Politics
Saraki Assents To LG Electoral Law 2010
Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara has signed into law the state’s Local Government Electoral (Amendment) Law 2010.
In a statement, in Ilorin, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Masud Adebimpe, said that by the signing of the law, the State Local Government Electoral Law. Cap. K32, Laws of Kwara State, 2006, had been amended.
Adebimpe stated that the law requires political parties interested in elections to submit their lists of candidates and their particulars to Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) not later than 120 days before an election.
He noted that the law requires that the list of candidates be accompanied by affidavits sworn to by each candidate at the State High Court to indicate that the candidate fulfils all requirements for the election.
“The amendment also provides that KWSIEC shall, within 7 days of the receipt of the personal particulars of a candidate, publish same in the constituency where the candidate intends to contest the election”, the statement said.
By this provision, “any person, who has reasonable ground to believe that a candidate has given false information in his affidavit, may file a suit at the High Court to contest such information as supplied by the candidate.
“If the court by the suit, determines that any of the information contained in the affidavit is false, such candidate, would be disqualified from contesting the Local Government election,” the statement said.
The amended law also states that if a political party presents a candidate who does not meet the qualifications stipulated for elections, it has committed an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of N500, 000.
A political party that intends to change any of its candidates for an election shall inform the Commission of such change in writing not later than 60 days to the election date, the law further states.
It said that except in the case of death, no political party will be allowed to substitute a candidate after the stipulated period of 60 days to an election.
The law further provides that any person who contravenes its provisions shall be deemed to have committed an offence which is liable on conviction to a fine of N50, 000 or imprisonment for a year or both.
Accordingly, if anyone does anything that impedes or obstructs the proper counting or obtaining of the correct result of an election, such a person will be guilty of an offence and be liable on conviction to a fine of N100, 000 or three years imprisonment or both.
Politics
Alleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, demanding a speedy trial and the release of the accused officials.
The protesters who gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, moved in a slow procession while clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
Amid tears and trembling voices, the children appealed for justice and access to their detained fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja attended by no fewer than 20 wives and several children of the detained officers, including a two-month-old baby.
The families were accompanied by human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.
At the briefing, the families lamented that the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives, describing the situation as a violation of their fundamental rights.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the prolonged detention had thrown their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, noting that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.
The arrest of the indicted officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defense Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
However, an interim investigation later suggested the existence of a clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.
According to the report, the alleged plot involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, cited as the planned date for the operation.
Those reportedly in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M. A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.
The alleged plot, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement issued yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, said the exercise would take place in all wards and designated centres nationwide.
He called on existing members to update their records, while encouraging new entrants to join the party through the digital platform.
“As the electronic membership registration exercise resumes in all wards and designated locations nationwide, we urge existing members to validate their membership while new members are encouraged to register and join the progressive family,” Mr Morka said.
According to him, eligibility for registration is limited to individuals aged 18 and above who possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
The party said the initiative is part of efforts to modernise its operations by transitioning to a digital database that would enhance record accuracy and accessibility.
Mr Morka noted that the e-registration would “digitise the party’s membership register, ensure the integrity of records, and enhance efficient access to membership data for planning and management decisions.”
He added that the move is also aimed at promoting internal democracy within the party and strengthening its commitment to democratic innovation.
The APC had previously introduced electronic registration as part of broader reforms to streamline its membership system and improve organisational efficiency.