Politics
Imoke Rates PDP High In C’River
Two-time governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, has described the relationship of the people of the state with the Peoples Democratic Party brand as mutually beneficial.
He urged people of the state, especially members of the party, to remain firm and committed to rebuilding the party.
Imoke made the call against the backdrop of the defection of the state governor, Ben Ayade, from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress.
He said this in a “Press Statement,” in Abuja, on Saturday.
He commended members and supporters of the PDP in the state for their dedication and commitment during the recent state-wide rallies held in 196 wards spread across the 18 local government areas of the state.
The former governor, who became the PDP leader in the state after Ayade’s departure, enjoined party supporters to stay true to their political beliefs because it is only the PDP that has the capacity to end the misery which the APC regime has brought upon.
He maintained that over the last 20 years, Cross River State and its people had remained faithful to the PDP brand because of its pan-Nigerian disposition.
Imoke said “As the PDP once again comes under one umbrella to foster unity and propagate the PDP manifesto, which is people-driven, I urge you all to stay peaceful and embrace the ethics of rancour-free campaigns and rally, as you take the PDP to the grassroots.
“Over the last 20 years, Cross River, hand-in-hand with the PDP, built a state that thrives on nearly all sectors of the economy and human endeavours.
“From tourism, governance, rural development and conducive business environment, Cross River became a global player and a frontline state.
“Our partnership with the PDP was fruitful, yielding positive outcomes and was lucrative within those years. It is regrettable that things have not gone as planned, particularly, with the defection of our brother and Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, to the APC.”
He expressed confidence that members of the party who strayed into other parties would soon return.
He added, “I charge every PDP member in Cross River State and beyond to key into this new drive of consolidating PDP’s firm grip of the politics of the state for future electioneering contest.”
He appealed to the people of the state to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise to register to enable them vote in upcoming elections.
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.
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