Politics
Don’t Sell Your Votes, NCP Urges Nigerians
The National Secretary of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Dr Tanko Yunusa, has urged Nigerians not to sell their votes in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections scheduled to hold in some states.
Yunusa told newsmen that selling or buying of votes would amount to mortgaging the future of the country.
He disclosed that the NCP was prepared for the governorship elections in four of the states, having missed the Kogi governorship race.
The national secretary said that its candidate for the Adamawa governorship election was Abdullahi Umar, the Adamawa state chairman of NCP.
Yunusa urged the electorate of the participating states to defend their votes, and said, “Our intention is to raise the awareness that democracy is the best system we can ever have in this country”.
He told newsmen that NCP would cherish every vote given to it by the electorate and would guard it by defending the rights of the people.
“The NCP will cherish and nourish you because it is because of you that we are in power and it is because of you that we have sworn to protect the constitution and do what it says.
“We believe that even if we get one vote at the elections, that particular vote means millions to us,” he said.
Yunusa, who condemned INEC’s de-registration of some political parties as counterproductive, said, “it can cause a lot of problem for democracy”.
He said, “We are suggesting that that particular portion of the electoral act should be revisited.”
This, he said, was because it’s only in anarchy that political parties would be de-registered, considering the struggle to enthrone democracy in Nigeria.
“Democracy should be open for everybody, you should register your political party and if you win okay, but there should be a level-playing ground for everybody to contest for a free and fair election.”
According to him, rather than de-register political parties, funds should be given to parties to contest elections.
Yunusa said that the opposition should not be labelled as enemies, but be perceived as raising the standard of governance for the people.
“So they should see most of our positions as an advantage to them because it helps in uplifting democracy and eventually lets the people see the dividends of democracy and quality leadership.”
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.