Politics
INEC Begins Procurement of Materials For Bayelsa, Kogi Elections
Acting Chairman of Inde
pendent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs Amina Zakari, said the commission had begun the production and procurement of materials for upcoming Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections.
She made this known on Friday in Lokoja at the opening of a one-day stakeholders’ forum on the elections.
Zakari, who was represented by Secretary of the commission, Mrs Augusta Ogakwu, said that training of personnel for the conduct of the polls had also begun.
She said that Continuous Voter Registration for persons who just attained 18 years and those who missed the last exercise would be conducted before the elections.
She reiterated that only those who had permanent voter card would be eligible to vote in the elections, and urged political parties and other stakeholders to mobilise the people to come out for the exercise.
“The commission will be fair, impartial and transparent and provide a level playing field to all contestants,” Zakari assured.
In his presentation, INEC ‘s Director of ICT, Mr Chidi Nwafor, said that collation of results of the election would be done electronically as part of efforts to enhance the election process.
He said that application of e-software system would make it possible for collation of results right from the polling units.
He said that the software was being deployed for the first time in the country with the coming polls in both states.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr Halilu Pai, disclosed that 221 units of data-capturing machines had been deployed to headquarters of the 21 local government areas in Kogi for voter registration.
He also said that 42 staff of the commission, who would participate in the exercise had been trained, adding that card readers would be used for the election.
Pai restated the readiness of INEC to conduct a free and fair election, and urged other stakeholders in the state to join hands with the commission to achieve a credible poll whose result would be acceptable to all contestants.
In his speech at the event, the Attah of Igala, Idakwo Ameh Oboni, said that democracy remained the best form of government as it gave citizens the best opportunity to secure their freedom from poverty, misrule and corruption.
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.
