Politics
CVR: Group Solicits NASS’ Support For INEC
Centre For Liberty has solicited the support of the National Assembly and stakeholders for the success of the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) by the Independent National Electoral Commission commencing today.
The group in a statement by its Co-Convener, Mr Ariyo-Dare Atoye, in Abuja yesterday, said stakeholders’ support was necessary considering the security concern raised by INEC.
He said citizens’ participation in the electoral process was necessary for the protection and sustenance of the democratic space hence.
Atoye also called on the National Assembly to immediately pass the Electoral Act Amendment Bill to encourage citizen involvement.
“We sympathise with INEC over the safety concern it raised about staff and equipment as the commission commences the CVR exercise.
“At a time the country is faced with increased level of insecurity, we urge all stakeholders and the communities to do everything possible to protect the staff and equipment of INEC and ensure the success of the CVR.
“The immediate approval of a new Electoral Act by the political leadership can inspire public confidence in the CVR and ensure people’s ownership of the electoral process, and by extension translate into community protection for INEC ‘s staff and equipment.
“While the failure of the political leadership to approve a new electoral act since 2018, has brought about increased trust deficit in the electoral space and increased voter apathy, the 9th National Assembly must urgently pass the Electoral Bill for a quick assent by the president.
“Voter apathy, as witnessed during the 2019 general election and in the recent off-cycle elections, creates distrusts in the system and weakens the people’s resolve to guarantee general support for public institutions and equipment.
“Since electoral reforms now represent a major Citizens Charter of Demand to the National Assembly for good governance, the passage of the Electoral Act 2021 would significantly help to galvanise the populace to be fully involved in the CVR exercise and prepare adequately for new elections.
“Assuring Nigerians of free, fair and credible elections through the passage of the Electoral Bill will further reawaken the hope of people who have already given up on the system and also put Nigeria on the map of countries committed to a transparent electoral system,” Atoye said.
INEC has scheduled June 28 for the commencement of online registration for the CVR and July 19 for the commencement of physical registration of eligible registrants at its local governments and states offices across the country.
The commission, however, said the security situation would determine the date for the commencement of physical registration at its designated centres across the country.
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.