Politics
Anambra Polls: Guber Candidate Cautions Against Money Inducement
The candidate of African Peoples Party (APP) in the November 18 Anambra State Governorship election, Mr Chris Nweke has urged the electorate to shun monetary inducement in their voting decisions.
Nweke told newsmen in Awka that big parties were polluting the political space with display of so much money.
He said that he would win the election in spite of his underdog status, noting that neither money nor god-father syndrome but practicable manifestos would decide the election.
Nweke said he had a well-articulated programme for the development of the state, adding that he was not into politics to make money but to work for the interest and development of the state.
The candidate appealed to the electorate to ignore his rivals who had no people-oriented programmes and deceived people with money to vote for APP for good dividends of democracy.
“I represent a new hope in surmounting these hurdles against development and have resolved to match my opponents with my political goodwill.
“I will also channel all efforts and resources towards re-orientating and grooming our people, especially youths to work for progress of our state.
“The electorate should be focused, look into the antecedent of the governorship candidates, identify and judge among them who have the charisma to take Anambra to the next level.
“They should not look at money used to induce voters during the election, they should vote wisely for our state to be better,” Nweke said.
He said the education sector would be improved and strengthened with adequate funding and qualified personnel.
The candidate added that his administration would stick by the internationally agreed standard of 26 per cent allocation to education.
The APP candidate said that if elected, he would announce free and compulsory education for all children from the cradle to JSS 3 class.
Nweke urged the people to support and vote him as a governor to realise his ambition of building a peaceful and prosperous state.
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.