Politics
2023: INEC Tasks Ebonyi Voters On PVC Collection
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged voters in Ebonyi, who are yet to claim their permanent permanent voter cards (PVCs), to go and collect them.
Dr Christian Elekwa, INEC’s Head of Department, Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) in Ebonyi, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Abakaliki.
“He said that the PVC is the only right and qualification the citizens have to participate in choosing their elected leaders at the polls.
“We urged registered voters who are yet to collect their voter cards to go to the local government areas they registered to collect them.
“The choice of who becomes our elected leaders are entirely in the hands of the voters and only those with their permanent voter cards (PVC) can exercise this civic choice,” Elekwa said.
He noted that the electoral body is fully committed to consolidating the country’s democracy through the conduct of credible periodic elections, assuring that no stone would be left unturned in achieving the mandate.
He emphasised that the commission in Ebonyi under the leadership of Dr Joseph Chukwu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), had taken several steps to ensure that the 2023 election in the state is free, fair, credible, inclusive and safe.
“INEC, therefore, appeals that valid registered voters should come out en masse to choose their leaders in the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly polls as well as in the March 11 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
“We have commenced radio and television jingles in English, pidgin English, Igbo and local dialects to sensitise and mobilise the voting public in the state to participate in the election,” he added.
The official, who stressed that the collection of PVC was not by proxy, urged the electorate to shun electoral violence, thuggery, vote buying, vote selling and other malpractices that could compromise the integrity and credibility of the outcome of the election.
“Security personnel will be on ground to forestall any incidences of electoral offence while culprits will be arrested and treated according to the law,” he said.
On the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) to conduct the 2023 general election, he said that Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, the commission’s national chairman, had made it clear that INEC would use BIVAS to enhance voter confidence in the election process as well as ensure that the accreditation and voting in the election are seamless, credible and transparent.
“We wish to reassure the general public, especially the electorate, that the 2023 general elections will be conducted with the use of technology to guarantee credibility, transparency and to meet the International best standard,” he added.
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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