Politics
Minister Decries Embezzling Campaign Funds
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has denied embezzling and diverting 2019 campaign funds in Kwara State.
Mohammed who was reacting to an allegation by the State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, insisted that he raised over N150m to prosecute the 2019 general elections in the state.
AbdulRazaq had alleged that prior to the 2019 general elections in Kwara State, a cabal within the APC had millions of naira in donations and never remitted the money to him.
However, Mohammed insisted that the governor failed to account for the money he and his friends raised for the party in 2019.
Addressing APC members yesterday at the party’s state Secretariat’s in Ilorin, Mohammed insisted that he singlehandedly funded APC’s 2019 campaign in Kwara State.
He challenged his accusers to present proofs that they supported the party’s campaign.
Mohammed also pointed out that APC would not have participated in the 2019 elections in the state if he had not raised the donations.
According to Mohammed: “I never diverted All Progressives Congress (APC) 2019 general elections funds for my personal use as alleged by Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“By the grace of God, I singlehandedly, with the support of friends, politicians, and family, raised all the monies for the Oke-Ero/Isin/Ekiti/Irepodun Federal Constituency bye-election of November 2019 that brought Hon. Tunji Olawuyi to the House of Representatives.
“They should explain to Nigerians what happened to the N70 million that Hon. Abduraheem Tunji Ajuloopin kept that the governor refused to give us during the bye-election.
“I had to go to friends to raise another N150 million to prosecute that election. I remember very well that there are 42 wards in that constituency.”
The minister also recalled how a former governor told him that nobody could defeat former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
“I remember a governor, when we won the first election, calling me to ask if it was true we won the bye-election. And I told him ‘yes sir.’ He said, ‘I want to apologise to you when you came to me for money they told me not to give you money. They told me you are a Lagos politician, that nobody can defeat Saraki.’
“But then we did not know that God brings more wonder,” he said.
The minister also insisted that the APC congress in the state would not hold until all members have been duly registered.
Mohammed stressed that the last APC’s registration and revalidation exercise in the state was a charade.
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.