Politics
…Reassures Ekiti Guber Aspirants Of Level Playing Field
The National Working Committee (NWC) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said there would be no imposition of candidate or display of impunity in its primary election for Ekiti State governorship race.
National Organising Secretary of the party, Col. Austin Akobundu (retd), made the pledge while receiving Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms from two aspirants to the governorship seat at the party’s National Secretariat, Abuja, last Friday.
The aspirants are former Deputy Governor of the state, Sen. Abiodun Olujimi and Prof. Kolapo Olusola, incumbent Deputy Governor of the state.
Akobundu assured that the party’s primary poll scheduled for May 8, would be free, fair and credible.
He said that the mandate given to the NWC was sacred and that it would be demonstrated in the conduct of the primary.
“I want to assure you that there will not be imposition of candidate or impunity. We will respect the wish, expectations and aspirations of the people as one of the mandates given to us is to do what is right.
“The guideline of the party has stipulated the process to follow; we will follow it.
“I assure you that the primary will be free, fair and credible in Ekiti, which is the first state we are going to conduct it,” he said.
The organising secretary called on the aspirants and their supporters to play by the rule so that whoever emerged would be supported.
Akobundu told Olujimi, a female lawmaker representing Ekiti Central at the Senate, that PDP would give equal opportunity to all aspirants, including women, saying that PDP was a gender-friendly family.
“This is why we feel exited whenever we see any woman contesting in any election,” he said.
Speaking to newsmen after submitting his form, Olusola appealed that Gov. Ayo Fayose should not be crucified for supporting him, saying, “he is my mentor and leader.
“It is not just human backing, I also have God’s backing.”
Olusola denied knowledge of any governorship aspirant in the state being harassed or intimidated, saying that he would not be part of any process of the primary that would not be free and fair.
The deputy governor, who expressed optimism that he would win the primary, however, pledged to support any other aspirant who emerged at the primary.
He promised to diversify the state’s economy, adding that he would encourage investors to come to the state.
On her part, Olujimi said that as the only woman among the four aspirants who had indicated interest in the race, she would win the primary “if it is free and fair”.
Olujimi said that she had been involved in Ekiti politics and programmes over the years.
She said that she had used her positions as Commissioner for Works, House of Representatives members and now senator, to influence the execution of many projects in the state.
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.