Politics
…As Ekwunife Seeks Votes For Atiku, PDP
The Anambra Central Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Uche Ekwunife, has urged Anambra electorate to vote for the party in the February general elections.
Ekwunife made the call at a rally held by Peter Obi Good Governance Vanguard (POGGV) for Mr Peter Obi, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the PDP, in Agulu, Anaocha Council on Sunday.
Ekwunife, who represented Obi at the rally, said Anambra should not only vote for Atiku/Obi ticket overwhelmingly but all other contestants on the platform of PDP from the National Assembly to State House of Assembly.
The senatorial candidate said the state and Agulu in particular were lucky to have Obi whom she described as a global citizen and urged them to support him.
Ekwunife said she left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the PDP immediately Obi was nominated because she could not stand campaigning against him.
“Peter Obi is a man of exceptional personality and character, he is a global citizen, and you are lucky to have him as your son.
“Nigeria needs his services now; that was why the entire nation talked about his nomination.
“Peter Obi should not be campaigning in Agulu, as a matter of fact Anambra should vote him 99 per cent.
“He is our common project, we should also vote other PDP candidates because he needs to move with his party people,” she said.
In his remark, Chief Andy Orakwelu, President General of Agulu People s Union pledged the full support of the town for Obi.
Orakwelu said Obi excelled as the governor of Anambra for eight years and that Agulu was ready to work for the realisation of VP ambition so that he could join to make Nigeria great.
On his part, Mr Eric Mmaduagwu, Chairman of POGGV called on eligible voters who were yet to collect their Permanent Voter Card to endeavour to do so during the week as announced by INEC.
Mmadugwu said the Vanguard would go to the nooks and crannies of Anambra to maximise votes for the Atiku/Obi and the PDP.
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.