Politics
‘INEC Chairman Appointment, Critical To Election Success’
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on Monday urged the Senate to adopt the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee on the appointment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman.
Mr Nkem Lemchi, the Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of APGA, who made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, said the mode of appointment of the chairman of the commission was critical to the success of any election.
He argued that any chairman appointed by a serving president could never be loyal to the country, but to the president.
The party secretary said the INEC chairman, if appointed by another body other than the president, “can never be impartial.
“A situation whereby INEC is not independent in terms of revenue and a situation whereby the chief executive of the nation appoints the chairman is morally wrong.”
The APGA chieftain explained that such a chairman would be subject to the man who appointed him and gave him his meal ticket, adding that no one would be convinced of his sincerity and allegiance to the nation.
“The Senate should have the courage to accept and adopt the recommendations in the Uwais committee report. This is what we are agitating for because without it, we are going back to the status quo,” he said.
Lemchi said the Jan. 2 and March 4 dates proposed for the 2011 elections by the Senate were okay for Nigerians if the electoral reform could be completed before then.
Meanwhile the The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State has said it will not impose any candidates on the people in the 2011 general elections.
The Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahaman Enangi, made the promise at Kuchi Village in Doko District on Tuesday.
The Bida District correspondent of The Tide On Sunday reports that the pledge was made when a retired federal civil servant, Dr Jonathan Jiya, registered as a PDP member.
Enangi, represented by an ex-officio member of the party, Alhaji Yahaya Hussaini-Emilugi, said the party would allow the people to vote for candidates of their choice during the elections.
According to him, imposing candidates on the people amounts to disenfranchising them, which is “a bad omen for our nascent democracy”.
Enangi said further that the party would not present candidates apart from those supported by the people, adding that “the people’s choice is what we will go with”.
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.