Politics
APGA’s Faction Reconciles With Founder
The Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State-led faction of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), has finally reconciled with the Founding father / National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance, Chief Chekwas Okorie.
The sudden and historic reconciliation took place last Tuesday at the Enugu residence of Chief Okorie, who is now the National Chairman of the United Progressive Party(UPP).
Until the peace meeting, Okorie had severely boasted that he left with the Soul of APGA, a development widely believed to have made it difficult for the party to function well as it had been engulfed by crisis.
In his speech at the occasion, the interim National Chairman, Chief Maxi Okwu, who led the APGA delegation, disclosed that the aim of the visit was to apologize to Chief Okorie over the injustice he suffered that led to his removal as the party’s national chairman.
Chief Okwu, therefore, urged Okorie to forgive and forget as he is a practicing Christian who should teach others to forgive.
Reacting, Okorie who literally shed tears, and full of emotion as his speech lasted, said he was glad that his vindication came while he was still alive.
The UPP boss recalled how he was frustrated out of the party through selfish propaganda, expressing regret that despite the 25 attempts made in the past to settle the crisis in APGA, those who were working against him never gave peace a chance.
His words: “It is on record that twenty five attempts were made to make peace so that APGA will remain, but all of them were rebuffed. We attended all of them but they did not attend one.
I am so happy today that I am alive to see my own vindication; this visit is significant to me in so many ways. If you check both DNA of both the APGA and the UPP, they are the same thing”.
Continuing, the UPP boss further said: “Today, we are debunking the belief that we are incapable of reconciliation. I will say in the spirit of Easter that we shall forgive one another”.
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.