Politics
Another Monarch Endorses Obaseki’s Re-Election Bid
The Enogie (Duke) of Ehor, David Igiehon, has endorsed the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, for re-election on account of the governor’s sterling performance across all sectors of the state.
The royal father, who received the governor, his deputy and running mate, Comr. Philip Shaibu and other members of the Edo State PDP Campaign Council in his palace in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state, promised to rally the people of Uhunmwode to ensure the victory of the governor and his deputy at the poll.
“You have worked for four years and are here to seek support for another four years. Your heart’s desires will come to pass. You shall win the September 19, 2020 governorship election.
“Obaseki is our son and comes from this local government area. Whoever we pray for here always comes out victorious. We, the people of Uhunmwode will support you to rule for another four years. The Nigerian Constitution says governors are allowed to be reelected and stay for eight years; we will support you to be in government for eight years and I am confident that the people will be better for it.
“Whatever you say shall be the guideline for all; you shall win the election. All our ancestors will support and back you in this journey. Uhunmwode is the entrance to Edo State; the door has been opened for you and victory is certain and sure for you in the September 19 election”, the Enogie said.
He urged the governor to bring more developmental projects to the area when re-elected, saying “Uhunmwode is not so developed and we want you to bring more projects to the area, especially the roads linking Uhunmwode to other neighboring communities, to further open up the area.
“We want you to convert the vocational centre here to General Hospital to save accident victims on this road. Security is also of great concern to us as the activities of herdsmen, kidnapping and armed robbery are on the increase here in Uhunmwode.
“You are already victorious in the election as whatever we are doing now is just formality. When you are sworn-in for your second term, please Uhunmwode should be your focus as we are certain that you will make it a shining gateway to the state. You will defeat your opponent in the September 19, 2020 governorship election in the state”, the Enogie added.
A PDP chieftain in the state, Charles Idahosa, thanked the Enogie and the Uhunmwode people for their support in the last three years and eight months, urging them to come out en masse on September 19, 2020 to vote for the PDP, adding that “Obaseki’s victory in the election will translate to more development in Uhunmwode”.
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.