Politics
Group To Reinforce Democratic Governance In Nigeria
Society for Community Development, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has said that it is planning to scale up democratic governance work in Nigeria towards ameliorating challenge of marginalisation.
Executive Director of the CSO, Mr Apoede Atsegbua, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja highlighted poor representation of the interest of vulnerable persons, coupled with low level presence in elective offices as major challenges.
He said that it was paramount to reinforce high representation in a democratic practice to capture the interests of such persons in political parties or platforms.
Atsegbua added that the marginalisation of women, youths and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria were other drawbacks for democratic participation.
“The issue of marginalisation in general requires a critical examination in specific locations across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
“Question needs to be asked as to the cultural, economic and social bases of political exclusion of women, youths and persons with disabilities in governance.
“The government along with CSOs must strategise to scale up democratic governance work which would ameliorate challenges of marginalisation amongst others,’’ he said.
The executive director said that there were various subtle and not-so-subtle cultural hindrances that effectively discouraged these vulnerable groups from meaningful participation in electoral processes.
He, therefore, urged other CSOs, NGOs and relevant government agencies as well as donor agencies to synergise, strategise and propose ways to improve the participation of the vulnerable groups.
“We must all strive to improve on the low level of female employment in the formal labour sector, low literacy rates, poor cultural practices such as patriarchy, early marriage and gender stereotypes,” he said.
Atsegbua also encouraged the groups not to relent in making efforts towards contributing to the meaningful growth of the country.
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.