Politics
Anambra Guber: Don’t Be Intimidated By Big Parties, AA Urges Youths
Action Alliance’s (AA) candidate for the forth coming November 6, Anambra Governorship Election Mr John Ikeotuonye, has urged the youths to vote wisely and not be intimidated by popular parties and their candidates.
Ikeotuonye said this yesterday, in Abuja during the hand over of his “Certificate of Return” as the duly elected candidate of the party for the governorship election.
Ikeotuonye also advised the youths to shun all forms of violence, bribery and corrupt practices before, during and after the election.
“I thank my chairman, the electoral committee, the delegates and the electorate of this party for finding me worthy and taking the decision to elect me as the party’s candidate.
“I also thank Mr Bonaventure, my closest opponent during the primaries whom I have now selected as my running mate; I salute his will and sportsmanship to concede and still accept to be a running mate.
“It is time for us to deliver Anambra from the hands of those who have run the state for many years with no measurable achievement.
“Things are about to change in Anambra State, because we the youths have come to change the narratives.
“I urge my fellow youths to go out on that day to cast their votes wisely without fear or intimidation of stronger parties and their candidates.
“They should also shun violence and other corrupt electoral practices,” he said.
Ikeotuonye said that once power and leadership were handed over to the youths of the state, changes and development would become evident in the state.
He said that the opportunity for the youths to reclaim, rebuild and rebrand the state was now.
According to him, the youths are known to be nation builders, world and global changers and we can build anything and change the narrative of any industry positively and this election is the opportunity we have been waiting for.
The Tide source reports that the Certificate of Return was presented to Ikeotuonye by Mr Kenneth Udeze, the party’s National Chairman, at the party’s head office in Abuja.
Udeze presented the certificate upon the acceptance of the satisfactory report of the party’s primaries held at Awka in Anambra and as presented by the Chairman of the election committee.
Udeze urged Ikeotuonye to fly the party’s flag gloriously and prayed that he emerges winner in the governorship election just as he emerged winner in the party’s primaries.
The issuance of the certificate of return was witnessed by members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and members of the party’s National Think Tank Committee (NTTC).
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.