Politics
Edo Guber: PDP Flags Off Campaign
The Peoples Democratic
Party candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, on Wednesday flagged off his campaign with almost all party notables in the state lining up behind him in a joint resolve to stop the APC from having a third successive stint in the governorship.
Besides, the party grandees in the state, party leaders from outside the state led by the chairman of the caretaker committee, Governors were also present at the carnival-like ceremony which was hurriedly shifted to the grounds of the Baptist Convention grounds in Benin following the refusal by the state government for it to use the Ogbe Stadium.
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, represented the PDP governors in the South while the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro represented Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.
Other dignitaries at the rally included former chairman Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi and a member of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Prof. Jerry Gana.
Speaking at the event, former Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Tom Ikimi who recalled that he was one of those who formed the APC, appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to allow a level playing field in the state during the election.
“l will campaign with our candidate in the 192 wards of the state, and I appeal to Mr. President to provide a level playing field for this election because Godwin Obaseki (APC guber candidate) has no business in this state”, he said.
Ikimi faulted Oshiomhole’s administration on its policies, stressing that all the governor’s claims on performance were a sham.
On his part, Senator Ugbesia, who represented Makarfi, presented the PDP flag to Ize-Iyamu saying he was determined to take over the state.
According to him “this is a quick notice to Oshiomhole and other occupants of Edo Government House. Today, we are going to change the keys to Osadebey Avenue; we have brought a new key which we shall hand over to Ize-Iyamu.”
On his part, Prof. Jerry Gana expressed optimism that Ize-Iyamu will bring victory for the PDP and urged the people of the state to support PDP come September 10. According to him, “this man will work well, this man will govern well, this man is a Godly man, we must all support him.”
However, Ize-Iyamu, expressed gratitude to God and PDP supporters for the opportunity given to him to fly the ticket of the party, stating that the PDP was blessed with leaders who can change the fortune of the state.
He subsequently introduced Mr. John Yakubu, the former chairman of Esan North East Local Government Area as his running mate. He vowed that the PDP would reclaim the state from the APC, asserting that” I want to assure you people of Edo state that we shall assist and provide for the less privileged.
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.
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