Politics
2023: Tinubu’s Choice Of Running Mate’ll Ruin APC’s Chances, Says Group
A Civil Society Organisation under the umbrella of Save Nigeria Development Initiative(SNDI) has faulted the choice of All Progressive Congress,APC, presidential flagbearer, Senator Bola Tinubu, saying that the Muslim /Muslim ticket will ruin the party’s victory in the forthcoming election.
This was contained in a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Abdullahi Dahiru, in Abuja, on Monday.
He said the ruling APC had yet again stumbled upon a political stone that is capable of frustrating and ruining her chances of victory at the coming polls as it settles for a substantive Muslim/Muslim ticket.
According to him, with the ongoing challenges of insecurity, ethnicity, and religious indifference, major political parties, and institutions in Nigeria have remained sensitive to avoid losing out at the coming polls, but the ruling party considers otherwise.
He noted that the choice of Kashim Shetima is not in order and may have introduced an apocalypse for the party, saying that the peace of this nation is not negotiable therefore any candidate with a questionable history of security responses would be unhealthy for the country.
Abdullahi explained that Nigerians have described the decision taken by Tinubu as suicidal, stressing that it was made on displaced considerations.
“Several Nigerians believe that with such a controversial running mate, the ruling party may be unable to make any serious campaign promises in the area of security because they already have a running mate with a questionable security history.
“You can’t argue that Tinubu who is a Muslim minority in the south must choose a majority (Muslim) from the north. That’s an error. We are talking about leadership here and the issue of minority or majority is practically unimportant”.
While speaking further, he said the running mate of Tinubu has already been disqualified on the parameters of incompetence in areas of security, with emphasis on his lukewarm efforts in the war against Boko Haram and terrorism.
“Nigerians have alleged him as a sponsor of Boko Haram in several instances. According to tweets on social media Nigerians may have now decided to settle with the two options of Atiku and Obi. They raised the issue of Chibok girls’ abduction, which happened under the leadership of Kashim Shetima as Borno State Governor in 2014.
“Nigerians have continued to wonder if indeed President Muhammadu Buhari is aware of the decision made by Tinubu. They challenged Tinubu on his insensitivity to the current challenges in the country, especially on the issue of insecurity with a choice like Kashim Shetima as the running mate of the ruling party.
“Nigerians may wish to recollect that under Kashim Shettima, Boko Haram took control of local governments in the state, and instead of showing commitment, he instead played to the gallery. He took advantage of the crisis to enrich himself in ways too numerous to mention.
“We, therefore, advise party stakeholders, the Presidential Flag bearer of APC, teeming Nigerians, religious leaders, political actors, and every institution and organisation who have Nigeria’s interest at heart to help call on the party to reconsider the choice of Sen. Kashim Shettima, otherwise the party’s victory in the forthcoming general elections have been misplaced already”, he said.
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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