Politics
Mimiko Canvasses Two-Party System
Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo, has called for internal democracy within political parties to guarantee free and fair elections.Mimiko, who spoke in Akure at an event organised by the state government to mark June 12, also canvassed for a two-party system which, he said, would ensure a more virile democracy.”Internal democracy is a ‘sine qua non’ to free and fair elections anywhere in the world. It is not enough to believe in democracy.“But we must struggle, in our own little ways, to ensure that it is firmly entrenched in the nation’s political system.”Whether we like it or not, democracy will thrive better if we adopt a two-party system as is the practice in many advanced countries of the world,” the governor said.Mimiko make case for independent candidates who “may not want to pitch their tents with either of the two parties’’, stressing that such people should be allowed to aspire for political offices of their choice.The governor urged the people to cultivate the habit of defending their votes “as election riggers are still much around”. Mimiko faulted the present voters’ register which he said consisted of fictitious names, stating that the voters’ register used in the state during the last general elections was full of errors.Earlier, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, raised doubt over the possibility of conducting elections in 2011, saying INEC seemed ill-prepared.Falae, who is also the National Chairman of Democratic Peoples Alliance, said “there can be no meaningful election when the voters’ register is faulty as it is now.” According to him, a situation where voters are not sure of the security of their votes and a credible voters’ register is not in place with only less than 10 months to the elections, calls for serious concern. The Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation Newspaper, Mr. Sam Omotasye, also urged Nigerians to be ready to make sacrifice for the sustenance of democracy “like the late MKO Abiola did during the struggle for the actualisation of his mandate”.
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.
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