Politics
Osun LG Polls: OSIEC Boss Alleges Threat To Life
The Chairman, Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), Barrister Segun Oladitan has disclosed that he has been receiving life-threatening messages over the body’s plan to conduct local government election in the state.
This is as he stated that the commission has fixed October 15 for the conduct of the exercise, assuring the public that it would not run foul of the law in discharging its duties.
Addressing journalists at the Commission’s office in Osogbo on Monday, Oladitan said the election umpire is aware of the Electoral Act 2022 (amended) and it position does not contravene the Act, adding that the exercise would not be conducted using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, as the commission is not enabled to do so yet.
“I want to use this medium and use your media to appeal to the people of Osun State that there’s no need for us to heat up the polity. I’m aware of cases in court, people have been threatening me that they are going to arrest me, that they are going to imprison me and so on.
“Let us do everything in accordance with the law, when your case is already in court you don’t have to threaten the person you have sued, you have to allow the law and the court to take its course so I want to appeal to members of the public that there’s nothing we are doing today that is new. If anybody disagrees with what I’m doing they should not attack me physically.
“Let me assure you that OSIEC does not contravene the 360 days notice as couched by the Electoral Act. I am aware of section 28 of Electoral Ac 2022 and we will not go outside of the law. OSIEC is creation of the Constitution and stipulated its duties in accordance with the laws enacted by the House of Assembly.
“The Electoral Management Body in conjunction with political parties that will field candidates had to agree before an election can hold, and once they understand each other, the election can proceed. The issues before OSIEC is holding election in tandem with the law.
“We have not been fully enabled to use BVAS, but we will still hold election in accordance with the law of the country”, he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Tosin Odeyemi commended the body for it comprehensive plan to conduct the election, saying the party is fully ready to participate in the exercise.
However, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, through a statement issued by its Chairman, Dr Akindele Adekunle described OSIEC’s decision to go ahead with the exercise as illegal, saying it would not fold it arm and allow such action thrive.
“Apparently, the OSIEC Chairman seems adamant in going ahead with the illegal election and as such, we in the PDP will not fold our arms and watch the APC turn our dear state into the lawless entity. We will ensure that the sinister and dangerous plan of OSIEC that has become an appendage of the APC does not see the light of the day”, 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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