Politics
2011 Polls: PDP Calls For Inclusive Voter Education
The Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) has called for “encompassing voter education” to sensitise Nigerians about the 2011 general elections.
Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed, the National Secretary, who made the call in Abuja our correspondent reports that noted that the experience most voters had in previous polls
regarding electoral fraud and other manipulations had discouraged them from coming out to vote.
Mohammed, however, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), parties and aspirants to put in measures aimed at educating the electorate on the forthcoming elections.
“Education of voters should be a triangular effort, involving the electoral body on one hand, political parties on the other hand and then the aspirants.
“I believe that if we have all these three involved in sensitisation campaigns, virtually voters will react positively in coming out to vote en masse,” he said.
Mohammed noted that the new Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, was a credible person and, therefore, would not compromise his reputation on the issue of poll malpractice.
He urged Jega to build on the trust reposed in him by the electorate.
The party scribe called on the electorate to adequately protect their votes, pointing out the experience in Bauchi State in the 2007 general elections should be emulated.
Mohammed said the governorship election was adequately protected at the polls, noting that the electorate resisted any manipulation and called on the people to use constitutional means to protect their votes.
“People have to learn from what happened in Bauchi in the 2007 general elections where the electorate protected their votes, ensuring that the results were not manipulated.
“The people employed all necessary measures to protect their votes and at the end their votes counted.
“We have to adopt what happened in Bauchi, and that should be a vital lesson to every voter, everywhere in the country.”
The party scribe noted that the proposition to deregister parties that failed to win a seat in the legislature as prescribed by the House of Representatives was a negation of the people’s right to assembly.
He advised that parties should not be wiped off by legislation, stressing that parties which were unable to stand the test of time would naturally fold up.
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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