Politics
We’ re Not Defecting With Ayade – PDP Lawmakers, Others
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Federal Lawmakers and Stakeholders Forum in Cross River have pledged not to follow the State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers and the PDP stakeholders forum at a news conference on Friday in Abuja, promised to remain in PDP, saying Cross River remained a stronghold of the party.
Sen. Geshon Bassey, who spoke on behalf of the lawmakers, said that Ayade did not consult them before his defection, adding that “even if he did, we will not follow him.
“As far as I know, till date, the National Assembly caucus remains intact. I don’t see any of us leaving. We are legacy members of the party, who have been in this party for the past 15 to 20 years. So, we are not going anywhere.
“We were not consulted and I am not sure a lot of people were consulted,” Bassey said.
The former governor of the state, Sen. Liyel Imoke speaking on behalf of the PDP stakeholders’ forum in Cross River, said Ayade’s defection though regrettable, was not unexpected.
Imoke said people of the state were disappointed in Ayade’s decision but they wished him well.
“We understand that the people of Cross River, who have stood firmly with the PDP since 1999 and other lovers of the state, are deeply disappointed by this move made by a governor, who has won all his elections under the platform of the party.
“Given the overwhelming support which he enjoyed under the PDP and the fact that PDP has an undeniable strong grassroots in the state, we affirm that Cross River remains a PDP state.”
Imoke said that an overwhelming majority of Cross River people remained PDP members.
“Our key stakeholders, members of the national and state assemblies and strategic grass root mobilisers are still members of our great party.
“We as a party, therefore, remain virile and strong. Our shell remains un-cracked,” he said.
Imoke enjoined all people of Cross River and PDP members not to falter in their faith in the party.
He said that the leadership of Cross River under the aegis of PDP since 1999 had led the state to a pedigree of progression and seen to the attainment of all the lofty achievements which the state had been known for.
Imoke said that the events of the last 24hours in the state availed the leaders an opportunity to re -strategise and realign themselves to sustaining the trajectory of growth and development of the state .
“While the current events may seem to present a glitch to the progress of the state, we hereby affirm our unwavering commitment toward serving the interest of the good people of Cross River as we strongly believe that Cross River shall be great again,” he said.
Others present at the briefing were, Sen. Sunday Onor, Hon. Daniel Asuquo, Hon. Bassey Ekpo, Asuquo Eke, Chris Ngora, Etta Mbora, while Hon. Jaribe Agom Jaribe was represented.
Other members of the stakeholders forum in attendance were, Jetty Agbi, Anna Enegbeni, Daye Arikpo and Divine Anong, PDP Deputy National Auditor.
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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