Politics
INEC Registers 2.3m Voters In Imo …Solicits Stakeholders’ Cooperation
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has solicited for full cooperation of various stakeholders involved in the electoral process in Imo State for a peaceful, free and fair election.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Imo Prof. Francis Ezeonu, made the appeal at a one day interactive meeting with election stakeholders in the state yesterday.
He noted that the commission had done all within its power in terms of preparation and strategic planning to ensure that the coming elections were free, fair and credible.
Ezeonu said that the commission had mapped out workable guidelines aimed at improving the electoral process and urged all to keep to the rules.
“It is exactly 22 days away from the start of the 2019 election. As part of ensuring inclusiveness in the exercise, we have continued to consult and interact with the different segments of the Nigerian society.
“As you can attest, the election exercise is on course and we have followed the timetable and schedule of activities religiously.
“Out of the 14 statutory activities in the election timetable released on Jan. 9, 2018, we have successfully executed 10.
“The journey to the polling booths starts with the possession of the permanent voters card (PVC).
“At the last count, we have over 2.272 million total registered voters in Imo State. Out of this number, 563,954 are yet to be collected.
“The commission in Imo has done all within its power to make sure those who are desirous collect their cards.
“The commission at different periods evolved initiatives to go to the autonomous communities, wards and local governments for PVC collection and distribution.
“We have retired to the local government offices from where we will continue with the PVC collection till February. 8. After February 8, the collection of PVCs will be suspended until after elections,” he said.
Ezeonu disclosed that the training of supervising presiding officers had started with other categories of election officials to follow immediately, adding that they were already taking delivery of non sensitive materials.
He reiterated the need for the use of Registration Area Camps (RACs) to facilitate the easy deployment of materials on the Election Day.
According to him, the electoral officers will in line with schedule of activities convene stakeholders forum at their respective LGAs next week and circulate the location of RACs in the areas to political parties and other stakeholders.
He said that following popular demand, INEC had relocated result collation centres from local government council halls to public buildings outside the local government premises.
“We have done this to ensure that participants are not at any stage impeded from participating or observing any stage of the process. We will soon be circulating the collation centres as already agreed by stakeholders.
“We urge every person to cooperate to ensure we have a most peaceful election in Imo State,” he said.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commission has instructed that telephones and other electronic devices capable of taking pictures be not allowed in voting cubicles while collation officers are not permitted to make or receive telephone calls during collation.
NAN also reports that to reduce to a manageable number the persons voting in any polling centre, the commission has introduced Voting Points (VPs) which will be created from polling units.
The participants, in their different contributions, commended INEC for the efforts put out so far for a peaceful, free, fair and credible election in the state.
They urged the commission to institute penalty for electoral process offenders and ensure it implemented all its guidelines for a free and fair election to the later.
The Chairman, Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (IACCE) ACP, W.T. Afolabi from Imo Police Command, who spoke on security arrangements noted that deployment of security personnel to election areas was ongoing.
He said the police and other sister security agencies had been sensitised on their role for a free, fair and unbiased election as well as on movement of election materials.
Afolabi promised adequate security on election days saying any officer involved in election malpractices would face the wrath of the law.
A Traditional Ruler in Nkwerrre LGA, Eze Emmanuel Uzoho, enjoined the commission to live up to expectation, as well as stipulate penalty for electoral offenders as deterrent to others.
The Chairman, Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) Mr Benneth Duru commended and expressed confidence in INEC for their determination to ensure that the election was free and credible in the state.
He said that there was need for the withdrawal of police orderly from the politicians alleging that politicians usually use their orderlies to harass and intimidate the electorate.
The Coordinator, Albino Foundation Imo Chapter, Pastor Victor Ibegbulem thanked the commission for the plan to create a separate line during voting for persons with disability.
He appealed that albinos be allowed to have a separate line inside the hall in the case of intense sunshine.
NAN reports that the stakeholders were drawn from the security personnel, Civil Society Groups, political parties, religious groups, traditional rulers and the media.
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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