Politics
Ekiti: INEC Releases List Of Guber Candidates
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the 2022 governorship election in Ekiti State.
Only 16 out of the 18 recognised political parties made it to the list released by the commission on Monday, following the close of nominations by political parties ahead of the June 18, 2022 governorship election in Ekiti State.
On the list, are Abiodun Oyebanji as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Olabisi Kolawole as his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart.
The primaries and nomination processes of the two dominant parties have been characterised by acrimony, with some governorship aspirants on the platforms of the parties who lost out, alleging foul play.
But both the incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi of the APC and an ex-governor of the state, Ayodele Fayose, had their way with their favoured candidates on the INEC list.
While Mr Oyebanji, the APC candidate, is believed to be favoured by Mr Fayemi, his PDP counterpart, Mr Kolawole is known to be Mr Fayose’s preferred choice.
The INEC, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Festus Okoye, on Monday, called on political parties whose candidates’ names were missing on the list to formally write to the commission in that regard not later than 90 days to the election.
“The commission wishes to remind political parties that under Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, any party that observes that the name of its candidate is missing from the list “shall notify the Commission in writing, signed by its National Chairman and Secretary, supported with an affidavit not later than 90 days to the election”.
“Furthermore, the attention of parties is drawn to Section 32(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which provides that failure to notify the Commission “shall not be grounds to invalidate the election,” Mr Okoye said.
The two political parties without a flagbearer according to the INEC list are Boot Party and Action Alliance.
Of the 16 candidates in the race, only two are females. One of the two female candidates, Christiana Olatawura, appeared on the list as the governorship candidate for the Action Peoples Party (APP) while the second, Elebute-Halle Kemi, is of the Action Democratic Party (ADP).
The youngest candidate in the June 18 governorship election in Ekiti State is the 38 years old Iyaniwura Ifedayo of the National Rescue Movement (NRM).
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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