Politics
Ayu Foretells Akume’s Defection To PDP
The National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu, has predicted that the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, would soon defect to the PDP.
Ayu stated this on Monday in Gboko during the decamping ceremony of the House of Representatives member for Gboko/Tarka constituency, Dr John Dyegh.
“Your lost son, George Akume, is coming back to the PDP. I am saying this based on what I know. He will come back to the PDP as a prodigal son.
“I earlier prophesied that Akume would hold broom and he did. Now, I am prophesying that he will come back to the PDP.
“When he comes back, do not reject him but make sure you rehabilitate him because where he is now, he is not thinking straight.
“He was a lost son, a prodigal son. Only rehabilitate him and make sure he thinks properly,” Ayu said.
Ayu pointed out that Dyegh was a prodigal son who had seen the light and had returned home, urging the PDP to heartily receive him and accord him all the necessary support.
Meanwhile, Governor Samuel Ortom stated that the APC had failed in all facets, hence the defection of Dyegh and all other defectors into the party.
Ortom assured the defectors that they would all be treated fairly.
Earlier, Dyegh said that he took the decision to defect from the APC because the National Chairman is his uncle and that Gov. Ortom had been constructing massive projects in the state.
Senators Gabriel Suswam, Abba Moro, and Orker Jev, in their separate remarks, noted that the PDP was large enough to accommodate everyone.
The trio said that there was need for all to be united to attract democracy dividends to the country and the state.
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.
