Politics
Analyst Tasks INEC On Supplementary Polls
A political analyst, Mr Chris Ukaegbu, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that supplementary elections in states it declared inconclusive are free and fair.
INEC had declared the March 9 Governorship and State Assembly elections inconclusive in seven states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Plateau, Kano, Rivers and Sokoto.
Ukaegbu told nesmen in Nsukka yesterday that all eyes were on INEC to ensure that all political parties involved would be given a level playing ground during the March 23 supplementary polls.
“INEC should ensure that materials for the election arrived early in various polling units so that accreditation and voting will start by 8.am.
“The commission should give all political parties a level playing ground; ensure that card readers that will be used are in perfect condition to avoid any report of card failure.
“All eyes are on INEC and it should do everything within its capacity to ensure that the supplementary elections in the affected states are credible, free and fair, “he said.
He urged INEC in future elections in the country to avoid anything that would lead to declaring any election inconclusive as it did not give the country good image before international community.
“Inconclusive elections does not portray the country in good light as international community see it that democracy has not deepened in Nigeria.
“Inconclusive election also cause anxiety and tension as well as make people to call INEC names in affected places,” he said.
The analyst advised security agencies to resist any attempt by candidates or political parties to use them to commit electoral fraud that would subvert the wishes of the people.
“Security agencies should provide security for everybody irrespective of political party affiliation.
“Security agencies should remember that whatever one does in the course of his duty, there will be a day he or she will stand before God to give account of his or her stewardship,” he said.
Ukaegbu urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to be patriotic by conducting themselves during and after the supplementary elections in orderly manner.
“Do not see Saturday election as a do or die affair, but see it that whatever happens is the will of God, hence is only God that crowns a king.
“Candidates should exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship by accepting the outcome of the election in good faith.
“Parents should monitor their children and wards so that nobody will use them as political thugs to cause violence during and after the supplementary elections,” he 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.
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