Thread by @thecableng

LIVE: Tinubu, Osinbajo, Amaechi lock horns for APC presidential ticket | TheCable thecable.ng/live-tinubu-os…

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It is finally here; the most-eagerly anticipated presidential primary in recent history. The stage is set for a clash of gladiators and kingmakers in Eagle Square, Abuja. Welcome to TheCable's coverage of the APC special convention.
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By this time tomorrow, a victor is expected to have emerged, but rest assured, it will not be an easy ride for any contender. The battle will be challenging and a consensus is unlikely.

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As expected, there is a heavy security presence in the vicinity of Eagle Square.

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Momentarily, delegates are getting accreditated at the International Conference Centre while journalists are waiting to receive press tags at Rayfield Hotel.

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📸: @Imranmuhdz

The weeks leading to this moment have been packed with wheeling and dealing, a series of horse-trading, scheming, strategising and restrategising by the camps and foot soldiers of the contenders.

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#Delegates are in high spirits as they wait to get accredited. Today is their day. They are the stars of the show.

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At last count, 2,322 delegates from 36 states and the FCT are expected to elect the flagbearer of the ruling party for the 2023 presidential election.

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The APC said 28 contenders bought the presidential nomination forms, but following the screening exercise, the list was pruned. We then had a shortlist of 13. But as of this morning, the APC governors and NWC have recommended five hopefuls.

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Chukwuemeja Nwajiuba
Badaru Abubakar
David Umahi
Ibikunle Amosun
Bola Tinubu
Rotimi Amaechi
Kayode Fayemi
Godswill Akpabio
Yemi Osinbajo
Yahaya Bello
Tein Jack-Rich
Ogbonnaya Onu
Ahmad Lawan

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FIVE RECOMMENDED FINALISTS
Bola Tinubu
Rotimi Amaechi
Kayode Fayemi
David Umahi
Yemi Osinbajo

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UNHAPPY YAHAYA BELLO

The Kogi governor was miffed over the decision of his fellow northern governors to zone the ticket to the southern region. His reaction was captured in a viral video on Monday.

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Back at Eagle Square, party members are in a joyous mood. It is Christmas Day for members of the ruling party. They are dancing, marching and singing -- ahead of the hour of reckoning.

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Meanwhile, petty traders are well-positioned -- literally and figuratively -- to cash in on the expected patronage.

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Meanwhile, the camp of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has set up a medical outreach for delegates and members of the convention committee. Deft move.

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At the International Conference Centre, security is also tight as delegates continue with the accreditation process.

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Despite being excluded from the 13-aspirant shortlist of the screening committee, supporters of Uju Kennedy Ohanenye are here to make their presence felt at the Eagle Square. Ohanenye is the only female presidential hopeful of the APC.

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DELEGATES BREAKDOWN
The north-west has the lion's share of the 2322 delegates expected to elect the APC presidential candidate.

North-west: 558

South-west: 411

South-south: 372

North-central: 360

North-east: 336

South-east: 285

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Delegates from Rivers, the home state of Rotimi Amaechi, are undergoing accreditation at the ICC.

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📸: @Imranmuhdz

@Imranmuhdz Meanwhile, business is booming for the petty traders at the International Conference Centre, where delegates are getting accredited.

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With "Oyetola 4+4" inscriptions on their shirts, these supporters are already tired and resting their legs. It is going to be a long day.

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The scene from inside the Eagle Square. The arena is starting to fill up.

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Delegates from Nasarawa state are seated at the Eagle Square after concluding their accreditation.

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Justice. Peace. Unity.

Will we see all three at the presidential primary today? The jury is still out on that.

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Iyiola Omisore, the national secretary of the APC, is presently at Eagle Square to oversee proceedings.

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A note of caution from @realFFK to the northern APC governors.

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Fun Fact: APC says 28 presidential hopefuls purchased its nomination and expression of interest forms. It cost N100m per person. This means the party raked in N2.8bn from the sale of its presidential forms alone.

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Kabiru Gaya, DG of the umbrella body of @ProfOsinbajo support groups, has just walked into the convention venue. A few weeks ago, Gaya, the senator representing Kano south, said he refused to contest the governorship of his state to focus on the vice-president's campaign.

SPOTTED: Opeyemi Bamidele, senator representing Ekiti central district, seen with Iyiola Omisore, the APC national secretary.

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BEN AYADE'S 'AFROTIONISM'

Ben Ayade, Cross River governor, has just updated the cover banner of his Facebook page, and he is preaching the gospel of "Afrotionism". The meaning? Your guess is as good as ours.

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Ben Ayade has asked his fellow governors to make him their "last joker". Ayade, a contender in the APC primary, is seeking the support of his colleagues. "My strategy has been quiet, non-controversial but in touch with the entire delegates nationwide," he said.

With the journey still long, the APC delegates have heeded the pangs of hunger and stepped aside to fill their insides.

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MEET THE GLADIATORS

While the ruling party inches closer to commencing its special convention to elect a presidential candidate, TheCable provides a lowdown on the key contenders in the race.

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TINUBU, HE WHO NEVER RUNS FROM BATTLE

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FOR OSINBAJO, IT'S A QUEST FOR CONTINUITY

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LAWAN: THIS IS NOT MY JOURNEY, BUT OUR JOURNEY

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FAYEMI: I HAVE NO MONEY BUT I HAVE COMPASSION

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ONU: I HAVE CREDIBILITY AND CAN BE TRUSTED

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UMAHI: GOD SPOKE TO ME

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AMOSUN: WE'LL CREATE ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMAN FLOURISHING

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AMAECHI: MY BID NOT TO FULFIL PERSONAL AMBITION

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OSINBAJO'S ICE CREAM STAND

Apart from providing a medical outreach service, the camp of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo is also offering complimentary ice cream and popcorn.

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📸: @whitenigerian

A few days ago, Kashim Shettima, former Borno governor, had described the vice-president as a nice man, adding that nice men should be selling ice cream.

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THE CHAIRMAN IS HERE!

Abdullahi Adamu, APC national chairman, has arrived at the venue of the party's convention. Adamu had on Monday announced Senate President Ahmad Lawan as the consensus presidential candidate.

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SPOTTED: THE EAGLE IN EAGLE SQUARE

As it was for the PDP presidential primary, so it is for the APC exercise. @officialEFCC officials have been spotted at the Eagle Square. What is good for the goose is good for the gander after all.

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THE REAL MVP
Obeying the last command! This police officer has been standing for hours observing movements close to the VIP area of the Eagle Square.

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Adams Oshiomhole, former APC national chairman, has arrived for the APC special convention.

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BAKARE IN THE BUILDING

Tunde Bakare, one of the presidential hopefuls, has just walked in. Bakare is one of the three pastors in the APC presidential race.

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As the convention venue gradually fills up, Tunde Bakare is seen exchanging pleasantries with Adams Oshiomhole.

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SPOTTED: THE EAGLE IN EAGLE SQUARE

As it was for the PDP presidential primary, so it is for the APC exercise. EFCC officials have been spotted at the Eagle Square. What is good for the goose is good for the gander after all.

#APCPresidentialPrimaries
#APCSpecialConvention

SPOTTED: THE EAGLE IN EAGLE SQUARE

As it was for the PDP presidential primary, so it is for the APC exercise. EFCC officials have been spotted at the Eagle Square. What is good for the goose is good for the gander after all.

#APCPresidentialPrimaries
#APCSpecialConvention

THE REAL MVP

Obeying the last command! This police officer has been standing for hours observing movements close to the VIP area of the Eagle Square.

thecable.ng/live-tinubu-os…

#APCPresidentialPrimaries
#APCSpecialConvention

Adams Oshiomhole, former APC national chairman, has arrived for the APC special convention.

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BAKARE IN THE BUILDING

Tunde Bakare, one of the presidential hopefuls, has just walked in. Bakare is one of the three pastors in the APC presidential race.

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#APCSpecialConvention

As the convention venue gradually fills up, Tunde Bakare is seen exchanging pleasantries with Adams Oshiomhole.

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Babagana Zulum and Bello Matawalle, governors of Borno and Zamfara states, have joined other party members at the convention venue. President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to arrive any moment now.

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Members of the electoral committee are awaiting the commencement of the voting process.

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SOUTH-WEST CONSENSUS: NEVER SAY NEVER

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos state governor, says the door is not closed on the possibility of a consensus south-west candidate. "It's been a very difficult task for us. Up until two,...

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...three hours ago, we were still consulting," he said. "In politics, never say never. Things can begin to happen right here, later tonight."

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Adebayo Shittu, former minister of communication, flanked by @BashirAhmaad, media aide to the president. Based on the programme of events, the voting process should have commenced by now.
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As dusk beckons, and with the exercise yet to commence, delegates are starting to get weary.

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Tuku Buratai, Nigeria's ambassador to Benin Republic, exchanges pleasantries with Ita Enang, SSA on Niger Delta affairs to the president.

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THE ARRIVAL OF AMAECHI

Surrounded by his supporters, @ChibuikeAmaechi, one of the frontrunners in the APC presidential race, has just walked into Eagle Square.

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VIDEO: The moment @ChibuikeAmaechi arrived at Eagle Square for APC presidential primary

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'THE FEWER THE BETTER'

Adebayo Shittu, former minister of communication, says the APC must pick a strong candidate to face the PDP flagbearer, adding that he's in support of the pruning of the number of APC contenders.

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"It is not about the more the merrier, it is about the fewer the better. The PDP has given us a challenge, we must also bring our best," he said.

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'STORM IN A TEA CUP'

Olorunnimbe Mamora, minister of state for health, says the apprehension surrounding the APC presidential primary may be much ado about nothing.

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"The tension is high because the stakes are high. At the end of the day, it may just be a storm in the teacup," he said.

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Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos state governor, moves around Eagle Square to greet the delegates.
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Tein Jack-Rich, one of the presidential hopefuls, arrives at the convention venue.

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Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun state, was all smiles as he walked into the venue of the convention.

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JACK-RICH: I'M ON THE BALLOT

Tein Jack-Rich, one of the presidential hopefuls, says he is still involved in the primary. "I'm on the ballot. I was number one in the screening.

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NGIGE: I QUIT RACE TO FACE MY WORK

Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employment, has shed more light on why he stepped down from the presidential race.

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"When the number was becoming unwieldy, I foresaw that there would be a lot of confusion," he said. "I also foresaw that a lot of time would be needed for negotiation and I don't have that kind of time. So, I decided to step back to my work."
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Bello Matawalle, governor of Zamfara, and Dapo Abiodun, his Ogun counterpart, just strolled in.

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First Lady Aisha Buhari walks up the steps of the VIP box.

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Senate President Ahmad Lawan is here with his entourage. He's one of the presidential hopefuls in the ruling party.
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THE CONSENSUS SAGA

On Monday, Abdullahi Adamu, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had announced Senate President Ahmad Lawan as the consensus presidential candidate for the party.

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But the national working committee (NWC) of the APC countered the national chairman and insisted it will align with the position of governors on power shift to the south.

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HERE COMES JAGABAN

Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos and a top presidential hopeful, has arrived the venue of the convention.

The crowd swoops on him as he makes his way to the stand.

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PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI IS HERE

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JAGABAN WELCOMED BY CROWD

Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos and a top presidential hopeful, has arrived the venue of the convention, after which the president followed.

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Buhari waves at party members and stakeholders who cheered him as he walked to his seat.

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HOPE UZODINMA: THIS CONVENTION IS UNIQUE

Hope Uzodimma, Imo governor and chairman of the convention committee, gives welcome remarks, thanks Abdullahi Adamu, APC national chairman, for finding him worthy to chair the convention.

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"This convention is unique being a transition convention," says Uzodinma.

"We (APC) have always proven our opposition wrong... we are guided by the rule of law.
"Let all of us be loyal and submissive to the supremacy of this matter."

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Abdullahi Adamu, APC national chairman, makes his way to the podium, accompanied by Iyiola Omisore, national secretary.

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Abdullahi Adamu, the national chairman, currently giving his speech.

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ADAMU: THE HEALING PROCESS HAS BEGUN

Abdullahi Adamu, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the convention marks the beginning of the healing process for the party.

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"I'm glad to see that the healing process has just begun.. things are not falling apart. Things are holding up," says Adamu.

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"The contest for protest in all political parties have heated the polity... truth is the first causality in this contest as seen in the media. Blatant lies lead political discourse.

"Let me salute President Muhammadu Buhari for his leadership."
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BAGUDU, KEBBI GOVERNOR, LAYS OUT THE VOTING PROCESS

Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi governor who doubles as the chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), reels out the voting process.

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"The electoral act has provided for fewer delegates which we hope will make the process easier," he says.

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"Delegates will be allowed to vote after accreditation. There are 20 ballot boxes. Delegates should ensure that their name is clearly written to avoid confusion.

"Aspirants who wish to withdraw, will do so publicly and sign the withdrawal form."

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Shina Peters, Juju artiste, thrills the crowd. A bit of entertainment to calm nerves.

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TINUBU MOUNTS THE STAGE

Bola Tinubu, leading presidential hopeful, has been called to the stage.

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PHOTO: Supporters sitting to watch Tinubu rendering his speech.

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I'M A SERIOUS MAN, CAPABLE AND WORTHY, TINUBU WOOS DELEGATES

"For you delegates, this is a heavy responsibility. I know you will meet this duty with the seriousness it deserves," says Tinubu.
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"I commend the other aspirants for their dignity and zeal for how they have conducted their campaigns.

"We must emerge today a united force. As President Buhari has said, our party's aim is to triumph at the national election.

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"I have the experience. I am a serious man with a serious purpose. I will use all my abilities to benefit our people. I constructed a formidable political structure. I am capable and worthy."

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Senate President Ahmad Lawan has been called to the stage.

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Senate President Ahmad Lawan: "I am running for president because I believe that this party has been built around ideals that all of us serve."

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Ahmed Yerima, presidential hopeful, mounts the stage to talk about his plans.

"We have poverty. Every leader must make sure no Nigerian is hungry. We will also include students loan board."

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BORROFICE: I'VE NEVER LOST AN ELECTION

Ajayi Borroffice, deputy senate leader, says he will build on Buhari's legacy.

"I am selling myself to delegates. I have never lost an election. I have served three terms in the senate.

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"I have the experience and capability. It is time to bring science and technology into the mainstream. Voting for me is voting for integrity."

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PHOTO: People patiently waiting for the commencement of the voting process.

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'AFROTIONISM': Ben Ayade, Cross River governor, takes the stage.

Earlier in the day, Ayade had asked his fellow governors to make him their "last joker".

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David Umahi to delegates: "I put myself forward. I have been able to prove that I can do more with little resources."

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OLD HEAD ON YOUNG SHOULDER

Ben Ayade said he may be young but he has the wisdom of an old man. "It is obvious that there is an international connectivity," he said on Nigeria's security challenges. "I am a system purifier. I have that catalytic force," he added.

Dimeji Bankole, presidential hopeful and former speaker of the house of representatives, says: "For the past 20 years, we have left LGAs ungoverned. Over 20 per cent of our revenue is spent on LGAs. We must negotiate with our governors on it to make it better."

Godswill Akpabio is now making his final pitch to the delegates.

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BREAKING: AKPABIO STEPS DOWN FOR TINUBU

Godswill Akpabio has stepped down from the presidential race and has asked his supporters to vote for Bola Tinubu.

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AMOSUN: THIS IS NOT NIGERIA OF OUR DREAMS
Ibikunle Amosun says he would focus on security and infrastructure if elected president.

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"There's no problem that is insurmountable. All the banditry we are battling in south-west and what happened in Ondo - this is not the Nigeria of our dream," Amosun said.
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THANK YOU HUG

Bola Tinubu shares an embrace with Godswill Akpabio after he stepped down for him.

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Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti state governor, is now selling himself to the delegates. Will he also step down and endorse a candidate? We'll know soon.

FAYEMI STEPS DOWN FOR TINUBU 

"We have a duty to build on the labours of our leaders' past. I am prepared to sacrifice my ambition --and one person I have worked with it, a mentor - that I will recommend to my supporters to offer the support to Tinubu," Fayemi says.

DIMEJI BANKOLE ALSO STEPS DOWN FOR TINUBU

Dimeji Bankole, former speaker of the house of representatives, has become the fourth APC presidential hopeful to step down for Bola Tinubu.

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The journey so far: Four APC presidential hopefuls have so far dropped their bids for Bola Tinubu.

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BADARU BACKS TINUBU FOR APC TICKET

Mohammed Badaru, Jigawa governor, says Bola Tinubu is the right man to get the ticket of the party. "For this reason, I want to confirm my withdrawal and ask my supporters to vote for Ahmed Bola Tinubu," he said.

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Senator Ajayi Boroffice has also relinquished his presidential bid for Bola Tinubu. Six endorsements in the bag for Tinubu -- so far.

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ONU DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR SOUTH-EAST

Ogbonnaya Onu, presidential hopeful, is speaking. He says a south-easterner should "ordinarily" replace President Muhammadu Buhari. 

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"Everybody in this party knows the role I played in bringing the party to be. Mr President what is important is that we must ensure that justice is upheld. We need someone from the south-east to replace him (Buhari)," Onu says.

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.@T_Bakare is now on the podium to deliver his final pitch to the delegates. Before starting, he calls for a moment of silence for the victims of the Owo church attack.

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BAKARE: I WILL NOT STEP DOWN FOR ANYONE

Tunde Bakare says he is not interested in dropping his presidential ambition. "I am not here to step down for anyone," he says.

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"I respect all aspirants and I have said wonderful things about them, including Bola Tinubu. I am here by the grace of God to step up to the delegates as the 16th president of Nigeria."

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Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation, is now on the stage to market himself to the delegates of the APC. @ChibuikeAmaechi starts by calling for a moment of silence for those who died in the attacks in Owo and Kaduna.

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'JUDGE ME BY MY WORK'

"Judge me by my work. Today there is railway from Lagos to Ibadan. Today work is ongoing from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri," Amaechi pleads with the delegates for votes.

Amaechi briefly touches on the monetisation of politics. "What is our source of revenue?" he asks, then adds: "The problem of the Nigerian state is all of us."

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Rochas Okorocha, former Imo state governor, is now making his case for the votes of the delegates. "If this convention had taken place on the 30th, I won't have been here because I was somewhere in detention," he said.

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"My delegates, the hour has come, the die is cast. You must search your conscience."

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OKOROCHA: I'M THE COMMANDER OF FREE EDUCATION

Rochas Okorocha has described himself as the commander of free education who has helped many children to get into school.

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The former governor said he is not interested in the ongoing "dramatic political jingoism" and does not want anyone to step down for him.

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BREAKING: NICHOLAS FELIX STEPS DOWN FOR OSINBAJO

Nicholas Felix is delivering a passionate pitch to the delegates. The 40-year-old pastor says youths deserve better and must be involved in government. He then proceeded to step down for Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

Tein Jack-Rich, an oil magnate, is sharing the story of his life and struggles.

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FROM N25,000 TO $1BN

Tein Jack-Rich said he built his business from as little as N25,000.

"I started my business with N25,000. Today it has created over $1bn," he said.

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"I didn't know a councillor, I didn't know a governor. I am a development agent. This country needs a development agent."
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WHITE LION TAKES THE STAGE

Yahaya Bello, Kogi state governor, is now on the podium to pitch for the votes of the delegates.

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BUHARI'S FACIAL EXPRESSIONS

Just a few of the facial expressions of President Muhammadu Buhari at the ongoing APC special convention.

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BELLO: I WILL DEFEAT ATIKU

Yahaya Bello, Kogi state governor, says he can defeat Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, in the 2023 election.

"I'm well to build on the legacies of President Muhammadu Buhari. I will defeat Atiku," Bello says.

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Ikeobasi Mokelu has just finished selling himself -- and President Muhammadu Buhari -- to the delegates. It is now the turn of Uju Ohanenye, the sole female presidential hopeful in the APC.

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UJU OHANENYE STEPS ASIDE FOR TINUBU

'Selflessness is what we need in this country. I will step aside for the lifesaver Asiwaju Bola Tinubu,' says Uju Ohanenye.

thecable.ng/live-tinubu-os…

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Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo is on his way to the podium to give his speech.

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Weary party members have settled on the floor to snooze

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"To our dear delegates, when you vote tonight, know that your vote carries the answer to your prayers for our country and its future," Vice-President Osinbajo tells the delegates.

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JOURNEY SO FAR

Seven presidential hopefuls have dropped their bids for Bola Tinubu

One aspirant has pulled endorsed Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo

thecable.ng/live-tinubu-os…

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QUOTE OF THE HOUR

"Everybody that is contesting today, it is government that made them. I made my wealth before joining government " -- Rochas Okorocha

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MISCHIEVOUS MESSAGES IN CIRCULATION

The coordinators of the APC convention have warned of mischievous messages being circulated on a Muslim-Muslim ticket agenda. Another message is said to be announcing the postponement of the presidential primary.

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'I urge to be magnanimous in victory. We must avoid acrimony," President @MBuhari tells presidential hopefuls.

thecable.ng/live-tinubu-os…

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"I enjoin you all to create a level playing field for all aspirants. Follow due process. Vote for a presidential candidate with the best chances," says @MBuhari. "Please let us work collectively in the interest of our great party."
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Delegates are now getting set to cast their votes.

thecable.ng/live-tinubu-os…

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QUOTE OF THE HOUR

"You can't wish this country well and vote for someone you don't believe in." -- Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo

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Dear readers, it is going to be a long night but we will be with you every step of the way, bringing you updates, insights and major developments. Stick with us.

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The voting process is set to commence. Abia delegates have been called to exercise their franchise.

The voting won't be done in the alphabetical order of states but based on the seating arrangement of the delegates.

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The voting is now in full swing.

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Abia and Kano delegates are presently casting their votes

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With the withdrawal of seven aspirants tonight, one(Ken Nnamani) yesterday, and the absence of Chukuemeka Nwajiuba, 14 presidential hopefuls are in the race for the ticket of the ruling party.

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Abia and Adamawa delegates have voted. Lagos and Anambra delegates are being called to cast their votes.

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DAMBAZAU: WE DID NOT INVITE EFCC

Abdulrahman Dambazau, former minister of interior, says operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) were not invited to the APC convention. TheCable had earlier spotted some operatives of the anti-graft agency.

DAMBAZAU: WE DID NOT INVITE EFCC

"We did not invite the @officialEFCC. We are here for physical security. Of course, we invited FRSC, but EFCC, we did not invite them," he said.

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BABACHIR: THERE'S NO WAY TINUBU WILL NOT WIN

Babachir Lawal, former secretary to the government of the federation, says he is surprised that more presidential hopefuls did not pull out of the race.

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Lawal says he is 100% confident that Bola Tinubu will win the presidential ticket of the party. "I was surprised by those who did not step down. It is an outcome we have been working on for years. Some of the other people that I expected ought to step down did not," he said.

An unidentified individual has collapsed in the venue of the APC convention. He is currently receiving medical attention.

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QUOTE OF THE HOUR

"Peter Obi talks well but talk is cheap. He talks well on social media. If you are not literate on social media, you won't know who @PeterObi is. But as we always say, social media campaigns don't win elections." -- Babachir Lawal

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@PeterObi Anambra stakeholders are alleging a change of delegate list.

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https://twitter.com/thecableng/status/1534351034058952707

The voting process is experiencing hitches. Some aspirants appear to have more than one agent at the voting points. Because of these issues, voting has been suspended.

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Voting has resumed after the temporary break to resolve the issues. Bauchi and Kano delegates are expected to perform their franchise now.

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Delegates from Nasarawa state have now been called to vote.

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Benue state delegates have been asked to step forward to vote. There are 64 delegates from the state.

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Niger delegates have been called to vote. There are 75 delegates from the state

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Borno state delegates have been asked to proceed to the voting point to exercise their franchise. There are 81 accredited delegates in the state.

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It is now the turn of Ogun state delegates to exercise their franchise. There are a total of 60 delegates in Ogun.

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The ninety delegates from Osun state have been asked to proceed for voting.

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Cross River delegates have been asked to proceed for voting. There are 54 delegates in the state.

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The race for the APC presidential ticket has been filled with intrigues, suspense and drama every step of the way. As voting continues at Eagle Square, we will bring you some of the major highlights of the past few months.

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In April, when the party pegged its presidential nomination form at N100m, there was serious backlash from various quarters, but the APC remained undeterred, insisting that only those who could afford the form should purchase it.

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By the time the window for the acquisition of the form would close, the party said 28 members had made the purchase -- but three did not submit. The three are Chris Ngige, Godwin Emefiele, and Timipre Sylva.

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Then came the rescheduling of dates from May 29-30 to June 6-8 after the Independent National Electoral Commission extended the deadline for the submission of the list of candidates by political parties.

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With the dates settled and no longer adjustable, the political intrigues and scheming took centre stage. First, it was rumoured that former President Goodluck Jonathan could spring...

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With the dates settled and no longer adjustable, the political intrigues and scheming took centre stage.

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...a surprise by joining the race, after which key stakeholders in the party began to publicly back their preferred candidates.

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First, it was rumoured that former President Goodluck Jonathan could spring a surprise by joining the race, after which key stakeholders in the party began to publicly back their preferred candidates.

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Although the former president had distanced himself from the northern coalition which bought the APC presidential form for him, he never explicitly expressed non-interest in the race, leaving the door open for speculations.

Unlike Jonathan, Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), categorically said he was not interested in contesting.

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Although the former president had distanced himself from the northern coalition which bought the APC presidential form for him, he never explicitly expressed non-interest in the race, leaving the door open for speculations.

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But when the party would release its list of 23 presidential hopefuls cleared for screening, the former president was not included. And so that matter was put to bed.

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Back at the Eagle Square, dawn is slowly breaking as the 99 accredited Oyo delegates are taking turns to vote.

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Unlike @GEJonathan, @akin_adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), categorically said he was not interested in contesting.

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But when the party would release its list of 23 presidential hopefuls cleared for screening, the former president was not included. And so that matter was put to bed.

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Back at the Eagle Square, dawn is slowly breaking as the 99 accredited Oyo delegates are taking turns to vote.

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It is 6:15am Nigerian time. We have now been on this journey for the past 18 hours. Barring any extraordinary development, the party should announce its presidential candidate in the next few hours.

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Rivers delegates have now been asked to proceed with voting. There are 69 accredited delegates in the state.

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It is 6:15am Nigerian time. We have now been on this journey for the past 18 hours. Barring any extraordinary development, the party should announce its presidential candidate in the next few hours.

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Rivers delegates have now been asked to proceed with voting. There are 69 accredited delegates in the state.

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STATE OF THE RACE

Withdrawn: Ken Nnamani, Robert A. Boroffice, Badaru Abubakar, Ibikunle Amosun, Godswill Akpabio, Kayode Fayemi, Nicholas Felix, Uju Ken-Ohanenye, Dimeji Bankole.

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In the race: David Umahi, Tunde Bakare, Bola Tinubu, Ahmad Rufai Sani, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Yemi Osinbajo, Rochas Okorocha, Yahaya Bello, Tein Jack-Rich, Ogbonnaya Onu, Ahmad Lawan, Ben Ayade, Ikeobasi Mokelu

Missing In Action: Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba

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It is now the turn of Sokoto delegates to exercise their franchise and pick their preferred presidential flagbearer. There are 69 delegates in the state.

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QUOTE OF THE HOUR

"People are mistaken about what the Electoral Act says. The governors have no power to reduce the number of aspirants, not even the party. The number of people we pruned is still five." -- Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa governor.

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Ekiti state delegates have now been called to vote. There are 48 delegates in the state.

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Enugu state delegates have been called to vote. There are 51 delegates in the state. Enugu is the state of Ken Nnamani, the former senate president. Nnamani had announced his withdrawal from the race on Monday.

According to Senator Kabiru Gaya, Nnamani stepped down for Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

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The primary election officials are now sorting the votes ahead of the commencement of counting.

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The sorting of the votes is now underway. Each ballot is being shown to the party agents and the names announced. If a ballot does not have a signature, it will be voided.

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So far, three names have been mentioned the most -- Bola Tinubu, Yemi Osinbajo and Rotimi Amaechi. In that order.

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The sorting of votes has been completed. Vote-counting is about to begin. Very soon, we will know the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress.

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QUOTE OF THE HOUR

"My only frontrunner is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. To me, he is the only contender in this convention. There is no way Asiwaju will not win. It is not a possibility I consider." -- Babachir Lawal

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Inside the VIP box where the contenders and stakeholders are seated, Bola Tinubu is the centre of attention. His staunch ally, Abdullahi Ganduje, was spotted flashing a smile of satisfaction.

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Another ballot has just been voided because of an inability to understand what was written on it. Would it be of any consequence? Time will tell.

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Yet another ballot box, yet another dominance by Bola Tinubu. On to the next.

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Supporters of Bola Tinubu are bubbling with excitement as his name keeps getting mentioned repeatedly.

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Another ballot is voided because only 'Ahmed' was written on it. There are two Ahmeds and one Ahmad in the race, hence it is invalid and has no beneficiary.

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With 10 ballots sorted, Bola Tinubu is in a commanding lead — far ahead of the chasing pack.

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WHERE IS OSINBAJO?

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo is momentarily not present in the VIP box of Eagle Square. The reason for his absence is not yet known. He is currently trailing Bola Tinubu as the ballots are being sorted.

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30 CONSECUTIVE TINUBUS

Bola Tinubu is not just leading in the APC presidential race, he is doing it in style. The last 30 ballots — or more — have all gone to him.

thecable.ng/live-tinubu-os…

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LAWAN'S BOX?

We are now on Box 19 as the sorting continues. Ahmad Lawan has received the most mentions so far. Is this box his for the taking?

thecable.ng/live-tinubu-os…

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As the sorting of votes winds down, supporters of Bola Tinubu are already in a jubilant mood.

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The tally as of 11:12am, courtesy of @BashirAhmaad.

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'ON YOUR MANDATE WE SHALL STAND'

The vote-sorting process is yet to end, but the disciples of Bola Tinubu have already started singing the theme song of their principal's presidential campaign.

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UPDATE: 11:37AM

Bola Ahmed Tinubu 1070

Rotimi Amaechi 238

Yemi Osibanjo 177

Ahmed Lawal 102

Yahaya Bello 25

Dave Umahi 20

Ben Ayade 21

Ahmed Sani 3

Void Votes 8

thecable.ng/live-tinubu-os…

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Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo leads the return of the VIPs to Eagle Square as we inch closer to the final phase of the special convention of the APC.

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President Muhammadu Buhari makes his way back to Eagle Square as the laborious vote-sorting process nears its end.

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VOTE-COUNT SO FAR

Chukwumemeka Nwajuiba: 1

Dave Umahi: 38

Tunde Bakare: 0

Ahmed Yerima: 4

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The votes of Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation, are being counted. He has crossed 200 at the moment.

thecable.ng/live-tinubu-os…

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316 VOTES FOR AMAECHI

Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has polled 316 votes in the APC presidential primary.

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The votes of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo are now being counted.

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235 VOTES FOR OSINBAJO

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has polled 235 votes in the APC presidential primary.

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47 VOTES FOR YAHAYA BELLO

Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi state, has polled 47 votes in the APC presidential primary.

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Ahmed Sani Yerima secured four votes while Ogbonnaya Onu polled just one vote.

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ZERO VOTE FOR OKOROCHA, BAKARE

Rochas Okorocha, Tunde Bakare, and Tein Jack-Rich failed to secure a single vote in the APC presidential primary.

thecable.ng/live-tinubu-os…

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152 VOTES FOR AHMAD LAWAN

Senate President Ahmad Lawan has polled 152 votes in the race for the presidential ticket of the APC.

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BEN AYADE SECURES 37 VOTES

Ben Ayade, Cross River governor, was able to secure 37 votes in the APC presidential primary.

thecable.ng/live-tinubu-os…

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TINUBU MARCHES TO VICTORY WITH 1271 VOTES

In a dominant display, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Lagos state governor, has won the presidential ticket of the APC by a wide margin.

He polled 1271 votes!

thecable.ng/live-tinubu-os…

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APC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY RESULT

Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba - 1

David Umahi - 38

Tunde Bakare - 0

Ahmed Rufai - 4

Rotimi Amaechi - 316

Yemi Osinbajo - 235

Rochas Okorocha - 0

Yahaya Bello - 47

Tein Jack-Rich - 0

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Christopher Onu - 1

Ahmad Lawan - 152

Ben Ayade - 37

Ikeobasi Mokelu - 0

Bola Tinubu - 1,271

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That's it, folks. Bola Tinubu is the standard-bearer of the APC for the 2023 presidential election. This is where we will call it a wrap on this 24-hour coverage of the ruling party's primary.

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