World's Strongest Dwarf To Wed 6ft Tall Transgender Girlfriend (Photos)

A 4ft 4in tall dwarf who claims to be "the strongest man in the world" has revealed he hopes to break down further barriers by marrying his 6ft 3in transgender girlfriend.

Mirror reports that, Anton Kraft has smashed records for weightlifting by being able to lift four times his own weight, but the determined 52-year-old has told how his greatest achieving was bagging his glamorous new love.

The bodybuilder, who is originally from Denmark but now lives in Florida, said he instantly fell for China Bell, despite the fact she was originally born a man.He said:

"We used to walk against the current, but the current has changed.Florida is one the states that have same-sex marriage - and both of us are basically the same sex. "I enjoy dating a transgender woman because she was born a male and is doing the utmost to become as feminine as possible. "I find that most women born as women do not spend as much time on their appearance.”

The couple has been dating for six months and China told how she found her new love irresistible.

She said:

"I think Anton's weightlifting is so sexy because I think he's sexy - when you hold a world heavyweight title, that means a lot. "I've never dated a 4ft 4in guy and I was just so curious. I'm glad I gave him a chance because he's an amazing person. "I'm different and he's different, and where we're from, different is good.”

He claims to have the highest bench record of all time for his weight class, but it seems he may have pushed his body too far. In his pursuit of ultimate power he says he has 'technically died' five times before being resuscitated - ranging from drowning to falling out of a window. Doctors also fear he may have a heart attack if he keeps up his all-action lifestyle - but Anton isn't budging.

He said:

"Some people say that what I do is weakness, or micro-man syndrome - that I want to do something that I am not built for, to prove something.But I believe there's only one winner - second is first loser. Second doesn't count. "Overall, I am one of the five strongest guys in the world, regardless of height and weight.And I am the only guy in the world who has ever benched four-times his body weight.”

I may also go down on one knee and ask for China's hand - because I think her name would look so good with my last name.

"Right now I feel like I'm the luckiest man on the planet - we are all happy and good and I have never felt better than I do now - and that would be thanks to China."

THE 5 MAJOR REASONS WHY GOODLUCK JONATHAN LOST

Nigerians are so used to the idea that an incumbent should win presidential elections that President Goodluck Jonathan’s failure to beat Gen Muhammadu Buhari needs some explanation.

Here are five reasons why the opposition won:

1: Harder to rig

Past elections have been marred by serious irregularities and suspicions of rigging. In 2007 observers said the presidential poll was not “credible”. In 2011 the vote was considered to be better run but observers said that rigging and fraud still took place. This time the electoral commission took more steps to prevent rigging, including new biometric voters cards.

Also President Jonathan’s party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), had lost control of some key states which meant it could not control the electoral process there.

2: Boko Haram and security

The election took place against the background of an Islamist insurgency in the north-east of the country. The Boko Haram militant group has killed 20,000 people and forced some three million others from their homes and President Jonathan was criticised for not getting to grips with this. The poll was delayed for six weeks to give time for the security situation to improve, but even though most areas controlled by Boko Haram were recaptured, it seems to have come too late for many people.

3: United opposition, crumbling PDP

The PDP has been described as an election-winning machine. When it was created it united a northern elite with leading politicians from the south, but that alliance has broken up and the party lost some key figures. Even former President Olusegun Obasanjo came out against Mr Jonathan.

At the same time, the opposition managed to unite under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner. The last six weeks of desperate and dirty campaigning, in which the APC responded in kind, was not enough to turn the tide.

4: Economy

Nigeria is Africa’s biggest oil producer and its largest economy, but many fail to feel the benefits with nearly half the population living below the poverty line. Continued corruption is seen as partly being to blame.

National income is due to grow by more than 5% this year and next year, but people did not seem in the mood to thank Mr Jonathan for this.

5: Time for a change

APC supporters chanted “change” wherever they went and it seems to have caught the mood. The PDP has been in power since the end of military rule in 1999, and 2015 is the year that Nigerians decided that someone else should have a go at sorting things out.

President-elect Buhari now has to prove he really can change things.

Keshi To Sign Code Of Conduct

There are strong indications that Stephen Keshi will sign a new contract as Nigeria’s coach if he tenders an apology to his employer.

Top Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials met in Uyo on Wednesday before the Super Eagles friendly against Uganda and agreed to give Keshi a new two-year deal but with a condition that he apologises to the executive committee for insubordination.

“Keshi has been told he has the job, but first he must apologise for what was regarded as gross insubordination over time.

“That explains why he will sign a code of conduct,” a top official told AfricanFootball.com:

There has been a frosty relationship between employer and employee.

Keshi had described his new contract as “a slave contract” and wanted several clauses in it removed.

He has also publicly complained about unpaid salaries and bonuses.

Other national team coaches have also been ordered to refrain from discussing with the media matters outside their technical work, ranging from salaries and other administrative issues.

The letters to all serving national team coaches were sent out earlier in March.

Jonathan congratulates incoming president, Buhari

President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party has reportedly called General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress to congratulate him on his victory.

Although yet to be formally announced but as at the time of filing this report, Buhari is leading Jonathan by 14,951,378 to 12,827,522.

According to a source, the president spoke with Muhammadu Buhari on the phone and will address the country after rounding off his meeting with his cabinet.

He also spoke with the National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

WHAT ON EARTH IS THIS LADY GAGA'S WEARING?

Paris – During a recent night out in Paris, France, something strange happened to Lady Gaga’s dress.

The queen of all things weird was seen out and about earlier this week.

At first it just looked like Gaga was wearing a shiny over-sized dress.

But then things got weird and Gaga’s inflatable dress came alive changing her into some kind of magical sea creature.

See the pics below:

All fine. Nothing to look at here:

Sensing danger the sea urchin mode is activated:

Warning the predator paparazzi to stay away:

Full attack mode:

SPORTS: David Beckham goes shirtless as he shows off his majestic beard

Los Angeles - Forget everything you’ve read on the internet today. This is much more important.

Soccer superstar, David Beckham, was snapped in Miami by the paparazzi sporting a full beard.

We never knew Becks had it in him to grow such impressive face fluff.

Respect, bro. Respect.

WORLD NEWS: Mandela's grandson convicted of assault

NELSON Mandela's eldest grandson has been found guilty of assault by a South African court.

MANDLA Mandela, who is a legislator for the ruling African National Congress (ANC), was on Tuesday found to have attacked teacher Mlamli Ngudle in a 2013 road rage incident in Mthatha in the south-west. Ngudle had allegedly bumped a parked vehicle belonging to one of Mandela's friends.

Some witnesses said Mandela threatened Ngudle with a gun. The court in Mthatha said the legislator was arrogant and evasive during his testimony.

A sentence is expected in June.

Mandla Mandela made headlines in 2013 when a judge ordered him to return the remains of his father and two other children of Nelson Mandela to Qunu, their ancestral home.

Mandla Mandela had moved them to a memorial centre in another location without consulting the family.

Nelson Mandela ruled South Africa as its first democratically elected president from 1994 to 1999.

He died in December 2013 at 95.

WORLD NEWS: Google, Microsoft battle drives down prices for PCs, tablets

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) " Google is releasing its cheapest Chromebook laptops yet, two versions priced at $149 aimed at undercutting Microsoft's Windows franchise and gaining ground in even more classrooms.

Various PC manufacturers have been working with Google to design lightweight laptops running on the Chrome operating system since 2011. The newest versions are made by Hisense and Haier. Hisense's Chromebook can be ordered beginning Tuesday at Walmart.com and Haier's version can be bought at Amazon.com.

Their arrival coincides with Microsoft's rollout of a lower-priced Surface tablet in an effort to reach students and budget-conscious families. Pre-orders for that device began Tuesday, too.

As the prices for tablets and smartphones have been declining, it has forced on PC makers to lower their prices, said International Data Corp. analyst Jay Chou. The success of the Chromebook line is intensifying the PC pricing pressure.

"It has been good news for consumers, but not so good for vendors," Chou said.

The cheaper version of the Surface Pro 3 sells for $499, compared with $799 to $1,949 for the higher-end models.

The discounted version has a slightly smaller screen " 10.8 inches rather than 12 " a slower processor, and less flexible kickstand " just three angles rather than unlimited positions.

The Chromebook has served a dual purpose for Google. Like the company's Android software for mobile devices, the Chrome system is set up so users will automatically begin using Google's search engine and other services, such as Gmail and YouTube. Google has used the Chromebooks as a prod to bring down the prices of all PCs, something the company wanted to do because it has more opportunities to show the digital ads that bring in most of its revenue when more people can afford to buy an Internet-connected device.

"We cannot be happier that Microsoft is helping drive down the prices of PCs," said Caesar Sengupta, Google's vice president of product management for Chromebooks. "If Microsoft is reacting to (Chromebook's low prices), that's fantastic. We love it."

Unlike most computers, Chromebooks don't have a hard drive. Instead, they function as terminals dependent on an Internet connection to get most work done.

Despite those limitations, Chromebooks have been steadily gaining in popularity, particularly in schools, as more applications and services made available over Internet connections " a phenomenon known as "cloud computing" that has reduced the need for hard drives.

About 6 million Chromebooks were sold worldwide last year, more than doubling from 2.7 million in 2013, according to IDC. In contrast, sales in the overall PC market slipped 2 percent last year, marking the third consecutive annual decline. IDC is projecting 8 million Chromebooks will be sold this year.

Besides the $149 laptops, Google also is attacking Microsoft on other fronts. Later this spring, Google and Asus are releasing a hybrid Chromebook that can use used as either a laptop or tablet with a 10-inch screen. Called the Chromebook Flip, it will sell for $249.

In the summer, Asus and Google will start selling a new Chrome device that will provide people a cheaper way to upgrade an old PC. The device, called the Chromebit, is a stick loaded with an entire operating system that can be plugged into any HDMI port. The Chromebit's price hasn't been set, Google says it will cost less than $100.

Here's what you need to know about the cheaper Surface Pro 3 and new Chromebooks:

PROS AND CONS OF THE SURFACE

Graphic artists, engineers and finance professionals needing to run complex software might still want the company's higher-end Pro 3, said Dennis Meinhardt, director of program management for Surface. But the Surface 3 should be good for everyday tasks, he said, and brings the Pro 3's premium feel to a device that will be affordable to more people.

The new Surface model is thinner and lighter, partly because it gets rid of the fan " similar to Apple's new MacBook laptop. At 214 pixels per inch, the screen resolution is comparable to the Pro 3's.

Battery life is promised at 10 hours for video playback. The Surface 3 runs the regular version of Windows 8.1, just like the Pro 3. In the past, Microsoft has used a lightweight version called RT in its cheaper tablets. The Surface 3 also has a USB port, a feature that distinguishes the Surface line from most rival tablets.

SIZING UP THE CHROMEBOOKS

Both the Hisense and Haier models have 11.6 inch screens, 2 gigabits of memory and run on Rockchip processors. The Hisense machine promises up to 8.5 hours of battery power per charge while Haier is touting up to 10 hours of power per charge on a battery that can be removed for easier replacement.

BREAKING NEWS: Pray Against Death of 'Great' Politician, T.B. Joshua tells Nigerians

Nigerian Prophet T.B. Joshua has warned of the death of a prominent politician due to ‘heated up’ politics in the wake of the closely fought Nigerian elections. “I am seeing Nigerians heating up politics,” the cleric told his congregation at The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) on Sunday 29th March 2015.

“Wednesday and Thursday of this coming week and next week, make sure you fast and pray,” Joshua stated just before the close of his church service at 7pm in a message broadcast live via Christian television station Emmanuel TV.

“They will heat up politics and a great man among the politicians will likely lose his life… I am seeing this kind of thing happening in the night,” he stated, calling on congregants to take heed of his message and maintain ‘an attitude of prayer’ on the days specified in order to ‘save souls’.

Earlier in the service, Joshua reminded congregants of a prophetic message he had shared last year concerning a ‘dark cloud’ hovering over Nigeria. “Well, we can see God’s hand; God is beginning to remove the cloud,” he declared to the delight of attendees.

Explaining what the ‘cloud’ represented, Joshua stated that it meant a situation whereby two political parties would declare themselves as election winners, leading to a state of ‘lawlessness’.

“Whoever wins the race, let us put Nigeria first – the nation first,” he stressed. “The dark cloud I saw last year was two declarations - but I can see the finger of God. Thank you for your prayers.”

The controversial cleric also implored Nigerians to shun violence and consider the nation and its future first. “There is a difference between your faith and politics,” he told his audience and television viewers.

“Don’t play politics as if it is your faith. ‘Do or die’ is not politics. Politics is a game. When you lose, you say, ‘Thank You, Jesus’; when you win, you say, ‘Thank You, Jesus’.”

He specifically called on Nigerians, especially the youth, to resist the temptation to be ‘used’ by the political class to incite violence or cause bloodshed. “Take care of yourself and don’t allow yourself to be used,” he warned.

“Your future and the future of this nation – Jesus will ask you to give account. What we are doing now is for generations yet unborn. Don’t trade this future for money, thuggery or corruption.”

Joshua also predicted the capture of an international terrorist. “A criminal they have been looking for, for many years, who has been terrorising the world - I am seeing him being caught and displayed to the world on international media,” he announced.

Photos: Jubilation at APC headquarters in Abuja

APC supporters pictured above celebrating at the party's headquarters in Abuja this evening in anticipation of INEC's announcement later today

MUHAMMADU BUHARI WINS NIGERIA'S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Election commission declares victory for former military ruler, Muhammadu Buhari, over incumbent Goodluck Jonathan.

Nigeria's election commission has declared Muhammadu Buhari the winner of the country's bitterly contested presidential election, in a vote marred marred by confusion, arguments and violence.

Al Jazeera's Yvonne Ndege, reporting from the capital Abuja, said the election commission made the announcement after nearly all votes had been tallied.

The APC said incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan immediately conceded defeat and congratulated Buhari on his victory, the AFP news agency said.

According to the Reuters news agency, Buhari's APC won by 2.1 million votes, with 15.4 million votes versus 13.3 for Jonathan and the PDP.

Victory for former military ruler Buhari marks the first time in Nigeria's history that an opposition party has democratically taken control of the country from the ruling party.

Mohammed, the spokesman for the APC, had earlier told the AFP news agency that his party had declared victory after pulling ahead in the votes. "This is the first time the opposition has voted a government out of power in Nigeria's history," he said. Asked if he was confident of having won after the APC claimed victory, Buhari said: "I am very confident." Read more of our indepth coverage on Nigeria's election To win the election, Buhari had needed to win more than 50 percent of the total votes nationally - and take at least 25 percent of the vote in two thirds of the states. The 72-year-old built an early lead in northern states dominated by the mainly Muslim, Hausa-Fulani ethnic group of which he is a member.

Incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, whose five years in office have been plagued by corruption scandals and an insurgency by Boko Haram fighters, was trailing by around 500,000 votes before votes in pro-opposition areas were counted.

In the previous election, more than 800 people were killed in protests after Buhari was defeated by Buhari.

There was a brief protest by Jonathan's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the counting had resumed on Tuesday.

Former Niger Delta minister Godsday Orubebe accused elections chief Attahiru Jega of being "partial" and "selective".

Orubebe claimed Jega had refused to investigate PDP complaints about big wins by Buhari in northern states but had launched a probe into claims by the APC of irregularities in Rivers.

Jega said later: "I don't believe that the allegations are substantial enough to require the cancellation or rescheduling of the elections in Rivers state. We will take the results."

International observers gave broadly positive reactions to the conduct of the vote, despite late delivery of election materials and technical glitches with new voter authentication devices.

Nigeria's Transition Monitoring Group, which had observers across the country, said: "These issues did not systematically disadvantage any candidate or party."

Mohammedu Buhari on verge of claiming victory in Nigerian Presidential Elections

Challenger appears to have opened up unassailable lead over incumbent Goodluck Jonathan .

Former military ruler and presidential aspirant of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) Muhammadu Buhari

Mohammedu Buhari was on the brink of declaring victory in Nigeria's presidential elections on Tuesday, after claiming a lead of more than two million votes against over incumbent Goodluck Jonathan.

While many of votes from Saturday's elections were still being counted, poor turnouts in many of Mr Jonathan's southern strongholds meant that the sitting president and his People's Democratic Party (PDP) had a large gap to make up.

Mr Buhari's camp said barring any unexpected swings in the remaining vote counts, his lead now looked like being unassailable.

Mark Pursey, managing partner of BTP Advisers, a London-based PR firm engaged Mr Buhari's All Progressives Congress party, told The Telegraph: "The current situation is looking very promising for the APC and Buhari. There are still some states to announce, but strong turnout in opposition states, matched with a more lacklustre showing by PDP supporters in their strongholds, mean it will be very difficult for President Jonathan to overcome the already significant deficit of two million votes."

Mr Buhari, 72, who ruled with an iron fist in the 1980s, is challenging Mr Jonathan over his record on clamping down on corruption and on dealing with the Boko Haram insurgents who kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls from northern Nigeria last year.

31 states declared. APC still leads

31 states declared so far. APC has 13,760,747 votes while PDP has 10,866,249 votes. Meaning that APC is ahead of PDP with 2,894,498 votes. Only 5 states remain - Sokoto, Taraba, Borno, Edo and Delta.

Kogi streets peaceful as Buhari’s lead excites residents

As the collation of the March 28 Presidential election progresses at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, residents of Kogi State are excited over the lead established by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari(retd.), in the poll.

Despite perceived tensions in many quarters, the residents were seen going about their daily activities in a peaceful manner with a keen interest in the outcome of the collation.

Many government offices were opened with skeletal activities going on as the civil servants are either buried in the pages of newspapers or listening to their radio sets.

Our correspondent, who spoke to residents in Lokoja, the state capital, and Okene, the headquarters of the Kogi Central Senatorial District, observed that many residents were either following the event on their radio sets in cars, or putting on generators to monitor it on the television.

In Okene, a resident, Aisha Baba, who watched the event on the TV, said she was happy with the results collated so far, expressing the hope that the retired General would win the race.

“We all voted for Buhari in Okene and we believe that he will win despite the fraud in Rivers,” she said.

At a newsstand in Lokoja, Muhammed Adamu, a local barber, told our correspondent that the “antics” of the Peoples Democratic Party would fail.

“We will not be frustrated to fight or protest because we believe that our choice will emerge at the end of the day. They are expecting that we will run riot when they declare the Rivers State results; we are wiser now. They won’t have their way. It will all end in peace,” Adamu, who clutched his radio tightly as Godsday Orubebe’s voice rang out loudly, said.

More Results Coming in from the Preseidential Election

Presidential election results for Taraba state - PDP wins As announced by Prof K. Mohammed, VC Modibbo Adama University of Tech. Yola, RO for Taraba AA - 962 ACPN - 811 AD - 586 ADC - 320 APA - 1306 APC - 261,326 CPP - 1,033 HOPE - 161 KOWA - 153 NCP - 876 PDP - 310,800 (PDP wins) PPN - 680 UDP - 224 UPP - 439 Total valid votes - 579,677 Rejected votes - 23,039 Total votes cast - 602,716

Presidential election results for Edo state - PDP wins As announced by Prof Osasere Orumwense, VC, University of Benin - RO of Edo state AA - 159 ACPN - 1284 AD - 450 ADC - 512 APA - 709 APC - 208,469 CPP - 325 HOPE -22 KOWA - 175 NCP - 516 PDP, 286,869 (PDP wins) PPN - 729 UDP - 160 UPP - 72 Total valid votes - 500,451 Rejected votes - 22,334 Total votes - 522,785

Presidential election results for Yobe state - APC wins As announced by Prof. Abubakar Njodi, VC - University of Maiduguri, collation officer for Yobe AA - 101 ACPN - 164 AD - 213 ADC - 112 APA - 632 APC - 446,265 (APC wins) CPP - 329 HOPE - 67 KOWA - 104 NCP - 120 PDP - 25,526 PPN - 101 UDP - 30 UPP - 32 Total valid - 473,796 Rejected votes - 17,971 Total votes cast - 491,767

Presidential election results for Bauchi state - APC wins As announced by Prof. Mohammed Farouk, VC, Federal University, Kashere, Gombe, RO for Bauchi AA - 131 ACPN - 232 AD - 173 ADC - 189 APA - 964 APC - 931,598 (APC wins) CPP - 391 HOPE - 46 KOWA - 128 NCP - 207 PDP - 86,085 PPN - 128 UDP - 29 UPP - 37 Total valid votes - 1,020,338 Rejected votes - 19,437 Total votes cast - 1,039,775

Presidential election results for Benue state - APC wins As announced by Prof Hayward Babale Mafuyai, VC, University of Jos, RO for Benue state AA - 315 ACPN - 1464 AD - 254 ADC - 539 APA - 945 APC - 373,961 (APC wins) CPP - 567 HOPE - 115 KOWA - 105 NCP - 683 PDP - 303,737 PPN - 439 UDP - 66 UPP - 74 Total valid votes - 683,264 Rejected votes - 19,867 Total votes cast - 703,131

Presidential election results for Kebbi - APC wins As announced by Prof Mohammed, Dep VC (Academics) Usman Danfodio University, RO for Kebbi AA -214 ACPN - 361 AD - 450 ADC - 472 APA - 2685 APC - 567,883 CPP - 1794 HOPE - 213 KOWA - 448 NCP - 519 PDP - 100,972 PPN - 547 UDP - 207 UPP - 238 Total valid votes - 677,003 Rejected votes - 38,119 Total votes cast - 715,122

Presidential election results for Zamfara state - APC wins As announced by Prof. A. Abdulzuru, VC of Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, RO for Zamfara AA - 125 ACPN - 238 AD - 290 ADC - 294 APA - 1310 APC - 612,202 (APC wins) CPP - 655 HOPE - 14 KOWA - 122 NCP - 404 PDP - 144,833 PPN - 374 UDP - 93 UPP - 68 Total valid votes - 761,022 Rejected votes - 19157 Total votes cast - 780,179

Presidential election results for Adamawa state - APC wins As announced by the collating officer for Adamawa state AA - 495 ACPN - 1166 AD - 595 ADC - 1012 APA - 1549 APC - 374,701 (APC wins) CPP - 819 HOPE - 267 KOWA - 752 NCP - 1212 PDP - 251,664 PPN - 1163 UDP - 289 UPP - 334 Total valid votes - 636,018 Rejected votes - 25,192 Total votes cast - 661,210

Jega's Epic Shut Down Of PDP's Orubebe

The representative of the Peoples Democratic Party at the Presidential Collation Centre, Mr. Godday Orubebe has accused the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attaihiru Jega of bias over his failure to investigate the party protest letter on the election in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa. Mr. Orubebe noted that while Jega set up a committe to investigate the protest letter of APC on Rivers election, he rejected the letter of PDP on Kano, Jigawa, Katsina and Kadunna. “Jega threw our letter at us, saying that he will not investigate. Jega cannot be selective, he cannot be tribalist”. He also shown a collated result across the 36 states and the FCT, which he noted was compiled by Jega and the APC. He added that the result were the same as the one announced by the electoral umpire, questioning how APC got the result when they have not be announced.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega has dismissed the accusation of bias leveled against him by the Peoples Democratic Party, stressing that the party did not follow the right channel of communication in submitting its petition. He argued that the petition was given to his Personal Assistant instead of the Secretary to the Commission. He also claimed ignorance of the election result alleged paraded by the APC.

He said,

You sent a committee to Rivers to probe what happened there. We submitted petitions to you about Kano, Jigawa, Katsina but you have not done anything about our complaints. You cannot continue with these results; we will not take it.

Jega tried to calm him down & Orubebe shouted

Mr. Jega, You cannot continue, go to your office.”

And that is when Jega served him an epic shutdown that had everyone shouting “JEGA For President”

He said,

You are a former minister and a statesman in your own night, a public figure. You should be careful about what you say or do. I cannot be receiving petitions here. As I speak with you now, I have not seen any result.

Dame Patience Sacks Aso Rock Kitchen Staff for Voting Buhari

News bits filtering in from our Aso Rock correspondent do not bode well for members of staff at the Presidential villa, as the 1st Lady, Dame Patience is said to have thrown a fit at Otuoke after hearing that President Jonathan lost to Buhari at the Aso Rock Polling Unit. She then proceeded to sack every member of the Kitchen staff via phone call.

The Kitchen Staff have since packed their bags and left the villa but they remained defiant and insist they “did the right thing”.

UPDATE: PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION COLLATION SO FAR FOR TODAY (Tuesday March 31, 2015)

Presidential election results for Cross River state - PDP wins As announced by Prof. Comfort Ekpo, VC University of Uyo, Akwa-Ibom, RO for Cross River state AA - 279 ACPN - 514 AD - 709 ADC - 749 APA - 532 APC - 28,368 CPP - 381 HOPE - 237 KOWA - 312 NCP - 930 PDP - 414,863 (PDP wins) PPN - 864 UDP - 289 UPP - 1487 Total valid votes - 450,514 Rejected votes - 15392 Totl votes cast - 465,906

Presidential election results for Gombe - APC wins As announced by Prof A. Ibrahim, VC of Abubakar Tafawa University, Bauchi, RO for Gombe state AA - 104 ACPN - 192 AD - 169 ADC - 247 APA - 773 APC - 361,245 (APC wins) CPP - 407 HOPE - 46 KOWA - 97 NCP - 227 PDP - 96,873 PPN - 157 UDP - 25 UPP - 37 Total valid votes - 460,599 Rejected votes - 12845 Total votes cast - 473,444

Presidential election results for Bayelsa - PDP wins As announced by Prof Joseph Ajienka, VC University of Port Harcourt, collation officer for Bayelsa AA - 45 ACPN - 38 AD - 69 ADC - 116 APA -70 APC - 5,194 CPP - 44 HOPE - 18 KOWA - 52 NCP - 95 PDP - 361,209 (PDP) PPN - 62 UDP - 20 UPP - 35 Total valid votes - 367,067 Rejected votes - 4,672 Total votes cast - 371739

Presidential election results for Lagos - APC wins As announced by Prof. Isaac Adewole, VC, University of Ibadan, collation officer for Lagos state AA - 1,795 ACPN - 3,038 AD - 4,453 ADC - 2,072 APA - 2,177 APC - 792,460 (APC wins) CPP - 1,125 HOPE - 255 KOWA - 1,000 NCP - 1,430 PDP - 632,327 PPN - 1,041 UDP - 269 UPP - 244 Total valid votes - 1,443,686 Rejected votes - 52289 Total votes cast - 1,495,975

Presidential election results for Niger state - APC wins As announced by Prof Ambali, VC of University of Ilorin, Ilorin, collation officer for Niger state AA - 307 ACPN - 441 AD - 403 ADC - 614 APA - 2,006 APC - 657,678 (APC wins) CPP - 1,264 HOPE - 198 KOWA - 305 NCP - 550 PDP - 149,222 PPN - 449 UDP - 116 UPP - 118 Total valid votes - 813671 Rejected votes - 31,012 Total votes cast - 844,683

Presidential election results for Ebonyi state - PDP wins As announced by Prof. Ahaneku, VC Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, RO for Ebonyi state AA - 426 ACPN - 1214 AD - 1,133 ADC - 2,704 APA - 2,452 APC - 19,518 CPP - 2,345 HOPE - 989 KOWA - 913 NCP - 1,890 PDP - 323,653 (PDP wins) PPN - 1,168 UDP - 624 UPP - 4,859 Total valid votes - 363,888 Rejected votes - 29,449 Total votes cast - 393,337

In Aso Rock, everybody turns mathematician

Olalekan Adetayo.

The result of the presidential elections held across the country on Saturday has revealed one hidden talent in many members of staff of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

It was interesting on Monday when many of the workers in the seat of power, including journalists, suddenly became mathematicians.

This hidden gift was revealed as the collation and release of the presidential elections’ result got underway. The event, which was held inside the International Conference Centre, Abuja was aired live on national televisions.

Workers were seen glued to the various television screens located in strategic places and offices in the Villa. Some who had the time also armed themselves with pens and pieces of paper which they used to jot the figures as well as the parties.

Immediately the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, announced that they would be going on break, these workers and journalists trooped out from where they were watching the event.

They formed different groups at various spots on the corridor. They had one thing in common: they wanted to know how President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) of the All Progressives Congress faired in the results so far released.

When they could not lay their hands on calculators, they resorted to punching hard on their cell phones to get the additions done.

In one of such gatherings, after they had arrived at the total number of votes scored by each of the two leading candidates, somebody raised the issue of the constitutional requirement of 25 per cent spread by anybody that will emerge the winner. That issue necessitated another round of calculation.

At the end of the exercise, opinions were divided. While some held the view that Jonathan should be preparing his handover note, some others said, “Miracle can still happen.”

Except when Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo hosted some foreign observers who monitored the Saturday’s election, there was no official activity in the Villa on Monday. That gave the workers the opportunity to be engrossed in the process which was expected to lead to the announcement of the person who will be occupying the highest office in the land from May 29.

Jonathan and Sambo also did not come to their offices early. They must have been observing developments from their official residences. Jonathan was dressed casually for the meeting with the foreign observers. He was clad in trousers, an Ijaw shirt, a cap and a pair of leather slippers.

Indeed, the Presidential Villa and Nigeria as a whole are awaiting this much-important announcement.

SPORTS: Keshi still my boss – Amokachi

Daniel Amokachi.

Nigeria caretaker coach Daniel Amokachi has said Stephen Keshi still calls the shots in the team even though he has yet to sign a new contract with the Nigeria Football Federation.

Amokachi therefore revealed he is in constant contact with Stephen Keshi regarding the set-up of the national team.

Amokachi has denied picking the Super Eagles team who lost 1-0 to Uganda last week and has since further distanced himself from the situation.

The 42-year-old said, “He (Keshi) is the boss, he is in charge of the team. As the chief you definitely have to call (him), this is what is going on and this is what it is. How did you see the game? And we break it down.”

“He chips in one, two, three (things), that is normal. You cannot play football alone, it is not an island.”

When asked about the current status of the Nigerian coaching position following the team’s 1-1 draw against South Africa on Sunday Amokachi said, “I’m an interim coach and that question should go to the administrators,” he said.

A stop page time goal from BonganiZungu cancelled out Ahmed Musa’s opener.

In Amokachi and Keshi, Nigeria have two former internationals heavily involved in the national team and the former Everton striker believes it is important that they utilise the talents at their disposal.

“Back in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s in South Africa, during the apartheid era, South Africa had some great players who are legends, some unfortunately have already passed on. In Nigeria, it’s the same thing,” Amokachi said.

“Football is what we love, we love football and at the end of the day what we enjoy doing; we get paid doing it and we become legends out of it so we should take it seriously. It is our lifestyle.

“When God gives you a gift and you don’t respect that gift, believe me it will go down the drain. That is what we keep preaching to the players.”

Buhari leads with 2m votes …as INEC declares 18 states, FCT only

Results from 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory so far released by the Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday showed the All Progressives Congress Presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari coasting to victory.

He polled 8,520,436 votes in the states and the FCT while his Peoples Democratic Party counterpart and incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan had 6,488,210 votes.

The Daura, Katsina State-born former Head of State won 10 of the states and Jonathan, eight plus the FCT.

The states cleared by Buhari are Kaduna, Kwara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Kogi and Ogun.

Jonathan captured Abia, Anambra, Nasarawa, Enugu, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Plateau and FCT.

In the South-West states, Buhari won in Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ogun but lost in Ekiti where he garnered 120,331 votes. Jonathan polled 176,466 votes in the PDP-controlled state.

Buhari polled 299,889 votes in Ondo, 308,290 in Ogun, 528, 620 in Oyo and 383,603 in Osun while Jonathan had 251,368; 207,950; 303,376; 249,929 respectively.

The results from Lagos State are yet to be announced.

(UPDATED) Election results announcement resumes

March 31, 2015

The attempt of the PDP agent, Mr. Godsday Orubebe, to stop the announcement of the presidential election results seems to have been foiled as the results announcement has resumed with Ebonyi State taking the floor with Collation Officer, Prof. Michael Amalekwu, presenting.

Orubebe had sought the stoppage of the release of the results, citing alleged partisanship against the INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega.

he also refused to allow Jega to respond to his allegation, almost throwing the entire hall of International Conference Centre into confusion.

Details soon…

Mr. Godsday Orubebe

Nigeria 2015 Presidential Election Results (So Far)

Below are Election results update compiled from KelvinKash Reporters on ground in Nigeria, The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announcements, and the general public in Nigeria-(may be truthful, biased or false). Nigerians today vote in their fifth presidential and national assembly elections since the country’s return to democracy in 1999. The two foremost contenters in today's presidential election are President Goodluck Jonathan, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential flag-bearer and General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), presidential flag-bearer of opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Both candidates say they are committed to a united and indivisible Nigeria. Nine other parties - ADC, APA, CPP, HOPE, KOWA, NCP, PPN, UDP and UPP are also fielding candidates in the election. The general public can contact us (or text us) on +2363342214 with election news in your area; please include the time of the occurrence of the news item.

Tuesday, March 31, 2015 ( Scroll down for Earlier Updates )

1.00 am:

Vote counting stopped just before midnight Monday with Jonathan winning 9 states and Abuja (Federal Capital Territory) to Buhari's nine states. This gives a total of 18 states and Abuja (FCT)counted. In terms of total accumulation of votes, Buhari had significant lead over Jonathan - Buhari: 8,520,436 votes and Jonathan: 6,488,210 votes. INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega announced that vote counting of the remaining 18 states will commence Tuesday at 10 a.m. (0900 GMT).

Monday, March 30, 2015 ( Scroll down for Earlier Updates )

2.00 pm:

U.S. and U.K. warn of efforts to manipulate (rig) results of Nigeria elections over the weekend. "We have seen no evidence of systemic manipulation of the process. But there are disturbing indications that the collation process -- where the votes are finally counted -- may be subject to deliberate political interference," U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and U.K. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said in a joint statement. INEC flatly rejected the accusation. "There is absolutely no basis for that at all. There is no interference at all. We are about to start the collation process. We have no evidence of political interference," INEC spokesman, Kayode Idowu countered in a press statement. [ info by a Citizen reporter ]

1.00 pm:

Buhari wins his home state of Katsina by landslide. The returning officer for Katsina State, Prof Jibrin Amin who announced the result today said Buhari polled 1,345,441 votes, while Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) got 98,937 votes. [ info by a Citizen reporter ]

11.30 am:

Governors Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State and T. A. Orji of Abia State win senate seats. Akpabio will represent Akwa Ibom north east senatorial district while Orji represents Abia central senatorial zone. Akpabio polled a total of 422,009 votes ahead of Inibehe Okorie, candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC) who got 15,152 votes . Orji polled 46,070 votes ahead of Ahamdi Nweke of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) who got 10,204 votes. [ info by a Citizen reporter ]

10.00 am:

General Mohammadu Buhari (rtd.), Presidential Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) wins by landslide his polling unit in Sakin Yara “A”, Kofar Baru 3 in Daura local government of Katsina State. Buhari polled 499 votes out of total votes cast while Jonathan got nothing; 3 votes were voided. In National Assembly elections, APC got 478 for senate, PDP 18 and People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) 3 votes while 3 votes were nullified. In House of Representatives election, APC amassed 500 votes while PDP and APGA got 1 vote each. [ info by a Citizen reporter ]

9.45 am:

Results from Nigeria's elections, the closest contest since the end of military rule in 1999 are to soon start trickling in, according to sources, however INEC says it expects to announce the first batch of results of the presidential poll on Tuesday. [ info by Masterweb reporter ]

8.00 am:

Femi Fani Kayode, Director of Media and Publicity of PDP Presi­dential Campaign Organisa­tion (PDPPCO) says President Jonathan was leading with vic­tory in 23 states. Kayode accused APC of posting fake results using phony social media and noted that only INEC enjoys the statutory mandate to re­lease election results. He said President Jonathan was leading in the Southern part of the country and core North on information from PDP party agents. The ex-aviation minister said the motive of APC of posting fake results, was to precipitate violence once INEC declares President Jonathan winner of the election. In Kayode's words: “ The re­ports that we are getting from the field is that our candidate is doing very well in the south and north central and that we are making very strong inroads into various states in the core north. As we speak now, we are winning in 23 states and we have 64 percent, while the APC is winning in 14 states and has 36 percent. “These results are subject to confirmation by the Independent National Elec­toral Commission. However, we are certain of what we are saying because we have in­formation from our agents in every polling unit nationwide. No one must test our will by attempting to change these results and the APC should desist from pushing this nation to the brink of fire, chaos and destruction with their dirty lies and propaganda. The motive for the lies and disinformation of the APC is to create high expecta­tions for their supporters, so that when the real results come out and they are announced by INEC, and when those real results do not tally with the fake results that the APC had told their agents and friends to release, they will begin to run riot, create havoc and kill people. This is irresponsible and dangerous and we hereby warn the APC and their agents in the media to stop spreading falsehood and telling danger­ous lies. We also call on the security agencies to be vigilant because when the truth of their defeat finally dawns on them, the APC and Buhari will not take it very lightly. We should all patiently wait for INEC to release the official results of all the elec­tions and until then, we call on our supporters and party mem­bers to hold their heads up high, to remain confident and strong and to hold their peace.” [ info by Masterweb reporter ]

6.30 am:

Stage seems set for a change of leadership in Nigeria with results of the presidential polls indicating Gen Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) is in comfortable lead in three of the country’s six geo-political zones. The zones include the two largest ones – North West and South West. Buhari also polled more votes than his arch-rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan, in North East zone. The incumbent president clinched the South South and the South East. Both candidates have shared the spoils in North Central zone with Buhari winning in Kogi, Kwara and Niger states while Jonathan won Nasarawa, Plateau and Benue. From results trickling in from the collation centres, the former military head of state has emerged the preferred choice of the people in the presidential poll. “There is no doubt the race has been won and lost and that Gen Buhari has won,” a source at the INEC office confided in LEADERSHIP. [ info by Leadership Newspaper reporters ]

Sunday, March 29, 2015 ( Scroll down for Earlier Updates )

7.00 pm:

Collation of results from the 36 states of Nigeria is to begin at noon, Monday, March 30, Professor Attahiru Jega, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman announced today. “Please, be wary of declaration from people who are clearly partisan. We will declare results when it has been collated from the states,” Attahiru Jega said. [ info by a Nigerian reporter ]

5.00 pm:

Buhari leading Jonathan in Oyo State. Oyo breakdown are as follows: [Oyo West: APC-16,431; PDP-5,381] [Atisbo: APC-9,090; PDP-6,392] [Saki East: APC-7,208; PDP-5,368] [Iwajowa: APC-8,715; PDP-7, 389] [Ona Ara: APC-12,291; PDP-7,175] [Ibarapa East: APC-10,482; PDP 7,009] [Atiba: APC-16,755; PDP-6,443] [Oluyole: APC-19,642; PDP-6,956] [Ido: APC-17,235; PDP-6,538] [Kajola: APC-14,538; PDP-11,045] [Afijio: APC-8,001; PDP-5,738] [Orelope: APC-9,425; PDP-5,384] [Irepo: APC-10,380; PDP-4,979] [Itesiwaju: APC-7,257, PDP-7,605] [Iseyin: APC-24,075; PDP-10,569] [Oyo East: APC-17,105; PDP-6,326] [Orire: APC-10,161; PDP-13,238] [Saki West: APC-25,965; PDP-7,008] [ info by a Nigerian reporter ]

3:45.00 pm:

Buhari so far leading Jonathan in Kogi State. In 11 out of the state's 21 local governments counted, Buhari has 109,827 votes and Jonathan 84,555. Results from the remainder 10 local governments are being awaited. [ info by a Nigerian reporter ]

2.30 pm:

Buhari leading in Ogun, Borno and Lagos States. With 13 local council results declared in Ogun State, Buhari got total votes of 179,160 and Jonathan has 112,080. Buhari led in 9 out of the 13 local councils. Buhari is leading in 10 local government areas of Borno State. The results for the two leading parties (APC & PDP) were as follows: [Abadam LGA: - APC 2657; PDP – 70] [Kala Balge LGA: APC 1766; PDP 98] [Askira-Uba LGA: APC 5220; PDP 1308] [Kaga LGA: - APC 6133; PDP 202] [Mafa LGA: APC 7,140; PDP 178] [Marte LGA: APC 4262; PDP 242] [Ngala Local LGA: APC 2,764; PDP 241] [Nganzai LGA: - APC 3,521; PDP 211] [Kukawa LGA: - APC 5662; PDP 230] [Mobbar LGA: - APC 4487; PDP 108] Early results in Lagos indicate Buhari leading Jonathan. [ info by Citizen reporters ]

11.45 am:

President Goodluck Jonathan wins 14 local governments of Ekiti State. Results from 2 local governments are yet to be released. [ info by a Nigerian reporter ]

10.30 am:

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declares Nigeria’s presidential and parliamentary elections that started on Saturday “largely peaceful” and orderly. He condemned attacks by suspected Boko Haram militants and others that attempted to disrupt the election and was “encouraged by the determination and resilience shown by the Nigerian people in pressing forward and exercising their civic duties in the face of unjustifiable violence,” his office said in an email press statement. [ info by a Citizen reporter ]

10.00 am:

"In Kaduna central senatorial zone APC Beats PDP massively. Result from polling unit 002, Shaba Ward 1, Kaduna North LGA are as follows: [President: APC = 311 PDP = 33 PPA = 1 Void = 2] - [Senate: APC = 294 PDP = 44 Void = 1] - [House of Representatives: APC = 272 PDP = 63 Void = 6]" -Lukman Yakubu [ info by Masterweb site commentator ]

8.00 am:

Voting continues in some parts of Nigeria after technical hitches during Saturday's presidential/national assembly elections. [ info by a Citizen reporter ]

Saturday, March 28, 2015 ( Scroll down for Earlier Updates )

11.30 pm:

Prof. Attahiru Jega, INEC Chairman speaks live on ChannelsTv saying he was satisfied with election process so far. He regrets problems with use of the card reader, explaining the rationale behind creating an addendum to the electoral guidelines. [ info by a Citizen reporter ]

10.45 pm:

"On all of idowu martins polling units Victorial Island Lagos, it's been Buhari and APC Rep & Senatorial aspirants winning." -Graham O. [ info by Masterweb site commentator ]

9.30 pm:

"At Amuwo Odofin, unit 20 at chemist bus stop, Marwa road, Ijegun, Satellie town, Lagos, President Jonathan had 154 votes and Buhari had 10 votes, 5 votes were voided. Senate candidate for PDP had 161 while that of APC had 8. House of Rep, PDP 154, APC 10." -Ndubuisi Okafor [ info by Masterweb site commentator ]

9.00 pm:

"There were no elections in almost all parts of Rivers State particularly in Emuohua Local Government Area. INEC officials came without the original result sheets there, when they could not provide the result sheets voters rejected the process and INEC officials left." -Freddie [ info by Masterweb site commentator ]

8.45 pm:

Soldiers reportedly surround house of Danjuma Goje, Ex-governor of Gombe State. Speaking live on ChannelsTv via telephone he said: “They have blocked the street leading to the house and no one can go out.” No explanation has been given so far for the action of the soldiers. [ info by a Citizen reporter ]

7.45 pm:

Results of presidential election in Polling Unit 022 at presidential villa, Abuja gave General Muhammadu Buhari, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate victory over President Goodluck Jonathan, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential flag-bearer with 93 votes. Buhari got 334 votes while Jonathan had 241 votes. All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) came in third with 45 votes and Labour Party 11 votes. [ info by a Citizen reporter ]

7.00 pm:

General Muhammadu Buhari(rtd.), All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate and the party’s House of Representatives Candidate in Ikorodu, Babajimi Benson took early lead in some parts of Ikorodu Division. 90% of 100 callers to Masterweb Reports said they voted for Buhari - this sample is not representative of Nigerian voters, but statistics to closely watch. Vote counting continues in polling units in several states. Reports confirm that in Abia State, accreditation and voting were peaceful. [ info by a Citizen & Masterweb reporters ]

5.45 pm:

: Elections in Akai Efa, Calabar, Cross River State very peaceful from beginning to end. Vote counting begins in polling units in some states. [ info by a Nigerian reporter ]

5.30 pm:

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) restores hacked website, cleans it of virus. INEC resorts to manual accreditation in cases where card readers have issues. [ info by a Citizen reporter ]

4.45 pm:

"There is no election at Obio Akpor LGA Ward 15, Unit 1, Rumuosi Town as the boys are throwing bottles and the Police are shooting sporadically into the air. This was a resultant of the INEC Officials not coming with the Result Sheets hence the Youth ordered the stoppage of the Accredtation which began so late. Hence No Election in Unit 1, 2, 3, and 4." -Ephraimite [ info by Masterweb site commentator ]

4.20 pm:

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) restores hacked website, cleans it of virus. INEC resorts to manual accreditation in cases where card readers have issues. [ info by Nigerian reporters ]

4.00 pm:

Elections in parts of the country extended to Sunday by INEC after delays and a number of violent attacks. Over 7 people were killed Saturday morning by suspected fleeing members of Boko Haram who had invaded Shole village in Nafada LGA of Gombe State and pursued by Nigerian army. [ info by Nigerian reporters ]

3.30 pm: European Union Chief Election Observer in Nigeria, Mr. Santiago Fisas describes the accreditation process as slow. Yomi Ademola, PDP member killed by suspected APC thugs in Ikirun, Ifelodun LGA, Osun State. [ info by Citizen reporters ]

3.00 pm: Starts raining in Ikeja, Lagos Island, and other parts of Lagos State but voters defy downpour and stayed in queue to cast their votes. [ info by Nigerian reporters ]

2.30 pm: Voters reject use of incident form as alternative means of accreditation at polling units 009/008 Alakija, Lagos. Card reader could not be accessed as password was not available at polling unit Rugar kuka 2 box 012- Danmaliki- Kumbotso, Kano State [ info by Citizen reporters ]

2.00 pm: Accreditation still going on at ward 3,PU 003 in Daura, Katsina State where All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Muhammad Buhari will vote. Many people are still in queue. There are reportedly 724 registered voters in the unit. [ info by Nigerian reporters ]

1.30 pm: Accreditation yet to start at polling unit 24/13/07/053 in Lagos as Card Reader malfunctioned and was taken in for repairs with no replacement. [ info by Nigerian reporters ]

1.00 pm: Most major streets in Abuja and Lagos deserted as soldiers patrol cities with vehicles and at checkpoints check identity of pedestrians and search boots of cars. A man identified as Ozoemena Odenta by police in Ikwo Division, Ebonyi State for distributing stolen PVCs in Ekawoke ward. Odenta was accused to have stolen over 300 cards from INEC during the last distribution exercise and resurfaced on election day to distribute them to loyalists. [ info by Citizen/Nigerian reporters ]

12.30 pm: Card reader fails to capture biometrics of Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang and his wife. Addressing journalists after failure to authenticate him Jang said "I am disappointed in the process, since the card reader can reject the number one citizen of the state." [ info by Nigerian reporters ]

12.15 pm: No trace of INEC officials at Lugbe King of Kings secondary school and Katampe II polling unit Mpape Bwari, Abuja. Police officers maintain order in most polling stations and soldiers absent as ordered by the court. [ info by Nigerian reporters ]

11.30 am: The Transitional Monitoring Group make posting on Facebook that across Nigeria, 68% of polling units had opened by 11.30 local time (10:30 GMT). [ info by Citizen reporters ]

11.00 am: INEC staff arrive polling unit 006 at Area 2 Shopping Complex, Abuja to begin accreditation. Accreditation yet to commence at Kwalli polling unit, Kankarofi ward, Kano municipal, Kano as INEC officials were not on site. [ info by Citizen reporters ]

10.30 am: Lots of complaints from many polling units around the country of card readers not working properly. Several callers from Aba, Abia State say many people in Aba were turned back from accreditation due to non-functional card readers; according to the callers some people were accredited manually in some of the polling units where INEC claim card readers were not working properly. Accreditation yet to commence at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, Egbo Uruagu, Nnewi Anambra State. [ info by Nigerian reporters ]

10.00 am: No sign of INEC officials at the polling units in Agege area of Lagos State. Soldiers barricade Abuja-Kuje road blocking journalists and observers trying to enter town. 10.17 am: Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo accredited at Ward 11, Unit 22, Olusomi Compound Polling Centre at Oke - Sokori, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Military helicopters hovered above voters queuing at a polling stations in Maiduguri, the former headquarters of Boko Haram, [ info by Nigerian reporters ]

9.45 am: House of Reps election postponed in Ethiope East and West Constituencies in Delta State due to insufficient ballot papers. At Polling Unit 003c, 003A and 003B, 003, Oluyole Extension Ibadan, Oyo State there is only one policewoman stationed with no soldiers visible. [ info by a Citizen reporter ]

9.00 - 9.40 am: (9.10 am: General Muhammadu Buhari and his wife are accredited in his hometown, Daura, Katsina. They are due to return at 13:00 local time (12:00 GMT) to cast their votes. 9.35 am: President Jonathan and wife Dame Patience are accredited at an Otuoke polling station in Bayelsa after several card readers failed to capture their biometrics; Jonathan speaking to press joked: "Maybe it's me? If I can endure, you see my sweat?" and called for public patience saying he was not worried about technical glitches. "It's the first time we are using this technology, PVCs (permanent voters card), card readers," Jonathan added. Jonathan and his wife will return at 1.00 pm local time to cast their votes. [ info by a Citizen reporter ]

8.30 am: INEC commences accreditation of registered voters at most polling booths. Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari's (ex-Niger Delta militant) voter card rejected by the electronic card reader at his polling station in Rivers State. [ info by a Citizen reporter ]

7.30 am: Voters start queuing up at polling units across the country awaiting INEC's accreditation. [ info by kelvinkash

6.30 am: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website taken over hackers and infected with virus. A group calling itself the Nigeria Cyber Army placed a message on the site warning Nigeria Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC) not to rig the elections. [ info by a Masterweb Cyber Patrol Bureau ]

Friday Night - March 27, 2015: Boko Haram militants kill at least 25 people in attack on remote northeast village of Buratai in Borno State. They torched houses fatally shooting those who fled before reportedly beheading some of the bodies with chainsaws. At least 14 people were killed in separate attacks by the radical Islamist group in the towns of Biri and Dukku in Gombe State; the victims included a legislator. INEC postpone House of Rep elections in eleven federal constituencies in Jigawa State due to insufficient supply of election materials such as ballot papers and result sheets. The postponement does not include presidential and senate elections in the constituencies. The affected constituencies are Dutse/Kiyawa, Ringim/ Taura, HadeJia/Kafin Hausa/Auyo, Jahun Miga, Gumel/Maigatari/Sule tankarkar/ Gagarawa, Kaugama/Malam-madori, Gwaram, Babura/Garki, Birnin Kudu/Buji, Birniwa/Guri/Kirikasamma and Kazaure/Roni/Gwiwa/Yankwashi. [ info by Nigerian reporter ]

Photo Above: President Goodluck Jonathan waves to the crowd on arrival at a campaign rally in Kano, northern Nigeria .

Photo Above: Huge crowd trail Buhari during a 2011 campaign rally - displaying "Power to the people"

INEC & Nigeria's Destiny

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), like the judiciary, has been saddled with the most honorable and delicate responsibility of steering the rudder of our country’s destiny in the direction the masses want to go every time a new course is to be charted. This commission has the responsibility of protecting the future of the citizenry and the country by making sure that only the winners in any election are announced with a detailed explanation on how they won, and presenting a well documented evidence of their assertions.

As a result of this, the INEC chairmanship holds a greatly influential position in the advancement of our country’s democracy. If any election is to be free and fare, it will start with the INEC leadership. If, on the other hand an election is to be marred by any party, it receives its backing from the INEC leadership too. This therefore makes the INEC leadership solely responsible for any election malpractice, incompetence and rigging. The INEC, like its brother the judiciary, is created to be outside the “puppet-control” influence of the governing authority.

Apart from the June 12 election of 1993, every other election conducted in most parts of Nigeria, from the ward level to the presidency, has been terribly marred with incompetencies and rigging. So many people have been blamed for that with accusations and counter-accusations coming from different parties. Whichever party rigged election at any time in any part of the country, the truth remains that the INEC played the most important part in the rigging. With all the millions of dollars often released to the INEC, Nigeria should by now be teaching other nations on how to conduct free, fare and credible elections. But the INEC has been so corrupt that the only truth they have been willing to speak so far is the truth traded with them for money. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Prof. Attahiru Jega, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria

Getting Nigeria to have a free, fare and credible election this time or even in the future should not be a task that will get all Nigerians worked up if the INEC leadership is ready to serve the country this time and not their personal interests which always go at cross-purposes with what Nigeria stands for. If the result of this coming election is to represent the voters’ wishes, the INEC should be able to prove to the entire country that it’s willing and capable to work this time. With the ocean of money allotted to the INEC for this coming election, and with the INEC setting in place what needs to be for a credible election, no one can fault this 2011 election-from the councilorship to the presidency. I have carefully listed steps that will rubbish election rigging in Nigeria and present to the citizens their choice candidates as their representatives after all votes are counted. Here are the carefully listed steps towards protecting our votes in Nigeria and making them count:

1. Laptops for each voting center throughout the country

2. Live cameras (probably CCTVs) in each voting center throughout the country

3. Internet. A credible Internet provider should be contracted to provide each voting center throughout the country with unbreaking network connectivity which must use an SSL for transmission. A high speed broadband will do for every voting center.

4. Thumb printing devices that will be connected to each laptop should be made available to all centers throughout the country. This will detect a double voting by a single person.

5. Stand-by generators and spare laptop batteries or self-chargers.

6. An office should be created in Abuja by the INEC which will have among its members trusted representatives from all the political parties, EFCC, ICPC, Nigerian Army, SSS, The Police, The Navy, The Air force, The Customs, The Immigration, Religious Leaders, Student Union, NBA, Traditional chiefs, The presidency, and other relevant bodies.

7. The said Internet provider should configure the office with wall computers to receive transmissions directly from all the voting centers.

8. Voting should be by thumb-printing with the voter’s information keyed in beside the thumb print.

9. As each voter casts his vote by thumb-printing on his/her selected candidate’s drive, the representatives, with the INEC officials should be able to see where the vote is cast directly on the screen without having to display the voter’s information.

10. The live cameras are to relay directly and immediately everything that goes on in the voting centers to the election storage drive which will be saved with the INEC, the Internet provider and the representatives’ office.

11. In the case of claims of irregularities by any party even after being present in the counting, the stored information containing how and where individual voters cast their votes will be taken to the court in charge. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Maurice Iwu, Ex-Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria

Technology has gone too far that anyone who wants the truth to prevail knows in which direction to look. No election can go wrong in Nigeria if these procedures are dully put in place. The INEC should completely set up the modalities and logistics while the representatives will join them in the monitoring. To set these up will take less money than expected and will serve the country in years to come. As Nigeria evolves in the line of democracy, innovations will come in handy. Whether you call this “Electronic Voting Method (EVM)” or “Save Nigeria Method (SNM)”, the overall intent is to steer Nigeria back on course.

This method will nail election malpractice and rigging in Nigeria to its coffin once and for all. While the police and the army are stationed in each voting center to ensure smooth process, the cameras will do the recording of events. Any party or group that opposes these measures without coming up with a generally accepted alternative(by the citizenry and not just a party) is the enemy of democracy and the enemy of the state, no matter where they may be speaking from. Such a group or party should be descended on by the full force of the nation.