Politics
Zamfara PDP Guber Candidate Debunks Planned Defection Rumours
Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming governorship election in Zamfara State, Dr Dauda Lawal, has debunked claims making the rounds on Facebook that he would soon defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
On the 26th of May 2022, Lawal clinched the PDP governorship ticket to contest for the office of the governor of Zamfara State in the 2023 general election.
In a statement issued by the Dauda Lawal Media Office (DLMO) on Saturday, it said the claims were false and mischievous and aimed at misleading the public.
The DLMO assured that Lawal is still in the race and will see it to a logical conclusion come 2023, adding that PDP would win and govern Zamfara State, considering his fast-growing popularity and political might across the state.
The media office stressed that Lawal is ready and confident in his cause to unseat the ruling APC, to wipe away the tears that the incumbent administration has inflicted on the people.
The statement read, “To our dear supporters and party members of Zamfara State, do not listen to any rumour purporting that Dr Dauda Lawal is making plans to defect to the APC. This is an absolute fallacy and could only have happened in the imagination of the rumour peddler.
“Peddling rumour of Dauda Lawal’s defection is a sign that the ruling APC in Zamfara State is already jittery, having seen the massive acceptance of Lawal and the PDP across the length and breadth of Zamfara State.
“We call on the good people of Zamfara State to ignore any rumour claiming that our candidate has perfected plans to defect to any party or that he is no longer in the race.
“Dauda is very much in the race, and he is winning, by the special grace of Allah and the support of the good people of Zamfara 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.