Politics
Enugu PDP Denies 16 Lawmakers Automatic Tickets
Only eight out of the 24 serving lawmakers in the Enugu State House of Assembly are re-contesting on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the general elections in April.
Our correspondent reports that of this number, 12 lawmakers would not re-contest, while three would vie on the platform of other political parties.
Three of the lawmakers are vying under a new political party, the People’s Democratic Change (PDC).
Those to contest on the PDP platform are: Mr Abel Chukwu, PDP Aninri, Mr Eugene Odo, Speaker- PDP Igbo-Etiti East, Mr Okey Nwoke, PDP Igbo-Etiti-West and John Anichukwu, PDP Nkanu East.
Others are Mr Mike Onyeze, PDP Igboeze – North 1, Mr Paul Ogbe, PDP Enugu South-Urban, Mrs Theresa Egbo, PDP Enugu-South –Rural, and Mrs Chika Eneh, PDP Udi South.
The following former PDP members are contesting on the platform of the PDC: they are, Mr Anthony Chigbo, Uzo-Uwani, Mr Chukwuma Nnamani, Nkanu West and Mr Marcel Njeze, Udi North.
Twelve other legislators who could not secure PDP nominations because of zoning arrangements had lost out completely.
Reacting to the development, Johnny Obidinma, the leader of the Legislature, said that fielding new candidates to represent a constituency in the assembly was the beauty of democracy.
“In developed countries, the business of lawmaking requires experience but here in Nigeria, we use zoning to ensure equitable representation by people that make up a given constituency.
“It was because of zoning that l will not re-contest. It also affected some of my colleagues too.
“At the end of this legislative tenure, l will go back to my business to resume from where l left off,’’ he stated.
Obidinma urged the public to always show interest in what their representatives were doing in the assembly to ensure that they were not marginalised in the scheme of things.
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.