Politics
Don’t Use Federal Power For Akeredolu, Unemployed Youths Beg Buhari
Ahead of the October 10 governorship election in Ondo State, over 66,000 youths under the umbrella of the Association of Registered Unemployed Youths and Graduates of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to shun the temptation of supporting or using ‘Federal Power’ for the re-election bid of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The group alleged that Akeredolu who is contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had failed the people of the state especially unemployed youths in the last four years of his administration.
In an open letter to the President and a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Akure after the Association’s executive meeting, the State Coordinator of the group, Longe Olarenwaju and the State Secretary, Olusola Alade, said various laudable education, health and poverty alleviation programmes inherited by the Akeredolu’s administration had been abandoned.
“We don’t want federal might; we want our votes to count. Let the electorate elect the governor of their choice in the State.
“Arising from the above issues raised, it is hereby resolved that we, the unemployed youths and graduates of Ondo State numbering 66,000 registered members across the 18 local government areas say; No federal might; our votes must count; no violence or use of force or coercion of innocent electorates.
“No intimidation or harassment from any quarters on any armless citizen. No to the abuse of power ranging from the use of all security personnel to scare electorates from exercising their franchise on or before election day. INEC as an unbiased umpire should not compromise their integrity for cash rewards.
“Sir, we, (Association of Unemployed Youths and Graduates of Nigeria Ondo State Chapter) want to use this medium to plead with your Excellency (President Buhari) to stay clear from Ondo State election and allow our votes to count.
“The youths and people of Ondo State in general have expressed a firm belief in your capacity to change the Nigeria’s situation for the better, granted all available human and material resources endowed the nation by God Almighty.
“We want him (the incumbent governor) to test his popularity by allowing our vote to count in this coming election. Enough of propaganda to hoodwink the already impoverished citizens of the State by his See and Buy’ vote syndrome, popularly called ‘Dibo ko se be’ in Yoruba language.
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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