Politics
Northern Group Tips Secondus For Chairman
A group, under the aegis of Northern Integrity Watch, at the weekend said that among the contestants for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship position, Prince Uche Secondus has the highest appeal.
The group said that as an experience party man, Secondus has what it takes to move the party to the next level, adding that his role as the former PDP deputy national chairman shows that he’s a party builder.
The group, in a statement by its Coordinator, Alhaji Ahmed Saliu noted that South-South has never got that position, stressing that the Constitution of the party, did not make provision for acting chairman.
“At this time in the life of PDP, the party needs a man with experience, the man who can take the party to the next level, Secondus has this experience.
“His role as the deputy national chairman portrays him as the man that has the knowledge and understanding of the workings of the party, and he knows how to put round pegs in round holes.
“As a bridge builder, he knows people across the six geopolitical zones, and he commands respect among the party members across the zones.
“If PDP is in the hands of a man who can reach members across the zones, it means that the party would not only grow but will be stronger in all ramifications.
“The chances of PDP winning the 2019 are obvious, especially when the party is in the hands of a man who has the capacity to face the opposition and tell them the truth even in the face of intimidation. Secondus is endowed with all these qualities,” the northern group argued.
The group pointed out that the nation needs Secondus at the helm of affairs in the party to turnaround things for the nation, especially now that the country is facing hard times in the hands of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group said that South-South has proven that it is prepared for the leadership position, unlike the South-West that has not put its house in order, where seven aspirants are contesting for one position.
To further demonstrate the lack of seriousness among the South-West aspirants, they could not even agree on a consensus among themselves. This goes to show that they are not ready to lead the party.
The group said that it has members across the northern states, and was ready to mobilise PDP supporters to actualise the desire of Secondus to become the next chairman of the party, adding that it was already moving round the people that matter in the party for its noble agenda.
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.