Politics
Non-Indigenes In Ebonyi Promise Umahi Mass Votes
Non-indigenes in Ebonyi have promised to give 100, 000 votes to Governor David Umahi on March 9, in reaction to the presidential and national assembly polls’ voter apathy.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Umahi and other political stakeholders in the state had condemned the apathy, which saw the total votes cast as 379, 394 with 359, 131 being the total valid votes.
Leader of the non-indigenes in Ebonyi Mr Charles Akpuenika told newsmen on Saturday in Abakaliki that non-indigenes have resolved to reverse the trend during the March 9, gubernatorial polls.
“We held a town hall meeting after the presidential polls and discovered that the postponed elections contributed to the apathy shown by the electorate on February 23.
“Though apathy was also recorded across the country, most of the non-indigenes said that they were actually waiting for the gubernatorial polls to exercise their franchise.
“We however, followed the governor’s footsteps in enlightening them that voter apathy mortgages their future, which can only be secured through their votes,” he said.
Akpuenika, who is the Commissioner for Youth and Sports in the state noted that such resolve stemed from the appreciation of the governor’s good gesture to non-indigenes, which was unprecedented in the state’s history.
“I am from Anambra and indigenes of states in the south east zone and across the country have been appointed into strategic positions.
“The governor has practically destroyed the non-indigenes syndrome in the state with most of us becoming commissioners, special advisers and assistants, personal assistants, technical assistants among others.
“Religious and tribal harmony also thrive in Ebonyi as there are no cases of disturbances since the inception of this administration , which has ensured peaceful co-existence .
He noted that the non-indigenes were also grateful to the governor for making them major beneficiaries of his infrastructure development especially in Abakaliki and other urban cities.
“The good roads, flyovers, streetlight projects among others have enhanced the economic and social wellbeing of the people and we are desirous that such development strides continue.
“All roads leading to churches and other worship centres have been constructed and this will definitely attract God’s blessing upon the state,” he said.
Mrs Rose Ogwa, a non-indigene living in Abakaliki also corroborated Akpuenika’s claims, noting that some of her relatives from Imo have relocated to Abakaliki due to its high development rate.
“My sister swore never to visit me again after a torturous journey to my home some years ago but has relocated to Abakaliki because all the roads within have been constructed and the street lights operational,” she said.
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.