Politics
PDP National Caucus Hails Reconciliatory Moves
The extended national
caucus of PDP has endorsed the peace move by the Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee to reconcile with the disputed National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff and his faction.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing newsmen after the party’s caucus meeting.
Adeyeye said that the purpose of the meeting was to brief the caucus on the move and get its endorsement.
The caucus is made up of PDP governors, National Assembly caucus, Board of Trustees and other stakeholders.
“Members of the caretaker committee are not there on their own, they were appointed by the party and they have to carry the party along in all they are doing.
“The peace move has been finally endorsed and supported by members of caucus without any dissent voice,” he said.
Adeyeye, however, said there were no factions in the party but aggrieved members.
“We don’t have factions in PDP. There are some of our members who are aggrieved.
“We are making moves to ensure peace in the party,” he said.
Makarfi and Sheriff in September expressed determination to settle the party leadership crisis.
The peace committee is expected to be inaugurated on Monday to reunite the party.
Commenting on the issue of some elected PDP members who had detected to APC, Adeyeye said that PDP was taking necessary steps to declare their seats vacant.
“We are taking steps to ensure that we take back the seats from the lawmakers that defected from PDP to APC.
“There is no factionalisation in PDP, INEC recognises the caretaker committee. All the organs of the party are in one place.
“We are making serious moves to ensure that members who took our seats to APC are recovered.”
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.