Politics
Why Next President Should Come From South – Ortom
The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, on Saturday, stated that it was right for the successor of President Muhammadu Buhari to come from the South in 2023.
Ortom spoke at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium during the inauguration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state campaign in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, where he also stated that he was the first governor from the North to back southern presidency.
He said this was in the interest of fairness and justice.
Ortom, one of the aggrieved five governors of the PDP, seeking the resignation of the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, said, “Nigerians, for the sake of equity, fairness and justice, expect that after eight years of President Buhari, the next President should go to the south, irrespective of political affiliation, and that is the right thing to do. We are Nigerians and we must ensure that all of us work together.”
The Benue State governor said Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State was the right candidate to succeed Buhari but “enemies of progress” ensured he didn’t win the party’s presidential primary in May.
Addressing a large crowd of the PDP supporters in Rivers State, Ortom said, “Your son from Rivers State contested and it was said that he lost but some of us believed that he was the right person to unite, bring us together and ensure justice, fairness and equity for Nigerians.
“I want Rivers State people to work with our governor, Governor Nyesom Wike, and at the end of the day, just like the G5, we will decide what we are going to do because Nigeria today is in turmoil and it is only when we do the best that can help us out of our challenges – security, economy, social life – and help us retain our image,” he stated.
The event was attended by Ortom and other members of the PDP G5 – Governor Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu).
Both Ayu and Atiku were absent at the campaign inauguration in Rivers 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.