Politics
Stop Playing Politics With Coronavirus, PDP Tells Abdulrazaq
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kwara State chapter has cautioned the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, against playing politics with the Covid-19 pandemic currently ravaging the world.
The party said the state government should put strategy in place that would curtail the spread of the pandemic instead of making unsubstantiated claims that the opposition parties were allegedly planning to incite members of the public against the current total lockdown order in the state.
The state government had Monday alleged that the opposition parties were planning to incite members of the public against the state government over the current lockdown of the state.
In a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday and signed by PDP’s state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tunde Ashaolu, the party described the allegation as unfortunate, ridiculous and downright illogical.
Ashaolu said there was no truth in the allegation by the state government, noting that such baseless accusation was a clear indication that the government was bereft of ideas and strategies to contain the spread of the virus in the state.
According to him, It beats our imagination that the same government that warned people against sharing of fake, unverified news and politicisation of the fight against COVID-19, is the one making unfounded claims and playing politics with a life-threatening disease.
“This is a clear indication that the Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq-led administration is bereft of ideas and strategies to tackle the spread of the disease.
“As a responsible party, we understand that coronavirus is our common enemy and does not differentiate between party A and party B. It poses threat to our lives and livelihood.
“We will, therefore, never go against any step or effort aimed at curbing the spread of the dreaded coronavirus that has taken the whole world by a storm.
“For the avoidance of doubt, as a people-centric party, we have embarked on series of advocacy and issued press statements, urging members of the public to adhere strictly to the regulations of the state government including the sit-at-home order and also observe all precautionary measures to curb the spread of the disease.
“Also, as a way of assisting people of the state, especially the less privileged, to observe the stay-at-home order and to cushion the effects of the state-wide lockdown, the leader of our party and immediate President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has through his foundation, distributed relief materials including food items, gloves and hand sanitizers to needy people in different parts of the state.
“Additionally, the ABS Foundation educated members of the public on the need to follow basic personal hygiene habits and observe other measures to keep safe.
“How then can any reasonable administration accuse a party that has done this much of planning to incite members of the public against the government? This claim by the Governor Abdulrazaq’s administration is unfortunate, ridiculous and downright illogical.”
It further said that the unfounded accusation is an attempt by the state government to veil its unpreparedness and lack of clearcut strategies to combat the spread of COVID-19, adding that Governor Abdulrazaq is haunted by his failure and irresponsibility.
“The present administration in the state should, however, know that Kwarans are taking stock of Abdulrazaq’s alleged misguided and deceptive actions and utterances and are by now tired of a man, whose stock in trade is to cry wolf where there is none, pass blames and give unnecessary and silly excuses for his failure,” it said.
Ashaolu therefore advised the state government to stop playing politics with coronavirus and urgently fashion out strategic ways to arrest the pandemic.
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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