Politics
Democracy: Arewa Youths Want Int’l Community To Beam Searchlight On Nigeria
Two Northern Youth Groups, the Northern Youth Council (NYC) and Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) have urged the international community to beam searchlight on the country following recent development arising from Supreme Court ruling on Imo governorship election.
It would be recalled that the apex court yesterday sacked Emeka Ihedioha, while declaring Sen. Hope Uzodinma as the duly elected governor of the state. Reactions and protests had since trailed the outcome of the Supreme Court verdict which some especially the Peoples Democratic Party described as “miscarriage of justice”.
But a statement signed by Mohammed Salihu, Speaker, AYA and the clerk Desmond Minakaro, as well as Isah Abubakar, President, NYC, urged the international community to beam searchlight on the country’s democracy.
This, they said would ensure that the arms of government would work to preserve and advance the cause of democracy which the country fought hard to get.
“We have extended our calls to the international community and all lovers of democracy worldwide to beam their lights on happenings by political gladiators who are working tirelessly to plunge our country into total chaos.
“As concerned Arewa Youth, we are utterly disgusted and equally angered that some northern elders are sending wrong signal about some of us in the north who crave to have a solidified democracy that will guarantee our future. “We the Arewa youth have watched with utter dismay how tactical maneuvers are being used to arrived at unanimous decisions even when it is evidently clear that such decisions are wrong and intended to cause disaffection amongst the people.
“It is against this backdrop that we wish to state categorically clear that we the Northern Youths have deemed it fit to distance ourselves from the wrongdoings of these Northern retrogressive elements who are clearly fanning the embers of disunity.
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.