Politics
Edo: ‘APC, INEC Robbed PDP Of Victory’
The Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) in Rivers State has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of conniving with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rob the party’s governorship candidate in Edo State, Pastor Osaze Ize-Iyamu of victory in the just concluded gubernatorial election.
The Rivers PDP assured the people of Edo that it will support the efforts of the PDP in Edo State and its governorship candidate, Ize-Iyamu, in seeking the recovery of his stolen mandate up to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The Publicity Secretary of PDP in Rivers State, . Samuel Nwanosike who stated this while receiving hundreds of APC youths and women from Ubima community in Ikwerre local government area of the state, who decamped to the PDP, said, “It is quite unfortunate that at 56, Nigeria is still battling to provide leadership for her country through proper democracy.
Nwanosike described as a shame that INEC could connive with the APC in Edo State to rob the good people of Edo their mandate that was freely given to the candidate of the PDP.
According to him,” You would agree with me that the results that were collated and announced at the collection centres, a lot of them did not confirm the true state of the affairs that transpired during that election. A situation where polling unit results were at complete variance with the results that were finally collated shows clearly that Nigeria is heading towards disaster.
The Rivers PDP party Spokesman, however commended the PDP in Edo State for making a meaningful impact during the governorship election despite the fact that the APC had been in government in Edo State for the past eight years.
The PDP spokesman said, “Is it not a shame that the APC had been in government in Edo State for eight years and upon all the claims of hard work and good works and all the huge loans incurred and spent by them, in their own imagination to Edo people, yet, the concocted result as announced just showed 50,000 votes difference.
“It is show s clearly that the PDP in Edo State should be commended for their great work. They should be commended for the proper mobilization of Edo electorates despite the huge presence of security men and all the intimidating antics of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.”
Enoch Epelle
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.