Politics
Group Urges Members To Support PDP
A political pressure group, The Coalition of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Support Groups has been formally inaugurated in Rivers State with a call on members to holistically embrace the party and resist any temptation to be lured by other parties.
Chairman of the group, Barrister Ebenezer Erewari Osarosaka in an address, during the occasion in Port Harcourt said that the members wholeheartedly participated in the 2019 general elections which returned Governor Nyeasom Ezenwo Wike for a second term and pledged the support and loyalthy of the group to the growth and success of the PDP in future election while appealing to the leadership of the party and the governor to carry the members along in the scheme of governance, including appointments into political positions.
Speaking, the PDP women leader in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Barrister Comfort Uche Agumagu recalled that the coalition worked tirelessly for the party during the past gubernatorial election in Rivers State and thanked God for the governor’s victories at the poll and the election tribunal.
Barr. Agumagu who is the also the state coordinator of Women Solidarity Movement said that it has become crystal clear that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is no longer in place in the State and enjoined members of the PDP to unite and form a formidable political bloc preparatory to the next election in 2023 in order to remain in control of the state.
She urged women in the state to support the Governor Wike-led government which according to her, has shown love by enabling women to be relevant in governance and appealed to the governor to give them more opportunities in political appointments to serve the state.
On his part, the chairman, inauguration committee, Hon Edwin Ibanichuka said that the group was made up of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), CEOs and GBOs totaling about 450 members that registered with the Wike/Atiku Campaign Organisation during the last general elections and congratulated the PDP on its victory.
Shedia Okpara
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.