Politics
PDP’s Plan To Split APC Uncovered
The All Progressives
Congress (APC), Andoni chapter, Rivers State, says it has uncovered plan by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to cause disaffection among APC members in the area.
This allegation was made by the interim Chairman of APC in Andoni, Chief Clifford Njah, while briefing members of the party at Ataba town in Andoni Local Government Area of the state.
Chief Njah called on the party faithful to be alert, saying that some persons alleged to be loyal to Esuku M. Esuku were allegedly paid to cause confusion among party members with a view to weakening the strength and strong influence of the party in the area.
According to him, the Esuku group was like two edge swords, consistently having meeting with PDP at Ajakabak town, where they were allegedly instructed to tear APC apart.
The APC chairman said the activities of the group headed by Esuku were earlier noticed during the registration of party members in February when a group of young men broke the protocol and forcefully went away with APC registration materials in Andoni.
It would be recalled that the APC’s Interim Chairman in the state, Chief Davies Ibianu Ikanya and Mr Esuku had a face-off last year over who would be the leader of the party in the state, and in Andoni Local Government Area, where both of them come from.
Investigation has also revealed that there are plans by the Esuku group to remove Chief Ikanya as the interim state chairman of APC whenever the party holds its State congress.
Sources told The Tide that the grouse of the Esuku group was that Ikanya was not a member of any of the political parties that formed APC in the state.
However, Mr Esuku has denied his involvement in anti-party activities, saying, he was not responsible for the activities of any group or person trying to cause confusion in the APC. He also denied any face-off with Chief Ikanya.
Enoch Epelle
L-R: Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana, former Senator representing Lagos State at the National Assembly, Hon. Mamora Olorunimbe and former British Foreign Secretary, His Excellency, Jack Straw, during International Conference on Democracy and Good Goverance, organised by Rivers State Government in Port Harcourt last Tuesday. Photo: Egberi .A. Sampson
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.