Politics
2023: Group Tasks Buhari On Security, Condemns Attacks On INEC Facilities
A coalition of civil society groups pushing for emplacement of sound security system in Nigeria, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately arrest criminal elements, who are working to sabotage his administration’s gains in the sector.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the coalition said unless the President rises to the occasion of relieving those glaringly holding down his administration’s progress especially in the security sector, his promise of bequeathing a better and secured country to the citizens would be a wishful thinking.
The group operating under the aegis of Coalition of Civil Society for Security Reform and Governance, alleged that a cabal in the President’s administration was preventing security reforms in Nigeria because of their various selfish interests.
The coalition’s statement signed by its national coordinator, Dr Mohammed Gidado, and national secretary, Dr (Mrs) Funke Egbagbe, insisted that the President must immediately address the issue of security architecture reforms in the country.
The civil society group which decried the consistent attacks on offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the country, said the development had made restructuring of the nation’s security architecture not only imperative but also urgent.
Noting that the ceaseless burning down of facilities of the nation’s electoral umpire was a great threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability, the group which said it was aware that President Buhari means well for the country in the area of security, however, bemoaned what it called “his indecision in taking drastic action” against some few individuals who are clogs in the wheel of the country’s progress.
“We call on President Muhammad Buhari to immediately purge himself of the influence of the cabals who are against security architecture reforms in the country so that they country can move forward before the 2023 general elections,” it said.
According to the group, “the constant attacks on INEC offices and facilities across the country is a reflection of the failed security architecture and so there is an urgent need for total overhaul before it’s too late.”
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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