Politics
Appeal Court Nullifies Sen Ucha’s Election … Declares Onwe Winner
The Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu, Friday, nullified the election of Senator Julius Ucha, of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial zone of Ebonyi State at the upper chambers of the National Assembly.
Coming less than two months after the same court nullified the election of another PDP member, senator Joy Emodi, representing Anambra Central senatorial zone at the National assembly, the Appellate court directed that the appellant in the matter, another member of PDP in Ebonyi state , Chief Emmanuel Onwe, be sworn-in immediately by the National Assembly (NASS).
The court also held that the judgement earlier delivered by Justice Chioma Nwosu – Iheme of the Ebonyi State Election Tribunal, upholding the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Ucha as winner in the April 21, 2007 National Assembly election was “ totally undemocratic, null and void and of no effect.”
In his judgement, the lead Judge, Justice Lokulo Sodipe, declared that Ucha was a “medien inter lopez” to an election he did not vie for.
Justice Sodipe, continued that the substitution of the candidature of Onwe for Ucha by the PDP was a nullity since the party did not comply with the stipulated electoral law.
According to the judge, “There can only be a substitution of a candidate by the party upon submission to INEC for legal ratification.
“The law deems the appellant (Onwe) to have stood for the election on the platform of the PDP because he was the duly nominated candidate in the party.
Ucha hestated, was not a candidate in that election because he did not contest in the primaries for the election, and there is no law that provides for independent candidate”, he ruled.
The court therefore , declared Onwe the rightful candidate and winner of the election and ordered INEC to issue him a Certificate of Return without delay.
It would be recalled that before this development, Senator Ucha, who was a former Speaker, Ebonyi State House of Assembly, was the Chairman Senate Committee on Works.
In a similar judgement, the Appeal Court also upturned the election of Mr. Ikenna Amaechi of the Anambra State House of Assembly and asked that Egwuoyibo Okoye be sworn-in as the member representing Nnewi South II Constituency in the State Assembly.
Just like Onwe, Okoye was illegally substituted by the ruling PDP in the April 28, 2007 House of Assembly election in Anambra State .
The election Petition Tribunal in the state had earlier ruled in favour of Amaechi, who had been occupying the seat until the sudden development, Friday, which gave rise to an atmosphere of sadness and joy within and outside the court premises.
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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