Politics
2023: Ex-MILAD Wants INEC To Be Proactive About Security
Former Military Administra-tor of Abia State, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (retd.), has told the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be more proactive in the security of its facilities and personnel, including the ad hoc staff comprising mainly serving National Youth Service Corps members, as the 2023 general elections beckon.
Also, he called on the electoral body to “be very firm on the political players, especially those found to be encouraging thuggery.”
Making the call on Monday while addressing journalists at Egberode community in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, Ajobena stated that “INEC should come out hard on those fomenting political killings or heating up the polity.
“Though INEC has assured everybody that they will conduct free and fair elections through the use of the BVAS, it is advisable that the electoral umpire takes the issue of security of facilities and personnel very seriously as well, now that preparations are in top gear for the polls,” he stated.
The former national cau-cus member of the All Progressives Congress, prior to his stepping aside from partisan politics, noted that zoning, political antecedents of contenders in governance, as well as strength of the political parties fielding candidates were among the factors that would determine winners at the forthcoming elections.
He however advised the electorates to “shine their eyes” and take decisive actions at the polls.
He said, “The insecurity situation in the country is terribly bad. I doubt if people can now sleep with their two eyes closed in any part of the country. We are now worse off. Those who sponsor terror, what measures have been taken to deal with them? Some of them are even spokesmen for the terrorists.
“Government has to be seen to be taking steps to deal with such criminalities. On the issue of herdsmen, the government has remained silent on them while killings persist.The government must do something to unravel this mystery of unknown gunmen.
“Also, inflation and collapse of the naira coupled with mass unemployment in the country and the soaring exchange rate are clear indices of economic failure.
“And in the face of all these, corruption is continuing to thrive very well in the country despite the lip service by government. We see people who had been convicted and released overnight. It is getting worse.
“The 2023 general elections will serve Nigerians a golden opportunity to make decisions on which of the candidates they think would be in a better position to secure their security and also lift the populace out of their precarious conditions. That is, candidates who have the pedigree to address these issues squarely.
“Every voter has a responsibility to weigh their options on which of these candidates or parties can address the issues of insecurity notably terrorism and banditry, economy, corruption and others that have bedeviled the country.”
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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