Politics
Ondo PDP Distances Self From Petition …Says It’ll Never Wage War Against Judiciary
The Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP), has dissociated itself from the petition filed by its Ondo State Chairman, Mr. Biyi Poroye, against Justice Jummai Sankey of the Appeal Court panel set up to look into the appeals brought to the court against the judgement of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, PDP said it found the petition of Poroye to be distasteful and totally out of the tenets of its principles and ideologies.
It equally said that both Poroye and his sponsors were not its members, and assured the judiciary of its total faith and support.
“PDP will never wage a war against the judiciary, we respect the independence and impartiality of the judiciary,” the party said.
“The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) seeks to completely dissociate itself from the petition written by one Mr. Biyi Poroye against the Justice Jummai Sankey-led Appeal Panel set up to determine appeals against the judgment of Justice Okon Abang of the FHC.
“We find the petition to be distasteful, offensive, indecent and completely out of keeping with the principles, ideology and ethos of our party to make such unsubstantiated allegations against members of an institution as important as the Judiciary.”
“Over the course of our 16 years in power and in our almost two years out of power, our party, the PDP has demonstrated respect and reverence for the Judiciary. In this time, we have ensured that we never besmirched the integrity and reputation of the Judiciary through the mud, even when we were not comfortable with the judgments and pronouncements that were given.
“It is important to stress that neither the writer of the petition nor his sponsors are members of our party.
“They are a group of people with powerful backers within and outside government who are determined to bend all institutions of democracy to suit their whims. And while failing, they are willing to resort to destructive tactics against such institutions. Even our party is a victim of their destructive tendencies. All their attempts is to pervert justice and stop the will of justice from rolling on.
“As a responsible political party, we reaffirm our faith in the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man. We have faith that there are men and women of integrity in the Judiciary who ensure that justice is not only done, but that it is seen to be done.
“We use this opportunity to encourage the Judiciary to weather this storm of blackmail, harassment and intimidation currently being heralded by evil men in the country. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the party noted.
It would be recalled that the Justice Hannatu Sankey-led panel had on the 1st of November, 2016, withdrawn from all cases relating to the Ondo governorship election, citing petition by Poroye that they had been compromised.
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.