says, "“I’m not here to step down for anyone. I respect all the aspirants… I am here by the grace of God to step up, with the help of the delegates, as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."
Well, that's quite the statement.
10:45: Amosun, Fayemi, Boroface, Bankole, Akpabio, Badaru step down for Tinubu
All of the supposed rivals are stepping down for the political stalwart. Are we seeing a landslide victory?
10:28: Peter Obi wants Nigerian youths to get their PVC
Labour Party's flagbearer tweeted, "Dear Nigerian Youths, as you listen to the aspirants of the ruling party jostle for their party's ticket, think and ask if they can offer tomorrow what they could not provide in 7 years; and if you are doing better than you were seven years ago. -PO #getyourpvc."
Ahmad Lawan addresses the convention 9:17pm
The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan is on stage to address and solicit the support of the delegates ahead of the voting process.
Bola Tinubu addresses the convention 9:05pm
Former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu has just addressed delegates and other stakeholders at the convention. He reeled out his resume and urged the delegates to vote for as the party's flag-bearer.
Music break 8:40pm
As aspirants get set to address the delegates, the convention is being serenaded with musical performance from various artistes including Sir, Shina Peters.
Bagudu addresses the convention 8:23pm
The Chairman of the Election Management Committee, Governor Bagudu is now addressing the convention.
Omisore gives report card 8:17pm
The National Secretary of the APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has stepped on to the stage to reel out the report card of the party.
He's flanked on both sides by other members of the National Working Committee of the party.
Abdullahi Adamu to make welcome address 8:01pm
The National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu has mounted the podium to make his welcome address to the convention.
He's accompanied to the stage by members of the National Working Committee.
Bola Tinubu arrives Eagle Square 7:45pm
Frontline Presidential aspirant, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, mobbed by supporters as he makes his entrance into the APC convention ground.
President Buhari, Senate President, Speaker all arrive at the convention ground 7:35pm
President Muhammadu Buhari, First Lady Aisha Buhari, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila have all arrived at the convention ground.
Kebbi State Governor on party duty at the convention 6:40pm
The Chairman of Progressives Governors' Forum and Kebbi state Governor, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu getting busy with some party task as more bigwigs make their way into the convention ground.
Plateau and Zamfara state Governors arrive the convention venue 6:36pm
The Governors of Plateau and Zamfara states, Simon Lalong and Bello Matawalle have arrived the Eagle Square, venue of the APC presidential primary.
Governor Yahaya Bello enters the convention ground 5:42PM
kogi State Governor and presidential aspirant, Yahaya Bello has made his way into the convention ground as we move ever closer to the commencement of voting.
Bello is fancies his chances of clinching the ticket having rejected all entreaties from his colleague governors from the north to opt out of the race to allow a southern candidate to emerge.
Accreditations concluded 50:30MPM
The Accreditation Committee has completed the screening of 2,322 delegates that are expected to vote in the primary. All is now set for voting to start in the nex hour.
Senator Tanko Al-Makura arrives the convention ground 05:20 pm
Former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, in the company of some party members, walks into the convention ground.
Al-Makura has been part of the Tinubu campaign trail and is believed to be throwing his weight behind the former Lagos state Governor for the ticket.
Crowd cheers as Oshiomole walks in 04:47 pm
The crowd cheers as former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, comrade Adams Oshiomhole arrives at the convention ground.
Lai Mohammed arrives 04:44 pm
Minister of information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed arrives at the Eagle Square for the APC Special Convention.
EFCC officials storm APC Special Convention 04:44 pm
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) on Tuesday stormed the Eagle Square venue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Special Convention in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the officials went round the convention venue before finally they took strategic positions.
Delegates from Lagos State walks in 04:29 pm
Akwa-Ibom delegates protest stoppage of state accreditation over court order 04:09 pm
PHOTOS: Delegates from various states 04:06 pm
APC will come out stronger, united – Delegates 03:56 pm
Delegates to the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja have expressed optimism that the party will come out stronger and more united after Tuesday’s Special National Convention.
A cross section of the delegates told NAN on Tuesday at Eagle Square, venue of the historic event that they were hopeful that the party would also win the 2023 general elections.
Alhaji Sama’ila Ibrahim, from Kano State said, “APC will be more united after the primary election.
“This is because, the leaders and members of the party are real patriots, committed to the growth and development of democracy.”
Senator Ganiyu Solomon arrives at the convention ground 03:43 pm
Former Lagos West Senator, Ganiyu Olarewaju Solomon (GOS) arrives at the convention ground.
Afrimedia Theatre Group performing at the entrance of the Eagle Square 03:35 pm
Excluding me on ballot is a recipe for crisis – Yahaya Bello 03:17 pm
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has warned the All Progressives Congress, APC, that excluding his name on the ballot in today’s convention to elect the party’s presidential flag bearer for the 2023 election will be a recipe for trouble.
Describing himself as a leading aspirant that would win overwhelmingly if the process is transparent and credible, Bello said the only thing that could make him not contest the presidential primary is only if President Muhammadu Buhari tells him to step down.
Speaking to State House correspondents after meeting behind closed doors with the President, Bello said that the APC will retain power at the center if only it plays by the rules.
“Getting into the arena today, I will win overwhelmingly if the process is credible,” he enthused.
More delegates make their way into the convention ground 03:04 pm
South West leaders locked in a last ditch meeting to choose a consensus candidate 02:53 pm
Multiples sources claim leaders from the South-West geopolitical zone may have narrowed their options to one aspirant at the APC presidential primaries.
There are also claims that multiple candidates will be stepping down later as we inch closer to the commencement of voting
Delegate arriving...The stage is set - 02:20 pm
Northern Governors recommend Tinubu, Amaechi, Osibanjo, Fayemi and Umahi - 01:58 pm
Chairman of the Northern Governor's Forum, Simon Lalung says the forum has recommended five of the 23 aspirants contesting for the APC presidential ticket. According to Lalung, in his interview with Channels TV, Bola Tinubu, Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, Dave Umahi, and Yemi Osibanjo are their recommendations for the APC delegates to consider.
Rivers State APC delegates getting accreditation at ICC 01:35 pm
EFCC storms APC convention on secret operation, source says 01:24 pm
PUNCH reports that a top-ranking source has confirmed that the agency is currently on a secret operation at the Eagle square to monitor delegates' inducement at the APC presidential primary
Only 13 candidates have been shortlisted - APC 1:15pm
According to the All Progressive Congress, 28 contenders bought the presidential nomination forms, but following the screening exercise, the list was pruned and only 13 have been shortlisted. These candidates include;
Chukwuemeja Nwajiuba
Badaru Abubakar
David Umahi
Ibikunle Amosun
Bola Tinubu
Rotimi Amaechi
Kayode Fayemi
Godswill Akpabio
Yemi Osinbajo
Yahaya Bello
Tein Jack-Rich
Ogbonnaya Onu
Ahmad Lawan.
APC governors and NWC have also recommended five hopefuls.
Pulse Nigeria's correspondent gets accredited 01:12 pm
Our correspondent, Bayo Wahab gets accredited at the APC presidential primaries.
Journalists struggling to get press tags 01:06 pm
Delegates names reportedly swapped, some removed 12:54 pm
Reports claim names of APC delegates has been swapped and probably changed with new ones while others have been removed. A delegate from Enugu state accused IMO state governor, Hope Uzodinma of tampering with the delegates list
More APC Delegates get accredited at ICC 12:30 pm
Umahi, Lawan not among the favourites to win 12:20 pm
Reports coming in have it that three frontline aspirants will slug it out for the ticket. The three candidates tipped to win are Bola Tinubu, Yemi Osibanjo and Rotimi Amaechi.
APC primaries: Chaos as Journalist accreditation is halted 12:17 pm
According to our correspondent on ground, the accreditation exercise had kicked off at 10am, in Rayfield Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja, as journalists were being directed to register their names and organisations.
At about 10:50am, the Chairman of the accreditation committee, announced that the central APC accreditation committee, chaired by Ovie Omo-Agege, asked him to stop the exercise. He further directed that journalists find their ways to the International Conference Centre for accreditation.
The direction was however withdrawn 30 minutes after it was issued, and journalists, who had already relocated to the ICC were asked to return to Rayfield Hotel.
Scuffle over substitution of trained ad-hod staff for the accreditation committee 11:38 am
Twitter user @DOlusegun claims the trained adhoc staff of the accreditation committee has been replaced with new people.
He made a tweet discrediting videos that claimed Osibanjo and Tinubu supporters clashed at the APC Presidential primaries. His tweet read, "We had an issue with the membership of the ad hoc staff of the accreditation committee because young people who were trained yesterday were suddenly replaced today. H.E Governor Dapo Abiodun the Chairman of the accreditation committee has resolved it and allowed them work"
Accreditation to take place in the first venue 11:35am
Pulse Nigeria's reporter claims accreditation is likely take place at the first venue. Reporters were at Rayfield initially but were told to go to ICC for accreditation. Later, they were told to remain at Rayfield for the accreditation.
Delegates from Lagos State in queue to get accredited 11:24am
Group urges APC delegates to vote Osinbajo 11:10am
A group, “Nigerian Youths Decide 2023,” has appealed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) delegates to vote Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as the party’s flag bearer in order to ensure good governance.
The group made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during a rally ahead of the convention.
Mr Makama Paul, Chairman of the group, said it was high time, credible, young, talented and visionary individuals took over the mantle of leadership in order to boost economic and democratic development of the country.
Paul said that the 2023 elections was not do or die, but about good leadership with prospects of unity, sustainable progress and development of the country.
He maintained that meaningful development could only be achieved in an atmosphere of love, peace and unity, saying that Osinbajo’s “enviable wisdom, vibrancy, and humility, a better future is possible for Nigeria.
Views from the Eagle Square, Abuja, as APC is set to hold its presidential primary 11:10am
Media accreditation to hold at the International Conference Centre 10:52 am
Accreditation not holding here again. The Chairman accreditation committee just announced that the central accreditation committee asked him to stop the exercise now, that journalists should find their ways to the International Conference Centre for accreditation.
Media accreditation about to start as journalists are asked to write their names 10:30 am
Newsmen commence accreditation as they wait to be allowed into the venue for media coverage.
Abuja agog as 2,322 delegates elect APC presidential flag bearer 10:15 am
Abuja is agog as no fewer than 2,322 delegates from 36 states and the FCT have converged on the city to elect a flag bearer for the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the 2023 general elections.
23 aspirants are jostling to clinch the coveted position, although efforts were made by the party led by President Muhammadu Buhari to select a consensus candidate, all that has now fell through.
In North West, a state by state analysis of the delegates shows that Kano has 132; Kaduna, 69; Katsina, 102; Kebbi, 63; Jigawa, 81; Sokoto, 69, while Zamfara has 42.
In North East, Taraba has 48; Bauchi, 60; Adamawa, 63; Gombe, 33; Borno, 81, while Yobe has 51 delegates.
Similarly, in South East, Abia has 51 delegates, Anambra, 63; Ebonyi, 39; Enugu, 51 and Imo, 81.
In South West, Lagos has 60; Ogun, 60; Ondo, 54; Ekiti, 48; Oyo, 99 and Osun, 90.
In South South, Akwa Ibom has 93; Cross River, 54; Bayelsa, 24; Delta, 75; Rivers, 69 and Edo has 57.
In North Central, Kwara has 48; Kogi, 63; Niger, 75; Nasarawa, 39; Plateau, 51; Benue, 66, while FCT has 18.
The Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, Gov. Abubakar Atiku of Kebbi State, who is also the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, has promised a hitch free exercise.
NAN observed that, while all major hotels in the city and its environs had been fully booked, there had been a spike in vehicular traffic.
APC primary: How Tinubu, Osinbajo, others may share delegates’ votes 10:09 am
The stage is set for the All Progressives Congress (APC)'s convention holding at the Eagle Square, Abuja on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, as delegates and party stakeholders would determine the the fate of over 20 aspirants in the race.
These candidates include the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and the President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan.
The odds in favour of Osinbajo
Osinbajo is the Vice President and his relationship with the president is believed to be very smooth and cordial.
The VP according to a recent poll is largely the most preferred aspirant and considering his relationship with the president, coupled with his readiness to continue the policy of the administration he has been a part of for over seven years.
Osinbajo is from the Southwest region of Nigeria and it’s believed that his region is ready to support his ambition.
As a Vice President, Osinbajo is also believed to have made friends with the North and is in a position to reap from some of his friends in the region.
It is also believed that votes from Nasarawa and Ogun States could shore up the VP’s chances.
How Tinubu may emerge
Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a National leader of the ruling party and former governor of Lagos State, he's is one of the frontline aspirants who is believed to be a political leader to many politicians in the country.
Due to his popularity among politicians across the country, Tinubu reportedly has the support of most of the APC-controlled states. In the south, he is believed to be in absolute control of delegates from Lagos and Osun State.
According to projections by Daily Trust, Tinubu would likely sweep the votes from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Sokoto, Lagos, Osun, Niger, Adamawa, Bauchi, Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Edo, Delta and Zamfara.
Also, out of the 13 northern governors pushing for a power shift to the South, at least 11 are said to be rooting for him.
What are Amaechi’s chances?
The Minister of Transportation, Amaechi hails from the south-south region. Before the conversation on consensus candidate was laid to rest, he is one of the aspirants whom many believe enjoys Buhari’s attention and could be anointed as the president’s preferred candidate.
As a former Governor of Rivers State, Amaechi will most likely get the votes from Rivers delegates.
Apart from his state and maybe other South-South states, the minister seems to have been able to secure the votes of Plateau state’s delegates.
During his meeting with the state governor, Simon Lalong and stakeholders in May, Lalong promised that Amaechi would reap from Plateau because he helped him to become the state governor.
If this promise is anything to go by, the bloc votes from Plateau may prove crucial for the former Rivers Governor.
Ahmad Lawan stands a good chance
The Senate President is the only northerner among the four frontline aspirants. His position as the leader of the National Assembly has remarkably helped him in pushing his presidential ambition.
The controversial announcement of the National Chairman of the party that Lawan is the party's consensus candidate on Monday may also work in his favour.
That singular development showed that Lawan is a big contender who enjoys the support of the party’s national Chairman.
Also, the Southeast caucus of the party seemed to have adopted him as their consensus candidate, so there's a big probability that he'd sweep the bloc votes from the five states in the region.
Add that to the votes he may also get from his state, Yobe, the Senate President may like pull a rabbit out of the hat.
APC Primaries: Tinubu, 4 others make final list of candidates for party’s ticket 09:33 am
APC National leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and about 4 other aspirants from Southern Nigeria have been included in a shortlist of candidates to be considered by President Muhammadu Buhari for the party’s prized 2023 presidential ticket.
Sources reveal that the other candidates shortlisted include; Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.