Politics
Reps member Wants Gov. Jang To Ensure Peaceful By-election
The Federal Lawmaker representing Bokko/Mangu contituency in Plateau State, Rep. Jonathan Aminu, has called on Governor Jonah Jang recently to ensure a peaceful by-election to replace the late Sen. Gyang Dantong.
Aminu, who made the call in Abuja in an interview with newsmen expressed sadness over the demise of the Senator and advised that stakeholders in the state should conduct a peaceful election to fill the vacant seat.
Sen. Gyang Dantong of Plateau North Senatorial district died in a stampede two months ago at a burial of some members of his community killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
“Senator Dantong paid the supreme price in his efforts to bring peace to his people, the only way to pay back, is for Plateau stakeholders, particularly the governor to conduct a peaceful election to find his replacement.
“About 80 per cent of the crisis that took place over the years in Plateau State occurred in the late Senator’s Senatorial zone, efforts must be put in place to make sure that the election is not rigged and crisis free.
“Political parties, security agencies, youths and interest groups must work together to ensure that the election is free and fair.
“All parties should be allowed free access to security, information and logistics that will enhance their chances of winning the election, it shouldn’t be about just one party,’’ Aminu said.
Aminu, however, expressed confidence that his party, the PDP would win the election in spite of having strong opposition and controversies surrounding the election, which was slated to take place on October 6.
“Honestly, I don’t see the kind of opposition parties we have in Plateau State having the strength to withstand the popularity of the PDP in the state.
“During the last gubernatorial election in the state, the opposition parties converged somewhere hoping to take over power, but they crashed like pack of cards, the same will happen in this forthcoming by-election.
“The rumour about the opposition’s planned coalition to present a common candidate is simply a huge joke, it has never and it will never work,’’ he said.
Aminu urged the people of Plateau to continue to live in peace with one another and shun violence, which, he said, was the only way to growth and development.
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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