Politics
Anambra 2010: INEC Excludes PDP
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has omitted the name of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chukwuma Soludo from the list of aspirants in obedience to the ruling of the Court of Appeal which ordered the electoral body not to recognise Soludo as PDP candidate. The party had already appealed to the Supreme Court.
Speaking at the 49th meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP, the Vice President, Mr Goodluck Jonathan told the party chieftains not to lose hope as the Supreme Court had already decided on the supremacy of political parties in the nomination of candidates in previous cases.
“We have a challenge now in terms of Anambra elections and as 2011 is moving nearer the challenges will be more because we are approaching our election. And I believe the Anambra election is another test case.
“To me, I am really worried about the Anambra election because if you look at the INEC position PDP is contesting the election. They are not saying that PDP will contest the election. The issue is that we are yet to sort out our candidate and I believe it is a classical case and all Nigerians will be watching how these things will progress.
“My conviction is that PDP will contest Anambra election. My conviction is that of course INEC cannot stop PDP from contesting the election PDP’s name is there and we have to contest that election. So nobody should be worried, nobody should be discouraged because of whatever is happening because, if you look at some kind of judgement that has been given by Supreme Court over the period, you will know that the party is supreme and the position belongs to the party and I believe that there is no way PDP will not contest the election.”
The Vice President also lampoon other political parties for being complacent during electioneering campaigns only to turn around and accuse the PDP of wrong doings after losing the election to the ruling party. He assured that the party would win the presidential election 100 times over.
“I always tell people that even if you conduct presidential election 100 times and bring angels from the moon to conduct it, PDP will still win. Because as human system, there may be some errors of flaws or perceived discrepancies in terms of the management of elections but there is no other party today that I can say has a bigger followership than the PDP.
“If politics is a factor of the people, if the number matters, there is no reason any party will say we suppose to win. Infact, immediately after the elections and whenever people come up with the feelings that PDP rigged elections I used to say look I was the governor of Bayelsa State when we contested this presidential elections and in my state though the population of Bayelsa State is low, but because it is a strategic state because of the industry of the factors Niger Delta, any party that is worth winning elections is supposed to go there and campaign.
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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