Politics
Group Hails Military Over Bayelsa Poll
Watch Election, a Non-
Governmental organisation, has absolved the army of complicity in the inconclusive gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State.
The National Coordinator, Mr Fez Chinweizu, while speaking to newsmen on Tuesday in Port Harcourt said that the army should rather be commended for its display of professionalism during the poll.
Chinweizu noted that the army was timely in its intervention in several trouble prone areas of the state, especially in Oporoma area in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa.
He explained that the state would have witnessed more serious incidents but for the effective exhibition of military professionalism by the army.
According to him,”The army is not responsible to interface with the INEC officials and electoral materials because it is not in their election mandate to do so.
“As a group that was deeply involved in the monitoring of the election, we make bold to say that the army did its best’’ he said.
He stated that instead of blaming the army, the police authorities should ensure better preparations for election duties.
“It is worrisome that of about 200 policemen said to have been deployed to southern Ijaw, only 50 of them had weapons, this was grossly inadequate.
“It showed clearly that the number of policemen posted to some areas was inadequate, they also did not have weapons to enable them work effectively.
“Thereafter, hoodlums with purportedly political affinity started shooting sporadically which led to the army intervening in the fracas that ensued,” he said.
Chinweizu said that about 200 policemen were stranded at a jetty in Yenagoa due to their inability to get boats to convey them to their duty post.
He said that by the time the army stabilized the situation, it was already 3pm, hence the extension of the election to December 6.
“If not for the army’s prompt intervention, the hoodlums’ intention was to scare everybody away including the INEC officials to enable them cart away election materials.
Chinweizu noted that 15 suspects were arrested during the confrontation, while another 51 political thugs involved in election related offences were in police custody.
According to him, inflammatory campaigns and incitement against the military that went round should be discouraged.
Chinweizu called on security agencies, particularly the police to provide adequate personnel to cover the 417 polling stations in Southern Ijaw on election day.
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.