Politics
Rivers Rerun: PDP ‘ll Win Again – Wike
Chairman Caretaker Committee, Bonny Local Government Area, Charles Tonye Jumbo welcoming the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo on arrival at Bonny Island
Rivers State Governor,
Nyesom Wike says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will win in the Saturday’s re-run elections for National and State Assembly seats despite plans by the opposition to use the military and security agencies to manipulate results.
Speaking at Ahoada Town on Saturday during the flag-off of Rivers West Senatorial campaigns covering eight local government areas in Kalabari and Orashi region, Governor Wike maintained that the ruling party would repeat the feat of April 11th 2015 elections.
“We will not go to the tribunal, we will win again and again,” the governor emphasized.
Wike said the PDP had already put the outcome of the tribunals that cancelled the elections behind and is poised to affirm to Nigerians that it’s the party to beat in the state.
He however blamed the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor Chibuike Amaechi over plans to use security agencies to cause problems ahead and during the elections.
Calling on Rivers people to be aware of the antics of the opposition, he said, “Rivers people must make sacrifice to protect their votes. With one man one vote, APC will not win one vote.”
The governor enjoined PDP faithful to be law abiding during the elections, while urging them not to give room for hijacking of materials. “As you do your accreditation you are also casting your vote, and so don’t panic” the governor enjoined them.
Meanwhile, Governor Wike has hinted of government plans to create new towns in three Kalabari Local Government Areas of Degema, Akuku-Toru and Asari-Toru.
He related that government would reclaim land in Bakana in Degema, Abalama in Asari-Toru and Abonnema in Akuku-Toru to provide land for the indigenes.
Earlier, Wike had visited the Eze Ekpeye Logbo, Eze Robinson O Robinson and Chiefs in Council, where he solicited for their support to the government and sued for peaceful elections, as he promised to provide more infrastructure for the people of Ahoada.
Highlights of the campaign include presentation of flags to the various candidates by Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, and South-South Chairman of the party Cairo Ojugbo.
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.