Politics
Ekiti: We’re Set For LG Polls – SIEC
The Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) and the security agencies in the state say they are ready for the conduct of the local government election slated for December 4.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting ahead of the poll in the state on Monday in Ado-Ekiti, the chairman of the commission, retired Justice Babajide Aladejana, stated that the state electoral body was set for the exercise.
He said that both the sensitive and non-sensitive materials were on the ground and ready for distribution to the 16 Local Government Areas and 19 Local Council Development Areas of the state.
“The Ekiti SIEC is fully ready for the exercise and I want to inform you that all our materials are on the ground,” he said.
The chairman said that out of the 18 registered political parties, only 10 were functional in Ekiti State, out of which six political parties would be participating in the election.
Aladejana gave their names as Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Redemption Movement (PRM), and Young Progressives Party (YPP).
On the security plans ahead of the poll, the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Mr Tunde Mobayo, warned anyone that had no business at the voting areas to stay away.
Represented by ACP Patrick Daaor, the Police Commissioner called on the people of the state to accord SIEC officials as well as security personnel the desired cooperation towards a hitch-free election.
“The relevant security stakeholders have recently met and have fine-tuned ways of ensuring a hitch-free exercise, and by God’s grace, there will be no breach of law before, during, and after the election.
“I have long mobilised our officers and men for this exercise as they have been detailed at strategic locations to ensure law-abiding people participate actively in the poll,” he said.
Ekiti State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Mr Kayode Fayemi, assured residents of the state of mobilising his men for the exercise.
He called for the cooperation of the well-meaning people of the state towards a successful exercise.
In their various contributions at the meeting, chairmen of political parties appealed to the commission to be upright and allow for a free, fair, credible, and violence-free poll that will not be faulted.
The stakeholders meeting was attended by government representatives, electoral officers from across the 16 local government areas and 19 local council development areas, chairmen of 12 political parties, among others.
The last time Ekiti State conducted local government elections was in 2019, which ushered in chairmen and councillors who served for a period of two years.
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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