Politics
Niger Guber: Tribunal Rules In Favour Of PDP
Niger State governorship election petition tribunal has struck out the application by counsel to the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate and incumbent governor, Abubakar Bello, seeking to disqualify the lead counsel to the petitioner and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Alhaji Umar Nasko
The lead counsel to Governor Bello and APC, Mr. Samuel Okutepa, SAN, had at the resumed sitting in Minna, sought the tribunal to disqualify Alhaji Abdulmalik Ndayako who is the leading counsel to the PDP candidate on the grounds that he (Ndayako) was the running mate to the petitioner in the election.
Mr. Okutekpa in the application vehemently objected to Abdulmalik Ndayako representing the petitioner, arguing that he was an active participant in the matter that brought about the petition.
According to the counsel, Abdulmalik Ndayako was the running mate to Alhaji Umar Mohammed Nasko as such under the law could not represent himself in the case.
But in his response to the application, counsel to Umar Nasko, Alhaji Abdulmalik Ndayako, described the position of the lead counsel to the petitioner as an attempt to waste time, saying that the law allowed him to represent himself and the petitioner in the case before the tribunal.
Ndayako quoting Rule 20 Sub section 1 of the professional ethics law, Section 3 of the 3rd amendment to the electoral act and Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution said under the law, he could represent the petitioner.
In the ruling on the application in Minna yesterday, the Chairman of the tribunal Justice J. Igboji dismissed Okutepa’s application, saying that Ndayako is eminently qualified to represent the petitioner on the ground that he (Ndayako only contested the election as the deputy governorship candidate and was not part of the decision making of INEC.
The tribunal further held that Ndayako was not listed as a witness in the case, and that the tribunal could not at that point speculate whether or not he would become a witness in the case.
According to the tribunal, Ndayako’s name had not being mentioned in any of the processes that would warrant his disqualification, pointing out that the tribunal does not deal in speculations.
In his reaction, counsel to the PDP and the party’s candidate described the position of the tribunal as “very right” saying that “they have vindicated our stand on the application.”
On his part Mr Okutekpa said it was the responsibility of counsels to make applications and that of the tribunal to rule “in this case the tribunal has taken a stand.”
Asked if he would appeal the ruling Mr Okutekpa said: “I can’t say yes or no until I discuss with my client; I don’t act on the impulse of myself, if I have instruction why not?”
The tribunal will continue its sitting on Tuesday.
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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