Politics
Reactions Trail Voters’ Registration In Rivers
Barely ten days to the deadline for the on-going voters registration, most eligible voters are still not impressed with the poor performance of INEC Direct Data Capture Machines (DDCM) in Rivers State.
This followed revelations that some registration centres technically abandoned the finger print machines because of its poor performance, thereby causing disaffection among eligible voters.
Our correspondents that monitored the registration exercise reported that many of the DDCM deployed to the state are technically defective while other units have not received enough machines to cover the massive eligible voters at various centres.
The state Resident Electoral Commission, Mr. Aniedu Ikoiwark confirmed this, when he was reported to have said computer engineers and experts have been deployed to most registration units across the state to improve on the speed of the machines.
At Agip Estate in Port Harcourt only 70 eligible voters were reported to have registered due to low battery in the machine, since the exercise started.
One of the eligible voters, Mr. Theophilus Amadi call for extension, as according to him, he visited the Agip estate registration over two days without his finger print captured by the machine.
In Andoni, the Chairman, Hon. Kingsley Silvanus said he has already sent his appeal to INEC for the extension of the on-going voters registration. According to him, the 207 DDCM deployed to Ngo was not enough and they are too slow to capture the massive turn out of eligible voters.
Chief Ephraim Etete-Owhoh, who corraborated the arguments of Hon. Silvanus explained that the exercise would not be effective with the poor performance of the DDCM.
He reasoned that INEC should settle for the manual or immediately correct the anomalies inherent in the DDCM in the area.
In ASALGA, the DDCM sent to the 13 ward, is not enough and even the machines already on ground is not performing effectively.
At Etche except for the initial hitches due to poor performance of the finger print machine, the 207 DDCM, sent to the area were deployed effectively for optional use.
The INEC Officer in Okehi, Dr. Gabriel Okoye said already security has been beefed up at the council headquarter to protect the machines.
When contacted on phone, the INEC PRO in the state, Mrs Tonia Nwobi admitted that there were some lapses when the exercise started, but said on the average, the slow pace arising from the poor state of some of the machines has been rectified.
As I am talking to you, she said, “The INEC Commissioner and team are in Tai to correct few anomalies”.
No fewer than 70 million Nigerians are expected to be registered in about 120,000 centres throughout the country.
It will be recalled that the last voters registration exercise was conducted in 2006 in the country.
Philip Okparaji, Ike Wigodo, John Bibor Enoch Epelle/Akujobi Amadi
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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