Politics
Bayelsa APC To Supporters: Accept S’Court Verdict, Maintain Peace
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in its first official reaction to the Supreme Court judgement which dismissed its application for a review of the February 13 judgement that sacked Chief David Lyon as governor-elect has urged its supporters to accept it in good faith.
The Chairman of the party, Jothan Amos in a press conference he addressed in Yenagoa told members of the party and Bayelsans that the party and Lyon appreciated the confidence reposed in the APC.
According to him, as painful as the judgment was, party members and the people of the state should accept it in good faith, remain calm and maintain the peace.
He disclosed that the leadership of the party was honoured with the outpouring of love from Bayelsans which made them vote overwhelming for Lyon in the November 16 governorship election.
Amos called on the supporters of the party to unite and ensure that they sustained the support Bayelsans have for the party.
He said: “Let me use this opportunity to extend warm greetings from Chief David Lyon and the headship of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Let me also thank all Bayelsans of the voting age who sacrificed in their numbers to turn out to vote on the 16th November 2019.
“We are indeed specially honoured and humbled to have over three hundred and forty thousand (340,000) votes, that to us demonstrated the change matrix we all yearn and desire.
“You may recall that on the 13th of February 2020, the Supreme Court disqualified the APC ticket and ordered the immediate swearing-in of Senator Douye Diri and Senator Lawrence Ewrujakpor as governor and deputy governor respectively. The news led to pockets of violence across the state which Chief David Lyon had condemned earlier.
“The party not satisfied with the decision made an appeal to the same apex court for a review. Yesterday 26th February 2020 the Supreme Court expressed its audacity of finality by upholding its earlier judgement.
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.