Politics
DSIEC Assures On Credible LG Polls
The Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) has assured political parties and candidates for the March 6 Local Government elections of a credible exercise.
The assurance is coming just as the main opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is still doubting the neutrality of DSIEC, even as the party is boasting of creating an upset in the polls.
Declaring a media seminar open in Asaba, yesterday, the chairman of the commission, Mr Mike Ogbodu, allayed the fears of the opposition, saying that DSIEC was very committed towards a free, fair and credible election on March 6.
The seminar which was organised by the commission in conjunction with the state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) had as it’s theme: “Ethical Journalism: An Indispensable Asset for Effective Coverage of Local Government Elections”.
Ogbodu urged political parties and contestants to go to the basis and sell their campaign message to the voters in order to be victorious at the polls, insisting that the commission would do everything possible to ensure credible exercise.
‘Let me assure Deltans that this election will be free, fair and credible. Contestants should go and do their homework to get the desired result,’ he stated.
The commissioner in charge of Public Affairs and Communication of DSIEC, Mr James Umukoro, had stated that the seminar was designed to enlighten participants on their expected roles geared towards the realisation of unbiased reportage and non-sensational news regarding the conduct of the poll.
Saying the commission operates an open policy, Umukoro frowned at unverified information and rumours, insisting that DSIEC has zero tolerance for unethical practices.
‘The commission is prepared to always engage critical stakeholders on continuous discussion and consultation to forestall rumour mongering and fake news on grave electoral matters,’ he said.
In his remark, chairman of NUJ in the state, Mr Michael Ikeogwu, advised journalists covering the March council election to be security conscious and report objectively.
Meanwhile, the PDP Campaign Train for Honourable Jite Brown, PDP Standard Flagbearer, His Vice, Mrs Eloho Awinoron and the 20 councilorship candidates for Udu Local Government Council elections has stormed various communities in Udu to seek the support of the people at ward levels.
Director General of the Campaign, Chief Vincent Oyibode, who spoke at various venues declared with confidence that PDP was going to deliver all candidates in the election.
He apprecated the wards and units’ Chairmen for the good job done in their respective units in ensuring that all the party candidates were supported, assuring them of a collective partnership in all activities of the party.
Hon. (Chief) Peter Okagbare Uviejitobor, member representing Udu in the Delta State House of Assembly and Hon. (Chief) Henry Afure Sakpra, Commissioner for Special Duties, Udu PDP Chairman Hon. David Siloko also admonished the people of the wards to work in all sincerity to ensure that the ruling party, PDP wins in all the units, noting that PDP is the only political party that was campaigning ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Hon. Jite Brown, the Chairmanship Candidate of the party, appreciated party faithful for the strength of coming out for the vigorous campaign to secure victory for the party. He urged all PDP members to secure their vote so that the party will come out victoriously come, March 6.
In the various wards visited, the electorates promised to vote massively for the Hon. (Chief) Jite Brown and the 20 Councillors to further consolidate on Jite’s previous achievements.
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.