Politics
Alleged Contempt: CNPP Calls For ODIEC Chairman, AG’s Sack
The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), has called for immediate sack of the Chairman of Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) and the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice for contempt of court.
Rotimi Boboye, state chairman of CNPP, in a letter to the state Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, made available to newsmen in Akure, the state capital yesterday said the duo should be sacked due to alleged non-adherence to court’s injunction that retrained INEC from deregistering any registered political parties.
He reasoned that considering the judicial sanctity in the conduct of the forthcoming local council poll in the state, the two personalities should be relieved of their appointments for allegedly flouting the court order.
Boboye alleged that Prof. Yomi Danikin, the ODIEC Chairman, deliberately expunged names of candidates of some political parties submitted to the commission for the coming poll.
The letter read in part, “Sir, we, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties in Ondo State, call for immediate sack of Prof. Yomi Dinakin, the Chairman of the Ondo State Independent National Electoral Commission (ODIEC) and the state Commissioner for Justice, Mr Kola Olawoye, for flagrantly disobeying an existing order of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, FCT, Abuja.
“The suit number is FHC/ABJ/CS/4444/2019 and it is between political parties registered by INEC and Attorney General of the Federation and INEC restraining INEC from deregistering political parties until the substantive matter before the court is determined
“Sir, as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria ( SAN), we believe you will not allow this travesty of January and disregard to the Rule of Law which you swore to uphold and defend to stand”.
The CNPP chairman alleged that the ODIEC chairman claimed that he screened out the affected parties candidates based on the advice of the state Commissioner for Justice, Mr Kola Olawoye.
Reacting to the allegation, Prof. Danikin described CNPP’s move as an act of ignorance.
He said: “Those are ignorant people. ODIEC is not a party to the court’s injunction in Abuja. The court’s order was not directed to ODIEC but directed to 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.