Politics
Kogi Guber: Court Of Appeal Upholds Wada As PDP Candidate
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the candidacy of Engineer Musa Wada as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Kogi State November 16, 2019 governorship election.
A three-member panel of justices led by Justice Ibrahim Muhammad Saulawa and comprising Justices Joseph E. Ekanem and Yasir Nimpar has set aside the order by the trial court which held that PDP did not conduct a primary election in the state.
“Every order made by the trial court that there was no primary election and that the appellant was not a candidate in the election is hereby set aside,” the panel ruled.
In the judgment on appeal number: CA/A/193/2020 between Musa Wada and Abubakar Mohammed Ibrahim Idris and others, the court said the trial court raised on its own, issues not raised by the parties for determination.
A governorship aspirant, Abubakar Idris had on September 27, 2019, approached Kogi State High Court to challenge the outcome of the primary election conducted on September 3 and 4, 2019 in the state in which Wada won and seeking to be declared winner.
The trial court presiding Judge, Justice R O Olorunfemi dismissed the claim and held that he did not substantiate his claim. But further ruled that PDP did not have a candidate in the election. Meanwhile, a retired Naval officer, Alhaji Isah Ogohi has cleared the air on the controversy surrounding the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s governorship candidate in the last election in Kogi State.
Speaking to newsmen, Alhaji Ogohi said contrary to the allegation that Wada never attended the LEA Primary School, Okura Olafia-Dekina, Dekina LGA and must have tendered a forged certificate, he was his contemporary in the school.
A public interest litigator had approached a Federal High Court in Lokoja seeking the disqualification of Wada on the ground that he forged the primary school leaving certificate he tendered before the Independent National Electoral Commission (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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