Politics
2023: Group Set To Integrate 7,000 PDP Members
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, a political support group, PDP New Generation, has announced plans to integrate 7,000 youths into the fold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as party members.
The group said the move was part of the first phase of its ‘Operation Rescue Nigeria Campaign’ which was launched on April 20 and slated to end on July 5, 2022.
A statement signed and issued by the PDP New Generation’s Director of Media and Publicity, Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, on Saturday, noted that the campaign was aimed at promoting the PDP, mobilising youth participation in politics and registration for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“You will recall that on 20th April, 2022, during a National Press Conference on State of the Nation, PDP New Generation led by our Director General, Audu Mahmood, launched a project titled ‘Operation Rescue Nigeria Campaign’.
“The first phase of the campaign project, which lasted for over two months and will end by July 5th 2022, is a pro-PDP campaign aimed at promoting the party, mobilising youth participation in politics and registration for PVCs.
“The campaign, which took place in the FCT and almost all the 36 states of the federation, was a huge success as thousands of young men and women registered for PVCs and also joined the PDP New Generation via an online registration portal.
“Due to popular demand, PDP New Generation will commence a 5-day nationwide distribution exercise of 7,000 pieces of PDP membership cards to some of its bonafide registered members with PVCs.
“The membership cards are to be received by our members and taken to their respective PDP ward secretariats, for proper documentation into the fold of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“The distribution exercise will take place from 4th to 9th July 2022. It will be conducted by the Zonal, State and Local Government coordinators of PDP New Generation across the country,” Akinniyi stated.
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.