Politics
Anambra Poll: ADC Urges INEC To Sack APGA, Others
The national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop three political parties from participating in the Anambra State governorship election.
The national chairman of the party, Mr Ralph Okey Nwosu, who briefed journalists in Awka yesterday, said the three political parties breached the law by not conducting primary elections or conducting within the guidelines of the electoral body.
He gave the three political parties as All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC).
“What these parties held is not primary elections and they should not participate in the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State.
“If after 22 years of practising democracy we can not do the right thing, then we are doomed. INEC must learn to sanction people because none of these three political parties had a primary election.
“That is why as you can see today, they are in court fighting over who the authentic candidates are. We’re not the people that told them to have several factions of the same party, so we should not be held down by their troubles.”
On whether the party is considering going to court to stop the parties mentioned from contesting, Nwosu said the party is rather engaging in sensitization of the public on the reason they should jettison the parties.
He said: “We are talking to the people, sensitizing them on why these political parties should not be voted into power in the state. ADC has a strong chance in the forthcoming election and we know our candidate, Akachukwu Nwankpo, has all it takes to govern the state.
“We have been in the political system of this state for decades, and we have always participated actively in the state’s transition process, and I can tell you that people are not happy with the ruling party in the state, APGA.
“We are working with a lot of people to sack APGA in Anambra State, and you already know that both PDP and APC have lost the confidence of the people, so the next option is the third most popular political party in the country, which is ADC,” Nwosu said.
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.