Politics
Group Wants INEC To Partner Parties, Stakeholders
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) also known as Pirates Confraternity has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to engage more with political parties and stakeholders in the electoral process.
Director, Publicity and Public Relations, NAS, Mr John Okey, made the call in an interview during the association’s election sensitisation campaign in Abuja, tagged “Our Votes Count” .
The campaign, held under their Citizens Summit Initiative, was to reiterate the importance of citizens’ participation in the forthcoming elections.
Reacting to INEC’s regulations and guidelines for the conduct of the elections, Okey said the commission needed to engage with all stakeholders across board.
“I listened to the interview of the INEC chairman few days ago and he was justifying the electoral guidelines, saying it is for the people and they have decided what is best for the people.
“You do not do that. You need to engage across board. The political parties are actually inspired by stakeholders and they need to be engaged; it is about participation.
“The more people participate in elections, the easier the work is for INEC,” he said.
He also said a survey carried out by the association during several campaigns showed a considerable level of voter apathy, adding that the campaigns organised were to encourage Nigerians to vote.
“This is a follow up to previous campaigns. With this campaign, we are letting people know that their votes must count and it is recorded.
“It is a process and you must take responsibility to make sure that from the beginning to the end, the process is complete,’ he added.
Also speaking, National Vice President, Northern Nigeria, NAS, Mr Frank Okafor said the campaigns held would be sustained beyond the elections, noting that the association stood as a voice for the voiceless.
“Citizens Summit is an initiative of the NAS where we intend, on a non-partisan basis, to have dialogue with elected officials and with the citizens.
“We have members who are in government on a non-NAS supported political platform; they identify with any political party of their choice and aspire and take position.
“Because they belong to this association, we have a code of conduct that we can hold them accountable beyond the members of the association.
“So we try to build a bridge between promises made by officials and the citizens who the promises were made to; we demand to see results and we continuously engage,” he stressed.
President of the association, Abuja branch, Mr Stanley Nwodo, said that the campaigns were carried out nationwide to ensure that Nigerians were politically aware of the importance of shunning election vices.
“We are going to several places to inform citizens; we printed out flyers; we have jingles in English and Pidgin on the essence of coming out to vote because you cannot complain when you do not vote.
“We want to let citizens know that through their votes, they can hold their leaders accountable,” he said.
Nwodo called on Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the deadline of February 8.
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.
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