Politics
Nasarawa PDP Accuses Govt Of Collecting Pensioners’ PVC Numbers As Condition For Payment
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) led state government of subverting the right of pensioners in the state to exercise their franchise during the forthcoming elections.
The party alleged that officials of government have been collecting the pensioners’ Voter’s Identification Number, VIN, that is on their Permanent Voter’s Card, PVC, as a precondition for dispensing their pension obligations.
It said forms for the purpose were specifically designed, and pensioners are mandated to fill the same before their gratuities and pensions are paid.
The party’s leadership made the allegation through a statement signed by its public relations officer, Mr Mohammad Ibrahim Hamza on Monday, in Lafia, the state capital.
It described the alleged anomaly as sad and unfortunate, adding that the development is an unconstitutional infringement on the rights of pensioners to elect candidates of their choice, while also undermining free and fair polls.
The party called on the Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to investigate the matter and prosecute the perpetrators.
It said, “The Leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State has received a report that some government officials are going around collecting the Voters Vin Number that is on Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) of pensioners in a form designed by the agents of government in the state as a condition for payment of their pension and gratuities.
“To say the least, this is a sad development and it’s unfortunate, given the fact that these set of people sacrificed their productive years to effectively serve their fatherland, now needed the love, protection, respect and care of government only to be treated this way, this is most inhuman and unconstitutional.
“It is pertinent to note that Payment of pension and gratuities to retired workers is not a privilege but a right for their entitlements. So for some government officials to begin to initiate partisan politics regarding the payment is most disheartening.
“To this end, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Nasarawa State wants to use this medium to condemn the act in totality and urge INEC and all relevant security agencies to go after the perpetrators and their sponsors, arrest and prosecute them to serve as a deterrent to others, while the pensioners are advised to resist this ugly temptation.
“This is a clear manifestation and the handwork of enemies of democracy and Nigeria in their attempt to frustrate, manipulate, and disrupt the electoral process and manipulate their way to power through dubious means.”
However, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Hudu Baba, denied that the state government was compelling pensioners to volunteer their PVC VIN as a precondition for payment.
He said APC in the state has a platform for support groups, and that pensioners who are interested were free to enrol.
“Part of the process is to register by filling out a form where you will be required to submit your PVC number. No condition is attached because it’s voluntary for any interested pensioner.
“Among all the numerous APC support groups including civil servants, why is PDP so particular about pensioners’ enrollment for the support group?
“It is solely our initiative as interested Pensioners to join the support group. No government agent or the state pensions bureau is involved in our political affairs,” he explained.
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.