Politics
Aregbesola Is My Brother – Osun Gov
The Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, says members of ‘The Osun Progressives,’ a factional group within the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, are not speaking the mind of his predecessor and Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, regarding his reelection.
Oyetola, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, on Saturday, said having worked for the success of Aregbesola’s eight-year reign, there was no reason Aregbosola would not support his reelection bid.
According to Omipidan’s statement, Oyetola spoke at the weekend while featuring on a live radio interview as part of the activities to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the creation of Osun State.
The governor was answering a question on the activities of some chieftains of TOP, who are claiming to be Aregbesola’s loyalists.
He said, “Well, those people – I’m not too sure about the people that have been saying that they are saying his (Aregbesola’s mind). I believe he (Aregbesola) is my brother and I believe at any point in time, he wants my success because I worked very hard for eight years for his own success as well.
“If people are saying that (that they won’t support me) I’m not too sure they are telling the story from his (Aregbesola’s) own heart. He remains my brother. They are not speaking his mind. Like I said, I don’t see why he would not be willing to support me if the people say they want me.
“Talking about issue of second term, my attitude is to deliver on what I am currently doing. I don’t want to be distracted. It is service to the people. If the people believe that they want me to continue, so be it. It is not a desperate situation.”
Meanwhile, the wife of Osun State governor, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola, has implored tertiary institutions of learning in the country to be involved in the campaign against gender-based violence.
Mrs Oyetola, who spoke at the inauguration of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, declared that the state government had stepped up its legal framework for the elimination of all forms of sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
Speaking further in a statement by Olubunmi Badiora of Osun State Ministry of Information and Civic Orientation, she said, “The challenges of gender inequity has been with the society since ages and draped with all forms of practices that perpetuate and sustain gender inequity.
“The practices tend to foster in boys the unsubstantiated idea that being male confers superiority over the girls and many men grow up with this idea which get infused into society.”
The OAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Eyitope Ogunbodede, said the varsity Senate had approved the revised Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy since April 2020.
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.