Politics
Can Hails Kwara REC Over 2019 Polls
The leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kwara have declared the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Malam Garba Attahiru-Madami, as a role model in the conduct of electios.
The CAN chairman, Prof Timothy Opoola, made the declaration yesterday when he led members of the association’s executive on a courtesy visit to Attahiru-Madami in his office, in Ilorin.
The CAN chairman said that they were at the REC’s office to congratulate him on the successful conduct of the 2019 general elections in the state.
Opoola expressed the association’s happiness that Attahiru-Madami kept to his words to maintain his integrity before, during and after the elections, even in the face of temptations.
He said that the commission, under the leadership of Attahiru-Madami, was able to prove sceptics wrong by its conduct, which led to free, fair, credible and acceptable elections conducted under a very peaceful atmosphere.
“We all appreciate your sincerity, honesty and forthrightness as well as the impartial roles you and your members of staff played during the general elections in Kwara.
“You truly displayed your integrity and sense of duty, all of which resulted in free, fair, credible, acceptable and violence-free elections,” the CAN chairman said.
Opoola described Attahiru-Madami as a role model who was worthy of emulation as far as election conduct was concerned.
“I pray that God will give you and your members of staff sound health and abundant wisdom to do better in future elections,” he said.
Responding, Attahiru-Madami commended CAN and other stakeholders for playing their roles in accordance with the laid down rules and regulations, and for their unalloyed support and doggedness which lead to the successful conduct of the elections.
“The elections would not have been successful if not for the insistence by the stakeholders that peace should be maintained at every stage of the exercise.
“I must commend Kwara voters, politicians and the public at large for carrying out their electioneering activities within the confines of the law.
“All the stakeholders joined the commission to carry out voter education. I met CAN and other stakeholders on the field several times. All these led to the success story we are having today,” the REC remarked.
He said that he would convey a stakeholders’ forum in November where he would formally appreciate them and allow them to critique the elections and the commission’s conduct so as to allow it correct possible flaws in future elections.
Attahiru-Madami commended the harmonious religious atmosphere in the state, especially between the two major religions.
According to the REC, religion should be actionable to God and humans, and so, should not be made to cause strife at any given time.
He enjoined the association and other religious leaders in the state not to leave the elected officials alone but to continue to pray for them to always do what is right. (NAN)
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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