Politics
COCIN Condemns 2019 Polls
President of Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Dachollom Chumang Datiri, has described the 2019 general elections as the worst election ever conducted in the history of Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to cry out fervently to God in prayer for justice to take place at the election petition tribunals nationwide.
Rev. Datiri disclosed this yesterday while declaring open the 96th General Church Council meeting held at the COCIN Headquarters, Jos, Plateau State.
“The elections have come and gone proving wrong the apprehensions of Nigerians of potentially violent polls. The elections were generally peaceful, but with the drafting of the armed forces including the Nigerian Army to the polling units, and the number of election petitions already at the tribunals reaching a record of 736.
“These were the worse elections ever in the history of Nigeria. Let us pray that justice will be done at the tribunals.
Rev. Datiri said Nigerians were disappointed with the fight against corruption promised by President Muhammadu Buhari in the last four years, claiming that the exercise had not yielded any significant fruits.
He described the anti-corruption fight as a mirage, stressing that it was lopsided and targeted at the opposition.
Datiri urged President Muhammadu Buhari’s led Federal government not to play politics with the abduction of Leah Sharibu, who is more than one year now in captivity because of her faith.
The General Secretary of the conglomeration of churches in northern Nigeria, known as TEKAN, Rev Moses Ebuga, tasked northern leaders on the widespread cases of kidnapping, assassinations, armed robbery, Fulani herdsmen attacks and other forms of criminality in the country.
“Kidnapping and banditry are becoming a daily routine; they are in no way reducing in this part of our country. It has become a business of the day; people have abandoned their farms and are forced to sleep with one eye open,” he stated.
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.
