Politics
PDP Assures On Regaining Power In 2023
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kaduna State chapter, has restated its commitment to reposition the party for greater success in 2023.
This is even as the party has created seven committees to earnestly work hard to ensure it unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, from power in the next election.
The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Abraham Alberah Catoh, in a statement on Wednesday, noted that “in furtherance of its bid to reposition the party in Kaduna State, the PDP State Working Committee wishes to inform all party members and stalwarts that the implementation of some of the recommendations of the Hon. Shehu Bawa Usman ABG-led Repositioning Committee Report has commenced in earnest”.
According to him, “The following Standing Committees have been created with membership to be constituted in due course.
“Media and Publicity, Legal Matters, Finance, Contact and Mobilisation, Youth Mobilisation, Women Mobilisation, Research and Strategy.”
He added that the State Working Committee, State Executive Committee and the State Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kaduna State chapter, had earlier met and adopted the Repositioning Committee Report on the aforementioned issues.
The statement further noted that “efforts are in top gear to reform and reorganise the New/Social Media Unit of the party, which was recently suspended.
“The State Chairman and other State Working Committee members, held a meeting with the outgoing representatives of media influencers, social media, radio ringback influencers, et al, to discuss the way forward and the reconstituted team will be announced soonest.
“We crave the indulgence of all our party faithful to be more calm and patiently await these lofty blueprints for effective running of the Party as we move towards the 2023 elections and beyond,” he added.
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.