Politics
Elochukwu Cautions FG Against Jega’s Removal
A political activist and
Managing Director of Nestello Gateway Group of Company, Chief Ernest Elochukwu, says the Federal Government would be making a big mistake if it removes the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega ahead of this year’s general elections.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt, Elochukwu said the integrity and credibility of the forthcoming elections would be eroded if the planned removal of Jega is not supported by a concrete evidence of ineptitude and bad conduct.
“I see the call for Jega’s head concerning the issue of distribution of permanent voter cards as a malicious insinuation in the sense that the registration and distribution of PVCs is purely in the hands of various field officers under INEC.
“Worst still is that even when the PVCs are made available, most Nigerians are not ethusisiatic to go and collect them, knowing fully well that it is the only passport or authority that can guarantee them the right to vote for a credible candidate of their choice at the polls,” he said.
Elochukwu premised the reason for the lukewarm attitude of people towards collecting their PVCs on peoples’ disillusionment, especially when they see that many undemocratic things are done with impurity.
“Besides, most Nigerian don’t believe in their heart that even with the PVCs, they have a say in determining who will be where.
“Though, Jega as a person is not indispensable, but for anyone trying to attribute the ugly scene to him to manipulate the election is a sheer wickedness”, he retorted.
Elochukwu therefore advised the Federal government to jettison the idea of removing Jega as being speculated, saying it will be parochial for the presidency to listen to some mischievous indviduauls who are trying to play up into the minds of government.
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.