Politics
INEC Assures On Ondo Guber Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has pledged to conduct a credible, free and fair governorship election on October 20.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr Akin Orebiyi, made the pledge in Akure on Monday during a voter education workshop jointly organised by the International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES) and the INEC.
Orebiyi said that the workshop became necessary because Nigerian politicians see elections “as if they are going for a battle.”
He said all the stakeholders in the electoral process had critical roles to play in the country’s march toward a credible election.
“The fact that Nigeria was listed among the eight educationally-backward nations in the world underscores the need to teach the illiterate electorate on how to cast their votes.
“We are not leaving any stone unturned in our determination at INEC to ensure that all valid votes count in the forthcoming election.
“We are determined that the literate ones are reached and convinced to exercise their civic rights by explaining to them that a credible agency is in charge of our electoral process in the country.
“We are also determined to reassure the illiterate electorate that their voices would be heard through their votes and that the power to determine who governs them lies in their voters’ cards, which they must not sell for any amount,” he said.
In her remarks, Mrs Uloma Osuala, the Deputy Country Director of IFES, explained that the essence of the voter education workshop was to reduce apathy and cases of void votes during elections.
Osuala also explained that IFES was currently working with governments of about 130 countries across the world on the need to ensure credible election.
She said the participants would be educated on their specific roles before, during and after the election, to stimulate interest of the public.
The training programme was organised for electoral officers and civil society groups in the state ahead of the governorship poll.
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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