Politics
Respect One-Man-One-Vote Principle – Osunbor
The former Governor of Edo State, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, has called on Gov. Adams Oshiomhole to test his popularity by allowing the people to freely determine who governs them in 2012.
Osunbor told The Tide in Iruekpen, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo, that he was an aspirant in the Edo 2012 governorship election.
He said he would want Oshiomhole to uphold the principle of one-man-one-vote, which he had canvassed around the country.
It will be recalled that Osunbor’s administration was sacked by a Court of Appeal judgement, which ruled in favour of Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) on November 11, 2008.
The former governor said that his decision to vie for the state’s number one seat was to reclaim his mandate, which he claimed was stolen from him.
He said, “I am taking another shot at the governorship of the state because I have not completed my tenure. The mandate Edo people freely gave to me in April 2007 was stolen from me.
“Edo people are not happy about this. Since that mandate was taken from me, the people have been groaning under one form of pain or the other.
“Either you are talking of demolition of houses without compensation, over taxation, harassment of okada riders, market women, and artisans.
“Even for people to build their houses now has become a burden because of the activities of the government.”
Osunbor expressed confidence in the ability of INEC to conduct a credible, free and fair election for the state in 2012.
He, however, expressed reservation on the ability of the Oshiomhole led administration to ensure a level playing field for the elections.
The former governor said, “the challenges are that we know the attitude and antecedents of those in power in Edo State.
“Although the professed one-man-one-vote, we know that in their conduct and in reality, they are just opposite of the one-man-one-vote policy.
“INEC must ensure that those kind of gimmicks are not allowed to repeat themselves in the 2012 election and that the will of the people must be allowed to prevail.
“This is very essential, it is not the will of some other persons outside Edo that should be allowed to prevail but that of the people.”
In his reaction, Mr Tony Iyare, Special Adviser to the Edo Govenor on Media and Public Affairs, said Oshiomhole would continue to stand on the principle of one-man-one-vote.
Iyare said that the principle of one-man-one-vote was the only basis that Nigeria could be said to be practising real democracy.
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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