Politics
2023: Avoid Political Landmines, INEC Urges Media Practitioners
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has advised media practitioners, to avoid landmines and breaking news syndrome in their reportage of the 2023 general elections.
Its National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Mr Festus Okoye, said this during a one-day capacity building for journalists in the South West on Conflict Sensitive Reporting and the 2023 General Election in Akure, Ondo State.
The programme was organised by the INEC and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ.
Okoye, who was represented by INEC Administrative Secretary in Ondo State, Mr Oyetola Oyelami, noted that democracy cannot exist without effective information flow.
According to him, “ As the country moves closer to the 2023 general election, there are obvious landmines that the media must avoid.
“The media must avoid the breaking news syndrome. Some of the mainstream media are gradually gravitating towards online journalism with the attendant quest for breaking news, which are sometimes not properly verified and processed.
“The media must be circumspect in casting headlines and the thirst for sensational headlines.
“Sometimes, people look at the headlines and draw conclusions without looking at the body of the report.
“The media must find the right balance in casting headlines. The media must avoid deliberate falsehood aimed at drawing traffic to sites.
“Deliberate falsehood aimed at drawing traffic to particular sites is a huge challenge in strategic communication.”
The President of the NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, in his remark, commended the INEC for providing the opportunity to discuss issues bordering on the 2023 general elections in the country.
Speaking through the NUJ National Trustee (South-South) Comrade Bimbo Oyetunde, lsiguzo pointed out that the media are an essential factor in the process of democracy as they do not only monitor governance and make government accountable, but also help to mobilise the populace to participate in the process of governance and development.
Isiguzo lauded the INEC for its support over “the years which indicates the kind of transparency and accountability required in an election management body and the media see it as a cardinal objective to promote democracy and development.”
He said that the media will continue to work with INEC to ensure that democracy works properly in the country.
“Since the functions of government are clear, in performing these functions, government officials are expected to be honest, responsible, transparent, accountable, efficient in administration and services delivery.
“ Where any of these is lacking or is deliberately subverted, it is the responsibility of the media to raise alarm. It is therefore clear that the media are central in the process of ensuring credible elections in the country”.
Isiguzo said that “It should be noted, however, that in the course of their work over the years many journalists have either lost their lives or had sustained various degrees of injuries or had their equipment damaged especially during election times”, he said.
He added that “ Nothing or little is done to ensure accountability for attacks on journalists and the media in Nigeria, thus the culture of impunity for such attacks persists. It is important for stakeholders to work towards minimising these.”
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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