Politics
Claim Of Stolen Mandate By APC Guber Candidate Delusory -PDP
The Benue State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has described as mere delusory, claims by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last general election, Emmanuel Jime that his mandate was stolen by Governor Samuel Ortom.
The PDP stated this while reacting to a goodwill message by the APC governorship candidate on the occasion of the Inaugural June 12 Democracy Day celebration held recently, where he attempted to draw similarities between the recognition accorded June 12 and the Benue 2019 election assuring his supporters of victory at the tribunal.
In a statement signed by the PDP state Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, and made available to Daily Sun, the PDP stated that those claims were evidently the opium deluding APC members to still keep faith with their decaying party.
“Defeated gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 elections in Benue State, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Jime, and his supporters are apparently drifting further away from reality in their delusion that he has a good case at the courts and will soon be installed governor of the state.
“This delusion of theirs is based on claims they are bandying that the second term mandate currently being enjoyed by Gov.ernorSamuel Ortom of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a stolen one.
“But the elementary fallacy starring Jime and his supporters in the face is how they could possibly hope to assume the role of the judge in a case they also are parties,” Iortyom said.
He maintained that the Benue people gave their mandate to Governor Samuel Ortom for a second term of office in defiance of the menacing stance of a “federal might” being brandied by the APC in the build up to the general elections.
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.