Politics
Don Charges Youth On 2019 Polls
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem, has urged Nigerian youths to strive to understand the challenges facing the nation, to be able to make well-informed choices in the 2019 general elections.
Abdulkareem gave the advice at the opening of a summit tagged, “Vote Your Future”, organised by a group, ‘One-Nigeria’, last Thursday in Ilorin.
The vice-chancellor, represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Lanre Ajibade, said that students, by being well-informed, would be able to vote candidates that would bring the deserved development.
He urged them to vote leaders that would reduce unemployment rate, provide good and functional health care, address corruption and provide accessible and affordable quality education.
Abdulkareem advised the youth to also get involved in the agricultural sector, describing them as important stakeholders in nation building.
The VC also urged the youth to support the anti-corruption crusade of the present administration, to enhance the socio-economic growth of the country.
He said that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was doing everything within its powers to eradicate corruption in Nigeria.
According to him, participation of the youth in such campaign is imperative because fighting corruption is everybody’s business.
Earlier, the Country Director of One-Nigeria, Serah Makka-Ugbabe, represented by the Digital Campaign Officer, Nigeria, Mr Olawale Makanjuola, urged Nigerian youth to listen to how all the candidates in the upcoming elections plan to address the challenges in the country before they vote.
He said that Nigerians had a real opportunity to define the future trajectory and set the pace for a new era in Africa’s history, as whoever they elect in 2019 will significantly affect the course of the nation and their collective well-being.
“Nigeria is at a critical time in her history, as the spotlight is on us.
“The stakes have never been higher. It is not an overstatement to say that whoever Nigerians elect in the next election may well determine the course of our nation over the coming decades, and in ways that will deeply affect us all.
“This election matters greatly; and future generations will judge us for the choices we make or do not make in this coming election,” he said.
Mr Abideen Olasupo, one of the 100 most influential young Africans for 2018 by Africa Youth Awards, said that the Summit was brought to Unilorin to mobilise and prepare the students to make informed choices in the 2019 general elections.
Olasupo, an Executive Director of Brain Builders International, also joined other participants at an interactive session where issues bordering on civic responsibilities of the youth were discussed.
The programme included discussions on the criteria for choosing a presidential candidate in 2019, vote-buying, and issues bordering on job creation, education, health, fighting corruption and tackling insecurity head-long.
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.