Politics
Osun Poll: APC Accuses Omisore Of Using Masked Guards …Omisore Denies Allegation
The All Progressives
Congress (APC) in Osun State, has raised the alarm over the alleged use of masked armed men as security guards by the governorship candidate of the state Peoples Democratic party (PDP), Mr. Iyiola Omisore.
The APC, in a statement issued on Saturday by its director of research, Publicity and Strategy, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, said that while security agencies were battling to free Nigeria from the grip of terrorists, the governorship candidate of the PDP in the state was encouraging terrorism by using masked ‘terrorists’ as his security guards in his campaign in the state.
The APC attributed the alleged use of terrorists by Omisore to PDP’s “desperation to win by force of arms”, assuring however, that the PDP’s alleged resort to terrorism and manipulation of the electronic voting process would fail because it was not the wish of the citizens of Osun State to replace Governor Raufu Aregbesola with a clueless character.
The APC statement reads in part “The introduced terrorist culture of armed masked men in his campaign in a flagrant public gesture intended to intimidate the electorate.
“Omisore was spotted during his campaign closely guarded by a masked, suspected armed terrorists, the first of its kind to be seen anywhere in the political history of electioneering in Yourbaland.
“The APC observes that while President Jonathan fights armed and masked terrorists in the North with Nigerian soliders, the reverse is being done in Osun by Jonathan’s man, hiding behind security cover to intimidate the electorate with masked and armed suspected terrorists guards”.
But in a swift reaction to APC’s allegation, Omisore denied using terrorists as security guards.
Omisore’s media aide, Mr. Diran Odeyemi, said his principal’s security guards were Policemen, operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and not to terrorists as alleged by the APC.
He said, “We all know the style of APC to accuse others whatever is their plan or intention. If they are really concerned about the security men in Omisore’s campaign, they should contact security agencies to find out and stop playing to the gallery.
“In the campaign train are men from the SSS, the Police, Civil Defence. PDP will never preach violence, neither do we rely on thugs to win election”.
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.