Politics
Jonathan Won 2011 Presidential Election – Tinubu
The National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, says President Goodluck Jonathan won the 2011 Presidential election.
Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State, gave the endorsement at the Chatham House, London.
He was presenting a paper, entitled: “Democracy and the Rebirth of Opposition in Nigeria”.
In his words: I believe Jonathan won the election and that the returns attributed to him in some parts of the country obviously appeared exaggerated.’’
Tinubu noted that due to the unique circumstances of Jonathan’s rise to power, the public saw him as a distinctive figure.
He, however, added that: “the inflated tally detracted from what would have been a well deserved victory.’’
The opposition party chieftain expressed concerns that celebrating the election as free and fair might lead to INEC beating its chest, thereby, short circuiting the process of fundamental electoral reform.
Tinubu, who also took a swipe at the opposition parties, said they did not run a strong enough and sufficiently coordinated campaigns with a unifying message.
He said the campaigns were not strong enough to effectively match the machinery of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that emerged victorious at the elections.
“The opposition believed that public disenchantment with the ruling party, the PDP, was enough to get rid of them at the polls.
“In retrospect, we made an important strategic mistake that continued to play out and weaken us throughout the campaigns,’’ he said.
Tinubu also admitted that major opposition parties began their serious work too late.
“In the end, the opposition parties danced with each other but did not embrace; our constant dancing however, confused the public and partially doused some of the public’s enthusiasm,’’ he stressed.
Tinubu also spoke on the security challenges in the country, especially the menace of Boko Haram, which he attributed to the high level of poverty, economic and social injustice, and ignorance.
He noted that the situation was made worse by the political machinations of a group of people disaffected by the last elections.
Tinubu said that President Jonathan must succeed in his resolve to tackle the menace, adding that the lingering security challenge could damage the country and the West African region.
“He must do much better at communicating with the public, to build widespread support for a durable resolution to this dilemma,’’ the party chieftain 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.
-
News3 days ago
Decentralizing Pipeline Surveillance Poses Greater Dangers To Niger Delta …. Group Warns
-
Politics3 days agoAPC Resumes Electronic Membership Registration Nationwide
-
Rivers3 days agoCourt Rules Out Interim Administration In Jumbo House, Bonny
-
Business3 days ago33 Banks Raise N4.65tn As Recapitalisation Ends
-
Politics3 days agoAlleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
-
Nation3 days agoNile University Hosts ICA Nigeria First National Confab On Global Communication
-
Sports3 days ago
Lewandowski Leads Top Stars Missing From W/Cup Roll Call
-
Sports3 days agoPara Games: Team Rivers Wins 53 Medals On Day 5 … Director Praise Athletes