Sunday, September 6, 2026

Lagos, Abuja, other Nigerian cities quiet after INEC declared Bola Tinubu president-elect

At the day’s dawn, the Independent National Electoral Commission announced Mr Tinubu of the APC, winner of the presidential election held on February 25.

and • March 1, 2023
Deserted street in Lagos
Deserted street in Lagos used to illustrate this story (AFP via Getty Image)

An unusual quietude pervaded ordinarily bustling Nigerian cities of Lagos, Abuja and Kano in the aftermath of the declaration of Bola Tinubu as the country’s President-elect on Wednesday.

At the day’s dawn, the Independent National Electoral Commission announced Mr Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, winner of the presidential election held on February 25.

Many Nigerians had trooped out on Saturday to cast their ballots for a candidate of their choice. Messrs Atiku Abubakar of Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi of Labour party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party received the most votes in the results announced by the electoral office.

INEC announced that Mr Tinubu scored 8,794,726 winning 12 states while Mr Abubakar scored 6,984,520 winning 12 states in Nigeria.

Checks by Peoples Gazette showed that the expected jubilation which ought to have characterised announced of the poll outcome was absent across the nation. A motley crowd of celebrants however dotted a street in Kano earlier in the day.

In Lagos, residents resumed their daily activities as before while the streets of Abuja looked deserted.

Leading opposition parties; PDP and LP, are still contesting the announced results, alleging that INEC ran foul of laid down regulations for the polls. Many Nigerians share the same sentiment.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Africa

APC, Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party youths inaugurate joint tree-planting campaign

The initiative is part of the second round of the “Plant African Fraternity” aimed at deepening pan-African youth solidarity and promoting environmental sustainability.

Federal Road Safety Corps

States

Three killed, 20 injured in Osun road crash: FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says three people lost their lives, while 20 others were injured in an accident in Tonkere, Osun State.

Heading 2

EPL: Aston Villa extend goalless run after 0-0 draw with Hull City

Villa missed goal-scoring opportunities in the opening minutes of the game, with chances from Nicolas Jackson, Ross Barkley and George Hemmings.

Heading 5

Rights activists, labour leaders seek security, living wage reforms

Rights activists, labour leaders and civil society organisations called for urgent reforms to address insecurity and economic hardship.

Idi Maiha

Heading 3

FG rebranding livestock sector to attract youths: Maiha

“Now, the agriculture sector is beckoning the youths. We are rebranding the sector,” the minister said.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State

States

Gov Makinde cautions traditional rulers against partisan politics

Mr Makinde advised traditional rulers to steer clear of politics and embrace all political actors without bias.