Politics
Jonathan Re-assures On Free Polls
President Goodluck Jonathan has re-assured Nigerians and international community that 2011 general elections will be free and fair, and the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC will operate above board.
President Jonathan also declared his government readiness to turn the heat on kidnappers who are currently on prawl in the South East while calling on community leaders and women collaborators to desist forth with from collaborating with them.
Speaking at the 51st NEC meeting of the PDP in Abuja, President Jonathan said “1 promise Nigerians and the whole Nation that the election in Nigeria will be free and fair in 2011 and everybody at INEC will be above board”.
He said he has already forwarded the list of the new INEC Commissioners that will superintend the 2011 elections for consideration, stressing that any Nigerian who has any misgiving about any of those appointed should voice it before the senate’s confirmation of the list now that it’s still within its purview to alter the list.
Government, he said would tackle the issue of kidnapping frontally adding that a situation “where we hire machinegun carrying security operatives to escort our wives to churches in other not to be kidnapped with be resisted at all cost by this administration.”
Jonathan thanked the party and National Assembly for given him the needed support in its choice of vice President and assured that together, they will offer the nation. “good governance”.
Meanwhile, the new Chairman of PDP Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo has outlawed thuggery, “Ghana must go” bags and god-fatherism from the party.
Dr. Nwodo, a former National secretary of the party succeeded erstwhile chairman, prince Vincent Ogbulafor who resigned from office on May 13 following allegation of corrupt enrichment leveled against him by the ICPC which also dragged him to an Abuja magistrate court where he is currently standing trial.
Speaking after the ratification, Dr. Nwodo thanked the party for the confidence reposed on him and pledged to build a new party that members would be proud of, saying that there were no winners or losers in the “contest” for the chairmanship position.
Dr. Nwodo said the focus of his administration will be primarily to rebuild the party’s image, explaining that to do this, “I will first of all open up the party to all Nigerians who deserve to join the party and would want all members and prospective members to revalidate or register their membership by paying stipulated subscription fees into designated banks”
Dr Nwodo outlawed thuggery and “Ghana must go bags” in the party, stressing that any candidate who employ thugs in the primary elections will be disqualified, no matter how highly placed. PDP is saying no to thuggery and all manner of electoral malpractices”
Justus Awaji, Abuja
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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