Politics
Edo LG Election: PDP Cries Foul
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last Saturday described the Edo April 20 local government election as a charade just as Governor Adams Oshiomhole commended the people for their patience.
The PDP in a statement in Benin signed by its publicity secretary, Mr Mathhew Urhoghide, criticised the manner the exercise was conducted.
It alleged that the election “was not designed by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission ( EDSIEC), and the ACN government in the state to happen in ways known and acceptable to the civilized world.
“It is now apparent to all too that the attempted local government election exercise is a charade and a travesty of acceptable democratic practice.’’
The party, however, congratulated the people of the state whom it described as “the victors here’’ for standing up to what they believed in.
“Their roles in the entire process made it impossible for EDSIEC and Edo State Government to write the election results to suit their inordinate ambition of winning all 18 local government councils in the state.
“Let it be on record that the postponement of elections in some local government areas is an unnecessary pressure brought on the tax payers’ patience and finances.
“Edo people should not be made to suffer for the deliberate lapses of EDSIEC and its employer.
“However, all Edo PDP members and Edo people must still be vigilant against the machinations of EDSIEC and its collaborators,’’ the statement said.
But Gov. Oshiomhole commended the peoples’ patience during the polls.
He predicted that the election would be more favourable to the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) since the party’s candidates would embrace the same developmental principle and ideals.
Speaking at Iyamho, in Estako West Local Government Area, Oshiomhole described the process as “peaceful’’.
The governor commended the people for their patience and for coming out to vote in spite of the delay in the arrival of electoral materials.’’
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.