Politics
Veteran Journalist Wants Reduction Of Political Parties
A veteran journalist, Mr Mahmud Jega, has called for national consensus to reduce number of political parties in Nigeria before the 2023 general election.
Jega made the call while delivering a paper at “Media Coverage of the 2019 General Election”, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said something has to be done about the high number of political parties.
“It is not true that we need 91 political parties in order to liberalise the political space,” he said.
He said during the second republic there were just five parties and there was no choice that could not be found within the number.
“Some of the registered parties now are just briefcase parties,” he said.
He said the high number is responsible for confusion of electorate, resulting in large number of invalid votes recorded during 2019 elections.
“All kind of problems are created and really there should be a kind of national consensus before the next general elections to reduce the number of political parties.
“Simply by strengthening the registration rules. We are not saying that INEC is responsible for all these things,” he said.
Jega also stressed the need to cut the cost of conducting elections in Nigeria, saying the real cost of 2019 poll was more than the N185 billion spent by INEC as other stakeholders such as security agencies, media and Civil Society Organisations also had their expenses.
“There is no doubt that something has to be done about the cost of elections in Nigeria.
“It is outrageous to spend N185 billion when Nigeria has the highest number of people living in extreme poverty, we want light, our roads are not secured and our trains now have to be guided by helicopters.
“Is it the best thing to do now to spend so much money on elections? Unfortunately, we don’t even get value for money,” he said.
Jega also said that the partisanship of the security agencies is very alarming. “Honestly if we don’t find a solution to that we will always fall short of having credible elections in Nigeria.”
He also said the most notorious case that came in the 2019 general elections is the issue of inconclusive elections majorly caused by INEC.
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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