Politics
2023: We Are Ready For Ayade – Imoke
A former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) was fully ready to tackle Governor Ben Ayade’s new party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 general elections.
Imoke, who spoke during a stakeholders’ forum of the PDP in Calabar, aftermath of the defection of the governor to the APC, also debunked insinuations that, with the defection, PDP was dead and buried in Cross River.
Flanked by some founding fathers and leaders of the PDP, National Assembly members and some State Assembly members who refused to defect alongside the governor, the former governor said the party would match APC strength for strength and money for money.
“Go and tell them that the original PDP is back and strong. Anything they want to use in 2023, we are ready. If they bring fight, we are ready; if it is voting strength we are equipped; if they boast of youths, we have more than enough for the battle ahead and if they boast of money, we are ready.
“We will go back to the drawing board. We are taking PDP back to where it was done years ago. For those who do not understand, Cross River is a PDP state; the movement of one person does not change that fact. Politics is sweet but we don’t play politics of intimidation.
“It is very unfortunate what some people have done. I have watched this government keenly. I took all the risks for the emergence of this government. Some people even accused me of collecting N2billion to install this government. You could imagine the insults. When he ran election, did he have money?”
On his part, the chairman of the caretaker committee of the PDP in Cross River State and former deputy governor, Efiok Cobham, said the committee would remain focused in repositioning the party.
Daniel Asuquo, member representing Biase/Akamkpa Federal Constituency, warned that the takeover of PDP secretariat by Governor Ben Ayade for APC activities was “a declaration of war,” but noted that the PDP would employ all amount of maturity in handling the impasse
By: Friday Nwagbara, Calabar
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.