Politics
Stakeholders Urge INEC To De-Register Political Parties
Political stakeholders in Ebonyi have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-register political parties in the country which performed poorly during the last general elections.
Our correspondent reports that Section 78 (7i and ii) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (Amended) empowers INEC to deregister political parties that fail to win a seat in an election requirements.
Mr Jerry Obasi, Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) in Ebonyi, said that INEC should deregister all the parties which did not field presidential candidates.
“The number of political parties in Nigeria should be reduced to the barest minimum to consolidate on the gains of just conducted elections in the country.
“A situation where only 20 political parties fielded presidential candidates in the last elections while others endorsed candidates from other parties, is not acceptable,” he said.
Chief Emerike Orji, Chairman of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) in Ebonyi called for a return to the two-party system, which was practised during the aborted third republic.
“The performances of many of the political parties in the last elections show that they are merely occupying the political space in the country.
“They are also constituting unnecessary distractions to INEC, who would effectively manage the intricacies involved with lesser political parties during the conduct of elections,” he said. Reports say that the Act also empowers the commission to de-register parties which breached the registration procedure.
Mr Goddy Okafor, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ebonyi, called on Nigerian politicians to put the interest of the nation’s democracy above personal interests.
“Most of these non-functional parties are formed for self-enriching purposes, without any motive to contribute to the political development of the country.
“They depend entirely on the federal government for sustenance and do not bother to put the relevant political structures on ground,” he said.
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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