Politics
Chime, Elechi’s Defection, Good Riddance – PDP
The South East chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, described the defections of the former governors of Enugu and Ebonyi states, Sullivan Chime and Martin Elechi, respectively to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a wild goose chase, saying the party will not miss their exit.
The party also expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party PDP would reclaim the two remaining states of Anambra and Imo in the next election.
Addressing newsmen at the party’s Secretariat, in Enugu, South East zonal Chairman of the PDP, Mr. Austin Umahi, stressed that the development was not a serious issues of discourse and expressed optimism that the party would completely reclaim the remaining two states of Imo and Anambra states come 2019 general elections.
The South East Chairman of the PDP wondered why an 83 year old former Governor and another former Governor in Enugu state could decide to defect to the APC, if not for selfish interest and a mark of ingratitude to the party on whose platform they won elections and served their people for eight years.
He commended the PDP Governors of Ebonyi, Abia and Enugu states for their enormous contributions towards providing democracy dividend to their people, in terms of infrastructure and human capital development, stressing that no APC or APGA Governor within the South East zone can complete with the accomplishments and record-breaking achievements of the PDP states within the zone.
Umahi who further stressed that the South East had no regret voting the PDP in the last general election, adding that Nigerians were already fed up with the style, policy somersault and propaganda-like system of administration of the APC-led government as the APC would be voted out of power come 2019.
The PDP chieftain who further described the APC as an association of confused persons noted that the PDP would in 2019 occupy Aso Rock villa to the expectations of all Nigerians both in the country and in the Diaspora.
“We are not deterred by the defection within the party. It is not a serious issue of discourse. I have traversed all the states within the zone and it is now clear that the PDP has taken over the South East.
“The governors within the zone are performing; democracy has been rebranded as it is no longer cock and bull story. If you go to Ebonyi, Enugu and Abia states, you will discover massive road construction works that are ongoing. Ebonyi is gradually becoming like the Dubai of the South East. In Abia 25 roads construction work are ongoing.
“Igbo are being marginalised and that issue must be addressed. South east have no regret for voting PDP in 2015; Aso rock is our possession and we will repossess it. Will Imo people ever boast with the type of government in Imo?
Emmanuel Uzor, Abakaliki
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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