Politics
Six Opposition Candidates Accept PDP’s Victory In Andoni
Chairmanship candidatesof six opposition political parties in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, in the recently concluded council polls have unanimously accepted the victory of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Erastus Awortu, as the wishes of the people of Andoni and Obolo in general.
Chairmanship candidates representing the political parties made their position known at a joint press conference in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
The parties also reafirmed their confidence in the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC), adding that the election was transparent, hence thete is no need for post-election litigations in the area.
“For us political stakeholders in Andoni and candidates in the contest, we can clearly state that the election was not lost, but won because PDP’s victory is our collective victory”, they said.
Speaking at the press conference, the chairmanship candidate of Accord Party, Esuku Esuku said he was satisfied with the outcome of the election
According to him, his party has also accepted the results of the election, saying that the election in the area was free and fair.
Also speaking, Abraham Ijoniye of Zenith Labour party said:” If we cannot win election at the polling units, I and my party don’t intend to go and win any election in the court, so we are not going to any court.
Charles Otowo of Action party said:” There is no is no issue that will warrant going to court, I can attest to the fairness, credibility and friendliness.
“We all went to the poll with the believe that we will win but Andoni people have spoken.”
The opposition candidates in the last sstuday pledged total support to the elected chairman, Erastus Awortu.
The candidates of the opposition parties are Mr Esuku Esuku of Accord party; Inenemente Erasmus of African Democratic Congress, Mr Micheal Dodd of Social Democratic Party, Amie Elisha Simeon of the Allied Peoples Movement. Mr Abraham Ijoniye of Zenith Labour Party and Charles Otowo.
It will be recalled that the PDP candidate Erastus Awortu, recorded a landslide victory having pulled a total of 107,658 votes as against the Labour Party candidate who had the second highest votes of 4,702.
Receiving his Certificate-of-Return from RISIEC, Awortu said that the certificate was a testimonial to the high-level success recorded during the election.
“I’m impressed with RSIEC for their competence during the election. I’m also impressed with my constituents for creating an enabling atmosphere for the electoral body to conduct credible elections.
“We look forward to addressing our collective concerns bordering on security, infrastructure and poverty in the area”, he said.
By: Enoch Epelle
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.