Politics
INEC: Stakeholders Fault RECs, Commissioners’ Appointments
The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), Yiaga Africa and a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) have protested the appointment of some persons as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioners and state Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
In a statement on Saturday, Chairman, TMG, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, expressed worry over the reported surreptitious nominations of card-carrying members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) into the decision making structure of INEC.
He said this could be a strategy to influence the process and outcome of 2023 general elections.
“While the provisions of 1999 Constitution are clear on the compositions, and major appointments into structure of the Electoral Body, we are displeased by the apparent partisanship and favouritism reported through the nominations of the party’s card-carrying members as INEC Commissioners and State Resident Electoral Commissioners.
“Some Nigerians alleged that the recent unmerited promotions and strategic deployments across the country initiated within the commission was to upturn votes or create inconclusive situations that will be exploited by unscrupulous politicians in forcing or rigging their way into power.
“TMG on this note call on President Muhammadu Buhari consider for immediate replacements, persons of integrity and unquestionable character, to demonstrate non-partisanship in the selections and nominations,” Rafsanjani said.
He also urged the National Assembly to reject confirmation of all nominated party chieftains and insist on transparency and non-partisanship in the selection in order to uphold democratic value and electoral integrity, while ensuring respect for the sanctity of the rule of law.
Also, a coalition of nine notable CSOs at a news conference in Abuja faulted the nomination of four of the 19 RECs nominees by President Muhammadu Buhari.
They said that the affected REC nominees were either card-carrying members of political parties, relatives of registered political parties, or persons indicted for corruption.
The coalition members are Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo and Cynthia Mbamalu; International Press Center (IPC), Lanre Arogundade; Center for Media and Society (CMS), Dr. Akin Akingbulu; The Albino Foundation (TAF), Jake Epelle; Elect Her; Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), Bosede Jaiyeola; Partners for Electoral Reform (PER), Ezenwa Nwagwu; Inclusive Friends Association (IFA); and The Kukah Centre, Espom Ajanya.
They noted that appointments into INEC have grave implications for the credibility, independence and capacity of the commission to deliver credible, transparent, inclusive and conclusive elections.
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.