#Nigeria2015: APC presidential primaries

At least 8,000 delegates of the All Progressives Congress [APC] are gathering at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos today – Wednesday – to pick the party’s flag-bearer for the February 14 presidential election.

The delegates, both elected and statutory, drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, will choose from the five aspirants who are asking to be the party’s candidate for the election.
The aspirants are (in alphabetical order) former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; a former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari; governor of Kano State, Rabi’u Kwankwaso; his Imo State counterpart, Rochas Okorocha and the publisher of Leadership newspapers, Sam Nda-Isaiah.

Whoever of the five is selected at the primaries will face President Goodluck Jonathan, who is being ratified later today in Abuja as the candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party [PDP], having earlier been chosen the party’s sole candidate.

In the last three months, the five candidates have traversed the country selling their programmes to party supporters ahead of today’s presidential primary.

So far, their campaigns have been decent, apparently in adherence to the party’s stern directive asking them not to engage in mudslinging and character assassination.

Discreet attempts by some party leaders to pick a consensus candidate among the aspirants were unsuccessful. All five contenders preferred to go into today’s contest, believing they could secure victory in a credible primary.

PREMIUM TIMES’ reporters, at Teslim Balogun Stadium, will bring in live updates and analyses of events at the APC convention.

LIVEBLOG

13.32
It's a carnival atmosphere outside the Teslim Balogun Stadium with supporters of Atiku dancing to loud music.

13.34
Sources at the venue of the convention have told PREMIUM TIMES that Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha and Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso would step down for Muhammadu Buhari later tonight. We are yet to confirm this at the moment.

13.35
Apart from the main podium, a smaller one is also erected nearby and various music instruments have been set up there. It looks like, there will be lots of dancing today. Whether that would be before or after the election is not clear, but it seems certain there will be some partying tonight, here at Surulere. The Song, Surulere by the Mavins is playing as we write this update.

13.36
Chairman of APC National Convention Committee, Kayode Fayemi, his deputy, Kawu Baraje, and other members of the committee just arrived Teslim Balogun Stadium, venue of the convention and are going round to inspect the arena and make final arrangements. Delegates have also begun trickling in. The venue, at the moment, is mostly populated by Journalists and their “friends”, security agents.

14.25
Outside the Teslim Balogun stadium, in Lagos, traffic is building up as delegates add to the already congested city.

15.16

The accreditation of delegates from the South Western states.

16.23

Its past four pm in Lagos and We keep getting reports that various interest groups are meeting to forge alliances and find consensus.

The latest information coming in is that Sam Nda Isaiah has stepped down for Muhammad Buhari.

The initial reports we received is that the duo of Governors Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rochas Okorocha have stepped down, although, Kwankwaso’s deputy, Ganduje has posted a tweet to say his principal is still in the race.

Meanwhile, the Convention Planning Committee has provided Reporters with free Internet Wifi, at the press gallery.

16.58

The Policemen guarding the ballot boxes have just been relieved by a new set of policemen. they deserve the break. they stood under the sun all.

17.12

Another good aspect of the ‪#‎APCconvention‬ is that delegates biometrics are taken before being issued tags. Kills manipulation. Sani Tukur

At least 8,000 delegates of the All Progressives Congress [APC] are gathering at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos today – Wednesday – to pick the party’s flag-bearer for the February 14 presidential election.

The delegates, both elected and statutory, drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, will choose from the five aspirants who are asking to be the party’s candidate for the election.

The aspirants are (in alphabetical order) former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; a former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari; governor of Kano State, Rabi’u Kwankwaso; his Imo State counterpart, Rochas Okorocha and the publisher of Leadership newspapers, Sam Nda-Isaiah.

Whoever of the five is selected at the primaries will face President Goodluck Jonathan, who is being ratified later today in Abuja as the candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party [PDP], having earlier been chosen the party’s sole candidate.

In the last three months, the five candidates have traversed the country selling their programmes to party supporters ahead of today’s presidential primary.

So far, their campaigns have been decent, apparently in adherence to the party’s stern directive asking them not to engage in mudslinging and character assassination.

Discreet attempts by some party leaders to pick a consensus candidate among the aspirants were unsuccessful. All five contenders preferred to go into today’s contest, believing they could secure victory in a credible primary.

PREMIUM TIMES’ reporters, at Teslim Balogun Stadium, will bring in live updates and analyses of events at the APC convention.
LIVEBLOG

13.32
It's a carnival atmosphere outside the Teslim Balogun Stadium with supporters of Atiku dancing to loud music.

14.25
Outside the Teslim Balogun stadium, in Lagos, traffic is building up as delegates add to the already congested city.

15.16

The accreditation of delegates from the South Western states.

17.26
From Tinubu to delegates, through Twitter
You came not just as party members from your particular states or communities. You came here as representatives of a new Nigeria.
As APC, we cannot afford to squander this moment. We cannot afford to look history in the face then turn our back to it.
Let that which you do here not only be recorded as a high moment for the party but also as an inspiring turning point for our country.
Welcome to Lagos and welcome to your convention, the convention for the people.
During this convention, the history of our beloved nation is to be rewritten for the better.

17.28
Deputy Governor of Kano State, Umar Ganduje, has just tweeted, saying his boss, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is still in the APC Presidential race. Mr. Ganduje tweeted perhaps to debunk speculations that Governor Kwankwaso had stepped down.

17.28
Police officers relieving their colleagues who has been standing under the sun all day.

17.44
Ushers filing into the election venue to help coordinate the delegates. Notice the police officers guarding the ballot boxes are now sitting.

17.44
With the sun rapidly setting, delegates have began trickling into the main bowl of the Teslim Balogun Stadium to go and seat on their states designated seating areas. Not unexpectedly, Lagos state delegates were the first to come in.

18.12
Presidential aspirant, Sam Nda-Isaiah just told PREMIUM TIMES he has not stepped down for anybody. "It is a lie, I remain very much in the race," he said.

18.20
The Master of Ceremony, Abike Dabiri, has finally called on all delegates to come into the Stadium and take their seats as proceedings will soon commence!

18.42

LETTER TO THE DELEGATES OF ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS, APC, DURING THE NATIONAL DELEGATES CONVENTION

My Dear Delegates,

As you gather for our convention, please remember that history, change and the hopes of Nigeria are there with you. They are there to ask you to perform according to your best judgment and patriotic conscience. I also ask you to do the same.

We seek a new Nigeria. It starts with us. It starts today. I have placed myself before you seeking your help to nominate me as your standard bearer for our progressive party, APC.

Personal ambition does not drive me in this regard. I seek to be the next president of our beloved nation because I believe I have something to offer Nigeria at this time of multiple crises. Insecurity, corruption, and economic collapse have brought the nation low. Time is past due that we work together to lift Nigeria up. I am ready to lead Nigeria to its rightful future.

I have always served Nigeria to the best of my ability. I have always tried to give more to the nation than it has given me. This is the principle of service that has guided my public life. Thus, I am not a rich person. I can’t give you a pocketful of dollars or naira to purchase your support. Even if I could, I would not do so. The fate of this nation is not up for sale.

What I will give you, and this nation is all of my strength, commitment, sweat and toil in the service of the people. What I can give you is my all.

I do not intend to rule Nigeria. I want to democratically govern it with your help. I seek a Nigeria where Christians and Muslims may practise their faiths in peace and security; a Nigeria that is just and where corruption no longer trespasses into our institutions and national behavior and a Nigeria where our diversity could be used for our national prosperity.

Nigeria is our home. Let us now turn it into the great nation we know it can and should be.

I thank you all

Muhammadu Buhari (RTD) GCFR

18.43
APC is about to start voting. Chairman of National convention committee, Kayode Fayemi, walked into the stadiium with mmbers of his committee, moments ago.

18.48
AGAIN SAM NDA ISAIAH REFUTES RUMOURS ALLEGING HIS STEPPING DOWN, INSISTS THAT I AM IN THE RACE TO THE END

It seems that the stories allegedly making the rounds that the publisher of the Leadership Newspapers and APC presidential candidate, Sam Nda Isaiah had stepped down for General Muhammadu Buhari is untrue.

This rumour has been refuted in a press statement released by the Director of Publicity, Mr. Igboeli Arinze.

Mr. Arinze who described the story as wicked and untrue blamed Sahara Reporters and the Nigerian Television Authority which had also tweeted the rumour.

“I wish to state that at no point in time, now or in the past was it ever considered by our principal that he would step down for any aspirant, so those spreading such rumours are only wasting their time as the stories have no truth in them.

Again, before such rumours began receiving propagation, I had expected those who used it to have reached out to us here to either confirm or get the repudiation, it is the social responsibility of these media houses, but unfortunately they did not do so and went on to publish it.

As Director of Publicity of the Sam Nda-Isaiah Campaign Organisation I wish to refute these stories making the rounds that Mr. Nda Isaiah has stepped down for any aspirant, Mr. Nda Isaiah is in the race and he is in the race to win. We are hereby refuting this story and are also calling on the media houses that used it to retract it.”

18.50
The announcer, former musician, Tony OneWeek, just announced that the event would now start at 8:00 p.m. He said that the event has been divided into two parts, the first part featuring entertainers like Tony Tetuila, Jay Martin, 9nice.

19.07
PROGRAMME OF EVENTSBased on the programme of events lined up at the National Convention, the Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee, Kayode Fayemi, will give a brief welcome address after the opening prayer. The National Chairman of the APC, John Oyegun, will then deliver the “State of the Party Address” and also unveil the party’s General Election Manifesto. The National Chairman’s presentation will be followed by some goodwill messages, after which all the aspirants would be given 10 minutes each to address delegates. After the speeches by the aspirants, the presidential primary election will follow after which the results will be declared. After the declaration of results, the party will then handover the General Election Manifesto to the winning presidential candidate. Once that is done, the winner will then deliver his acceptance speech. The national Convention would be rounded up with closing prayer and vote of thanks sometime on Thursday.

19.46
Comedian Seyi Law steps on stage as the first entertainer of the night.

19.51

It is now the turn of the Gongo Aso master, 9ice to thrill the audience at Teslim Balogun with a rendition of one of his songs “No bi mistake”. Its almost 8 clock and proceedings are yet to commence, although dignitaries continue to file into the Stadium Lagos state governor, Babatunde Fashola just arrived.

20.02
The Governors have started arriving. Borno’s Kashim Shettima, who was here earlier but stepped out to pray just returned to the arena, just as Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto also came in.

20.03
The crowd just went wild and ecstatic with the performance of the hit song "Street credibility" by 9nice.

20.09
We are still having a taste of 9ice and his street credibility - Sani Tukur

20.26
Dinner is been served at the APC convention venue in Lagos to all delegates.

20.28
Tony Tetuila is now the one singing “Tinubu you don hit my car"

20.30
Some Governors Including Kashim Shettima of Borno, Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers, Aliyu Wammako of Sokoto and other dignitaries are now going round the various delegates sitting area to “Hail” them.

20.36
Also part of the “hailing” group are the governors of Nasarawa Tanko Almakura, Ogun, Ibikunle Amosun, Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara, and Adams Oshiomhole of Edo

21.13
Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso returns to Kano, from the APC presidential primary in Lagos, after two female suicide bombers killed at least six people in the northern city, Kano Deputy Governor Abdullahi Ganduje says. Mr. Kwankwaso remains in the race for the APC presidential ticket nonetheless, Mr. Ganduje adds.

21.24
Second round of relieve for Police Officers guarding the ballot boxes is happening now.

21.34
A documentary of the achievements and projects in APC governed states is currently showing on large screens in the stadium.

22.23
One of the five aspirants; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has arrived the venue of the convention.

22.27
Buhari writes APC delegates, “I don’t have dollars to give you but I will give my all to Nigeria"My Dear Delegates, As you gather for our convention, please remember that history, change and the hopes of Nigeria are there with you. They are there to ask you to perform according to your best judgment and patriotic conscience. I also ask you to do the same. We seek a new Nigeria. It starts with us. It starts today. I have placed myself before you seeking your help to nominate me as your standard bearer for our progressive party, APC. Personal ambition does not drive me in this regard. I seek to be the next president of our beloved nation because I believe I have something to offer Nigeria at this time of multiple crises. Insecurity, corruption, and economic collapse have brought the nation low. Time is past due that we work together to lift Nigeria up. I am ready to lead Nigeria to its rightful future. I have always served Nigeria to the best of my ability. I have always tried to give more to the nation than it has given me. This is the principle of service that has guided my public life. Thus, I am not a rich person. I can’t give you a pocketful of dollars or naira to purchase your support. Even if I could, I would not do so. The fate of this nation is not up for sale. What I will give you, and this nation is all of my strength, commitment, sweat and toil in the service of the people. What I can give you is my all. I do not intend to rule Nigeria. I want to democratically govern it with your help. I seek a Nigeria where Christians and Muslims may practise their faiths in peace and security; a Nigeria that is just and where corruption no longer trespasses into our institutions and national behavior and a Nigeria where our diversity could be used for our national prosperity. Nigeria is our home. Let us now turn it into the great nation we know it can and should be. I thank you all Muhammadu Buhari (RTD) GCFR

22.37
Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, returning to the State Box after going to exchange pleasantries with delegates from Sokoto State.

22.48
The national Chairman of the APC, John Oyegun and one of the presidential aspirant Rochas Okorocha just arrived Teslim Balogun Stadium.

23.03
General Muhammadu Buhari and Kano governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have also just arrived venue of the Primary election. Kano Deputy governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, had earlier announced Kwankwaso was returning to Kano after two female suicide boombers caused mayhem in the state.

23.07
APC convention begins proper with the rendition of the National Anthem!

23.08
Olabiyi Durojaiye and Bala Na’Allah now offering the opening prayer.

23.21

The Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, kayode Fayemi is now giving his welcome remark.
"Convention is a good opportunity for the APC to demonstrate its democratic credentials. “Today we will show the spirit of sportsmanship and the love for the greater good that has been the pillars of this party. “Today we will show Nigerians that it is possible for patriots from all nooks and crannies of this contrite congregate to determine an outcome on a crucial issue. “We will leave this venue stronger and more united as a party. “ APC represents the first real opportunity for an opposition party to mount a viable challenge for power."

23.29
“I am pleased to inform that all our presidential aspirants are eminently qualified to bring about the change we all desire in our country” - Fayemi

23.40
Excerpts from Ogbonnaya Onu's speechI'm very happy and highly honoured to stand before you on this special day that history is being made. For 16 years, we have seen that the the problem they inherited they have been unable to solve them. A time for change has come and APC is the vehicle which Nigeria will use for that change. There is great hope that with APC in government we would be able to secure our great country. The young in Nigeria hope is on the way change is coming. We are already doing this in many of the states that we control. The difference between the APC and the PDP is the difference between light and day. I called on Nigerians not to make a choice of continuing the way it has been in the past 16 years. If that is not desirable, Nigerian should vote for the APC. Nigeria should vote for the APC. This is the first time that an opposition party controls 14 states and out of those 14 states, we control the two most populous -- Lagos and Kano. What is happening today is an eye opener for most people. This is a party that means well for our great nation. As the chairman of the screening committee, I want to assure Nigerians that these men have what it takes to take Nigeria out of its present problems. I thank you so much and may the Almighty God bless our APC and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

23.45
Excerpts from Fashola's speech

My duty today is simple yet is the one that excite me greatly. As I welcome you to Lagos I'm welcoming you to change. I welcome you back to the epicentre of nationalism. to the home of change. I welcome you back to where the plan of nigerian was hatched as a place of possibility.

Because I believe that promises must be kept. The list of promises are long as the list of disappointments. if we go through some of these promises you will discover that none of them have been fulfiled.

There was promise to complete the Second Niger Bridge, there was a promise to resuscitate all industries in Kano. there was a promise to reduce the importation of importation. There was the promise to complete the road leading to the Muritala Mohammed Airport.

There was a promise to complete Ilesha water scheme, there was a promise to play politics without bitterness. As if the promises were not bad enough, they have lost parts of Nigeria and in spite of these that party and the president are coming back and making more promises.

Today we all have the responsibility to replace promises to promises that can be actualised.

One man would have that opportunity to implement that manifesto and bring the change we desire. what we have promised to do is important. we gather to elect the potential leader for the most populous nation in Africa.

23.48
Chairman of APC, John Oyegun, is currently delivering his speech. He is mainly presenting the party's manifestos, just as he boasts that all the APC presidential aspirants are better that the incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan.

23.55
Excerpts from Oyegun's presentation

“ Let me begin by welcoming Chief Bernabas Gemade, who is attending his first National Convention of our great party as a member”.

“ Only one of five aspirants will be elected, yet all are winners because they have all pledged to work with the winner as if they are the flag bearer.

“They are winners because they love Nigeria and our great party, more than they love their individual aspiration.

“ As you proceed to exercise your power today, I want you to do so with every sense of responsibility because you are engaged with a historical responsibility.

“Know that this vote you cast may change your future and the future of Children yet unborn."

23.58
Muiz Banire, the national Legal Adviser of the APC has coordinated the ratification of the Manifesto based on Article 13 (1). Dikko Umaru seconded the motion moved by the National Legal Adviser. The legal Adviser put the question to the crowd and the Ayes had it.

00.03
Just before the voting starts, there will be goodwill messages. First, from former chairman of the ANPP, Ogbonnaya Onu. His will be followed by Bola Tinubu, Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, and two others.

00.22
Excerpts from Ogbonnaya Onu's speech
I'm very happy and highly honoured to stand before you on this special day that history is being made. for 16 year we have seen that the the problem they inherited they have been unable to solve them. A time for change has come and APC is the vehicle which nIgeria will use for that change. there is great hope that with APC in government we would be able to secure our great country. thee young in Nigeria hope is on the way change is coming. we are already doing this in many of the states that we control. the difference between the AOC and the PDP is the difference between light and day. I called on Nigerian to make a choice of continuing the the way it has been in the past 16 years. if that is not desirable nigerian should vote for the APC. Nigeria should vote for the APC. This is the first time that an opposition party controls 14 states and out of those 14 states we control the two most populous Lagos and Kano.
What is happening today is an eye opener for most people. This is a party that means well for our great nation. as the chairman of the screening committee I want to assure Nigerians that these men have what it takes to take nigeria out of its present problems. I thank you so much and may the Almighty God bless our APC and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

00.28
The Speaker of The House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to gave the next goodwill message.

Mr. Tambuwal began his remarks by commending the National convention planning Committee and all delegates for leaving their comfort zones to come and work for the progress of Nigeria.

“Together we are yet again making history. the coming of the legacy party is a big sacrifice, but it is worth it.

“The most credible alternative to what we have in Abuja today is the APC”

“APC is the party for today, tomorrow and the Future.

"All Nigerians committed to democracy and the peaceful co-existence of this country should come together to vote our the malfunction and incompetent administration that we have in Abuja today.

”We all need to get a Nigeria that we can all call our own, not what is happening today where some part of Nigeria is being taken away by Boko Haram.

“the APC can and will arrest this situation almost immediately after coming into office.

“To all aspirants, we shall come together and work in unison to face the challenge ahead of us.

“Nigerians should come out en masse and support the candidate of the APC.

“What we have witness in the last six years is very sour inner mouth, we must come together to salvage Nigeria".

00.33
The economic doom Nigeria now faces will be wiped away by the APC cure - TinubuTinubu has just delivered his goodwill message. Like others, he advised party members to support whoever wins.

00.43
Excerpts from Tinubu's Speech
Tonight a special energy is in the air. Many of us have attended political convention before none would remain the same but this is different. I can see the hands of history on us guiding us to achieve something for our nation in the period of crisis. We are here to pick a captain that will secure our nation. You would hear something inspiring, it is the voice of change, it is the voice that would lead us to win the election come 2015, it is the voice of North South West East of Nigeria, it is the voice of christians and muslims, it is the voice of determination, it the voice of our children, telling us of their dreams. During this convention the history of our nation is to be rewritten for the better. You have come from all parts of nigeria to conduct a solemn task. You came here as a part for new Nigeria of new dreams and new hope. You would do it differently from what they are doing in Abuja by the other party.
I trust you that you would rise to perform your duty. You cannot avoid to look history in the face and turn back from it with shame. The convention must be performed with openness and according to the dictate of fair play. We have conducted ourselves in the same manner. APC we are the cure. Llet our behaviours show that we would cure. Let's tell Nigerians that today they might despair but help is on the way. Let that which you heard here be recorded as a high moment of the party. Let the convention be remembered for ever as the one Nigerian moved further from despair. If we do this not only shall we here the voice of change we shall also hear the trumpet of victory.
Nigeria would change. Change for the better. The economic doom that stares Nigerian in the face shall be cured by APC.

00.49Audu Ogbe's goodwill speech followed Tinubu's.

Mr. Ogbe began by thanking the delegate for making it to Lagos to “engage on debate, exchange views, descend and then ascend."

He also prayed to God that the best among the five aspirants emerge tonight.

He also welcomed his kinsman, Barnabas Gemade who recently joined the APC.

He asked the delegates if there is anyone that is so blind he cannot see the disaster coming.

He also asked if there is anyone deaf or unconscious than cannot see the biggest threat facing Nigerians as a people.

”60% of our people below the age of forty have no jobs," he said.

“Oil is at per barrel and it is to stop this disaster that is before all of us that we are here.

“You are here to take one of the most important decisions of your life because we are going to win the election in 2015.

“Once you make up your mind come and cast your vote.

“God bless all of you and as you go back after this convention give support to all leaders who will emerge"

00.50
Senator Danjuma Goje in his brief remark said that what is happening tonight is an indication of the seriousness, determination and commitment of the APC to take over Government in 2015.
“I call on all our members not to be intimidated. Do like the people of Osun. Anywhere you go in this country, people are yearning for change because they are fed up with insecurity and bad governance."Goje also called on the people to vote and protect their votes until results are announced. "The convention we are witnessing today is the best organised since 1999"

00.52
The National Woman Leader of the APC, in her brief remark said the APC must get it right and urged the delegates to reflect deeply before casting their votes.
“We cannot afford to fail because history will be unkind to us if we do “I urge the women of our great party to rise up to the challenge and make possible, democracy to take firm root in Nigeria.” “remember the pains and agony of the thousands without jobs.

01.04

Youth Leader, Dasuki Jalo, said today is historic because the APC will elect its first presidential candidate. He said the Youtth will support whoever emerge as the candidate of the party in today’s primary.

01.11
With the speech making over, all five aspirants appear on stage for a photo op before voting begins. As it appears, no aspirant stepped down for another.

01.34
Atiku Abubakar has just finished his speech to the delegates where he told them that any of the aspirants is better than the incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan. He wishes to be elected, claiming he has the qualities of a good leader, but he asks the delegates to use their best judgement.

01.39
Excerpts from Atiku's speech
By the end of this convention, you would have elected a presidential candidate. That is not the main reason that I'm here. Nigerians want change and they want change because they are fed up with the PDP government. They are tired of the crushing level of unemployment. They are tired of poor electricity. They are tired of the dangerous PDP mathematics, a dangerous maths where 16 is greater than 19. They are tired and disgusted by the siege of power and the tear gas of our speakers on the orders of the same executives that deceived the speaker to reconvene the assembly on issues of national importance. Nigerians are tired of the dead traps called road. They are tired of the collapse of the public school system.
You came here because you believe in change. You believe that our hopes and dreams can become a reality. You believe that our great country can set a standard for all of Africa to see. Change for a better Nigeria and Nigeria for all as the candidate of our great party in 2015.
Today we would demonstrate that every vote counts. The APC is offering something we have never had in a long time. We would have the chance to replace a party with a party that knows what to do.
A party that understands that education should not only be accessible but delivers what it takes. The nominee you are about to elect must be a person trusted by all across all ethnic groups in the country.
Distinguished delegates, fellow Nigerians, I continue to speak out for democracy. I've been a successful entrepreneur creating jobs empowering men and women.

01.49
Buhari spoke after Atiku.
Know that the hopes and destiny of Nigerians are with you and they expect you to play a credible role. I expect you to do the same. I seek to be the next president of our beloved nation because I feel I have something to offer our great nation at this time.. I am ready to lead Nigeria to its rightful future. I have always serve Nigeria to the best of my ability.. I am not a rich person, thus I cannot give you dollars to purchase you, but the fate of this nation is not for sale.. What I will give you is my commitment, and service. For the past six years Nigeria has moved backward.. We are a nation afflicted by endless crisis. PDP cannot save us.. It is now time for change.. PDP government may say it needs more time and continuity, but what we need is change. To solve Nigeria’s problems. we need leadership with integrity and strength.. The next leader should not just mouth change but live it.. I own no foreign account or companies benefitting from government contracts.. I am what you see before you; a simple man who belief in serving Nigeria and God.. In the past I led a war against indiscipline. Today, I will lead a battle for hope.. You cannot trust the corrupt to end corruption. . Failure and incompetence does not deserve continuity.. Make no mistake as is always the case, for those who seek to bring change, it will not be easy.. I will govern Nigerian in accord with the constitution and rule of law.. I will tolerate no regional, religious or ethnic balance.. I will select the best Nigerians in my government.

02.08
Excerpts from Kwankwaso's speech to delegates
I congratulate the National Convention planning Committee for doing a good job. “The environment has been made so good to allow the delegates to vote for persons whether they collect money or not. In the next few minutes, voting will start and I belief the delegates will vote for the best aspirant to fly the flag of our party. From 2011, education has been free at all levels in kano state. The government is feeding children in all public schools, five times a week.. We have the most lighted city in Nigeria today.. Kano was able to establish IPP which produce 35MW for the city of Kano. With Kwankwaso as president, we will do whatever what it takes to move education forward. As a former Minister of Defence, I am wondering what is happening to our armed forces who were doing extremely well. Our administration will provide all that is needed to the armed forces to return its glory.. I will use my experienced relationship as a legislature to work harmoniously with the Legislature.. As a former governor, I will also work in harmony with all governors... Our administration will ensure the reduction of corruption. We have done it in Kano and I see no reason why we cannot do it at the centre... We will work hard to ensure peaceful co-existence and stop our citizens from becoming refugees in their own country and neighbouring nations.. Delegates should support the right candidate and I belief the right candidate is Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

02.12
Sam Nda-Isaiah and Rochas Okorocha have also spoken to delegates. Mr. Okorocha spoke fervently about his young age of 52 and his views on free education. See excerpts of the two speeches below.

02.17
Excerpts from Sam Nda-Isaiah's speech
APC has a divine responsibility to win the election next year. This is not the country you want your children to grow in. I want to tell you why I'm the best candidate. I fit the slogan of the party, which is change. I don't think that there is a better candidate than me. Nigerian wants a new generation to step forward to lead the nation. I'm the only one with a clear plan. I'm the only one that have come with big ideas. That's why I believe I'm the best. This country is too divided. And there is no country that is as divided as this country that can make progress. That's why I want to come with big ideas.
Any leader that cannot secure its people has lost its right to lead. I'm going to achieve it as the person who takes the job of the commander-in-chief seriously. In this country, we still have soldiers who I believe are the best in the world. If they are well armed, Boko Haram would not be a match for them.
I'm talking of the kind of big ideas that would eliminate unemployment in the country, the kind of big ideas that if we call ourselves the biggest oil producer in the continent we would not be importing oil.

02.27
Excerpts from Okorocha's speech
I am very happy to be part of this history making event. We are the last hope of Nigeria and today we must get it right. We formed APC believing that coming from our small parties, we stand a chance. We are here gathered for the love of our nation. We are here to provide for nigeria the much needed dividends of democracy. There is nothing wrong with the Head of State, but there can be something wrong with the State of the head. I celebrate General Muhammadu Buhari who is today 73 years old, and Atiku is today 68 years old and Kwankwaso who is 52 years old. Jonathan is 57, Barack Obama 53, Rochas Okorocha is only 52 years old. Nigeria of today is different than Nigeria of 1960s. I am here to sing a different song, that of unity. We are here to give Nigeria a good cheque; a good leader. I offer myself to offer service as the president of Nigeria. Political power can only be justified when use for the good of the common man. “My people, my people” When I say to Nigerians, I will make education free, Nigerians will believe me, because I have done it before. I am a child of poor parentage, I hate poverty and what it brings. Today destiny has brought to your shoulder to change the fate of this nation, you must do it well, not on the basis of sentiment. Vote for me and I assure you that the Nigerian Naira will be equal to the dollar. My people My people.

02.28
Speeches over. Voting is just about to begin. Delegates may vote in state batches.

02.34
Chairman of the electoral panel, Kayode Fayemi, now showing the agents of the five aspirants and representatives of other relevant bodies the sealed ballot papers. He also showed it to delegates and others at the election venue.

03.11
Voting proper about to commence with the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Kayode Fayemi, inviting delegates from Abia to come cast their votes.

03.15
There are nine boxes of ballot papers with each box containing 1000 ballot papers, making a total of 9000 ballot papers. Pictures and names of aspirants are printed based on alphabetical order. Mr. Fayemi said pictures were collected from the aspirants before being used for the election He said 7214 delegates were accredited for the election. He also said the process is simple, as states will be called based on alphabetical order to use the forty desks and voting booth to cast their votes. Delegates are expected to collect ballot papers, go into the booths to cast their votes secretly and then come out to drop the ballot papers into the transparent ballot boxes provided. He also said delegates must ensure they thumbprint all ballot papers and then return to their seats in their state section. At the end of the exercise, all the ballot boxes would be uploaded into giant ballot boxes before being sorted and counted.

06.23
The voting at the APC primary is still on. States are filing out alphabetically to vote. Kano has just finished voting. Katsina is next...

06.59

A crowd of supporters and journalists just accompanied Buhari to cast his vote as Katsina State delegates were invited to cast their votes.

Due to the number of voters following him, what could have been a minor stampede was averted by the intervention of security men.

07.05

Delegates from Kebbi State have been called upon to come cast their votes.

They are headed to the ballot area in a single line amidst loud singing and chanting by the vociferous red caps wearing supporters of the governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

07.18

Senator Bukola Saraki, in blue flowing babanriga, with matching hat, is leading delegates from Kwara state to vote.

07.21

Governor Babatunde Fashola is now leading delegates from Lagos state to go vote.

We have noticed an increase in the pace of the voting process, perhaps to make up for lost time. We have basically just 10 more states to go as far as voting is concerned.

Immediately after voting, the electoral panel will begin the task of sorting the ballots and then counting accordingly.

07.22

Governor Babatunde Fashola is now leading delegates from Lagos state to go vote.

We have noticed an increase in the pace of the voting process, perhaps to make up for lost time. We have basically just 10 more states to go as far as voting is concerned.

Immediately after voting, the electoral panel will begin the task of sorting the ballots and then counting accordingly.

07.36

After Lagos, delegates from Nasarawa and Niger states delegates were called to vote.

Before being called, we noticed that Governor Tanko Almakura called out delegates from the state to an isolated spot at the stadium, perhaps for a last minute decisive meeting.

Sam Nda-Isaiah is from Niger state and is therefore leading the contingent from the state to the voting booths.

07.38

Ogun state is now set to vote, led by their governor, Ibikunle Amosun.

Ogun is the only state which came to the National Convention with a full compliment of drummers and musicians. They have been singing and dancing nearly all night.

At some point, Governor Amosun himself joined in the dancing and merry making.

Ogun also came fully attired in two different sets of Ankara material.

Closely following Ogun is Ondo state, followed by Osun, led by Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and Oyo by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

08.04

The two states of Osun and Oyo are almost done with their voting. Plateau and Rivers have been asked to get ready and approach the voting area. Rivers contingent is led by the state Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

If Plateau and Rivers eventually complete voting, we will be left with only three states -- Sokoto, Taraba and Zamfara.

Part of Sokoto state contingent is the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.

Mr. Tambuwal, like Senator Barnabas Gemade, are attending their first APC National Convention. They both recently crossed from the PDP to the APC.

We can sight the Speaker from here already leaving the state box to go and meet the delegates from his state to be called upon for voting. He seems anxious to vote.

08.26

Now it is the turn of Taraba to vote. The state contingent is being led by Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, the first female gubernatorial candidate in Nigeria.

After Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara will be the two final states to vote before the next stage of sorting and counting begins.

08.36

The last state on the list, Zamfara is currently voting. The state's delegation is led by the Governor, Abdulaziz Yari.

Voting proper began at about 2am, which means the states took approximately ‎7 hours to completes the voting processes.

The sorting and eventually counting is however not expected to take too long.

Already, the Mobile Policemen in the arena has taken strategic position around the large transparent Ballot box to be used for sorting.

08.44

Some of the delegates from states that have already voted are leaving the Teslim Balogun Stadium even before voting is concluded. Most of the delegates stayed up all night and may either be leaving to catch some sleep or to freshen up after a tedious night.

Unlike the delegates from most states, the delegates from Sokoto are mostly middle-aged men. They are taciturn and have trooped to the ballot area without funfare to cast their votes.

08.47
Now it is the turn of Taraba to vote. The state contingent is being led by Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, the only female gubernatorial candidate of the APC.

After Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara will be the two final states to vote before sorting and counting begin.

08.49

The poll has officially closed. Agents assigned to each of the 40 transparent ballot boxes have been directed to lock the boxes.

Returning officers for the five aspirants have also been asked to approach the boxes.

Each aspirant was given a chance to nominate‎ two returning officers.

09.02

The sorting process will involve putting all the contents of the transparent ballot boxes into a giant transparent box.

After which the ballots will be sorted based on aspirants votes and be placed into separate black boxes.

Once all ballots are sorted, the content of each of the black box assigned to each aspirant will then be counted.

09.06

The smaller ballot boxes are now being ferried to a location close to the big ballot box.

Each ballot box is accompanied by two fully armed mobile police officers.

09.20
Contents of a smaller transparent ballot box being turned into a bigger transparent box before being
sorted.

09.56

So far Muhammadu Buhari and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso are ahead of the other three candidates, followed by Rochas Okorocha and Atiku Abubakar.

Sam Nda-Isaia’s name is yet to be called.

10.42
BUHARI IN EARLY LEAD

With over 1,000 ballots sorted, out of the 7, 214votes at the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, a former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, has earned more ballots than his four other challengers.

Coming a distance second is the Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who seems to be performing way beyond expectation and appears to have earned more votes than former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who is generally regarded as the most experienced politicians among the lots.

The Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, is also putting put some contest but he clearly lies in a distant fourth position behind Mr. Atiku, who seems to have gotten the third highest votes at the moment.

Not entirely surprising in fifth place is the Publisher of Leadership Newspapers, Sam Nda-Isaiah, who clearly is the less experienced politician of the lot.

Mr Nda-Isaiah is yet to get a ballot so far.

It is however early to award victory to any of the candidates at this time as there are still thousands of ballots to count.

Sorting is still on going and PREMIUM TIMES will continue to update you with happenings at the venue.

10.45

Abubakar Kawu Baraje that have been announcing the names on the ballots have now transferred the role to Boss Mustapha.

The Sun is really up here and the sorting is being done under the Sun.

Baraje however chose to remain by the side of Mustapha.

14.35

Vote sorting is still ongoing at the Teslim Balogun stadium centre of the APC presidential primary election. Votes for each candidate are sorted into unique boxes - one for each candidate. Proper vote counting will commence after the sorting.

14.36

The sorting of the ballots has just been completed. Now officials are about to commence counting of the ballots earned by each aspirants. They are starting with the box of ballots earned by Atiku Abubakar.

15.06

After the counting of his ballots, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, scored a total of 954 votes. out of the 7214 ballots. The electoral officials are proceeding with counting of the ballots of Muhammadu Buhari next.

16.31

Although Buhari's votes are still being counted, Atiku Abubakar, one of thr contestants have tweeted a congratulatory message to Buhari.
Congratulations General Buhari. The delegates have spoken, you fully deserve the victory -AA

17.10

Atiku congratulates Buhari, says he deserves to win

The statement reads:

“I am very confident that you will provide the needed leadership to turn this country around. I have no doubt that you will work with dedicated and qualified Nigerians to protect our citizens, improve our economy, create jobs, improve education, reform governance and fight corruption. You will indeed bring the change Nigerians have been yearning for. Once more, congratulations.

“I congratulate the other contestants, namely Governors Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Rochas Okorocha as well as the erudite Sam Nda-Isaiah. You have all demonstrated your commitment to democracy by participating in this transparent process and by campaigning vigorously across this country.

“I thank our delegates for their sacrifices and their commitment to democracy. In particular, I thank those who voted for me for your faith in me. However, since we came up short, we have to now rally behind General Buhari to help him prevail in the coming Presidential election.

"The APC has demonstrated, through the transparent process, the Party’s commitment to democracy and rule of law. It has demonstrated its respect for people and their choice through the ballot box.

"I sincerely thank the Convention Committee for putting together a hitch-free convention.

"My dear friends, we have voted, a winner has emerged. I pledge my commitment to this Party, and to campaign vigorously for our candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and all APC candidates to ensure victory in the 2015 elections.

"I call on all other contestants and our party’s rank and file to unite behind our candidates at all levels to ensure that the PDP is defeated, so Nigerians can have real change.

"I will hand over to Gen. Buhari for his review and possible implementation my policy document which was developed in line with the party's philosophy.

"Long live APC!

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Thank you all and God bless!"More details shortly......
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