Politics
APC Nat’l Chair: North Central Elders Drum Support For Ganduje
North Central elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have endorsed former governor of Kano state, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as the National Chairman of the ruling party in acting capacity.
The elders made their stand known at a press conference held in Abuja, describing Ganduje as the best person for the job.
Representative of the North Central elders, Gen Lawrence Anebi Onoja (rtd), hinged their choice of Ganduje on the effort and genuine desire to sustain the initiatives for good governance.
Members of the forum include former presidential aspirant, Musa Mwanti Bwari, APC Deputy Chairman FCT, Ishaya R. Pam, member APC Presidential Campaign Council 2023 from Plateau, Dr. Mathias Terwase Byuan, former 2023 governorship aspirant in Benue, Salihi Bala, Deputy Controller General of Prisons (rtd), Benard Ochepa, former House of Representatives member, Dr Joseph Azi, former Director, Federal Ministry of Finance/member APC Presidential Campaign Council 2023, Mohammed Isah Lapai.
Others are member APC presidential Campaign Council 2023, Umar Sanda, Engr Alkali Baba, APC Elders Forum Nasarawa State, Danjuma Ali Muhammad, former presidential candidate, Abdullahi Sadiq, Linus Ogba, Suleimon Olola, Dr. Kolo Gene, Zacharia A. Dikko, Tanko Yusuf. J B, Abdullahi M. Kani, and Jummai L. Johnson.
In his address, Onoja said: “Today marks another historic moment for our great party the APC, in its continuing efforts to rejig itself for greater tasks at the next level we all aspire to attain.
“As you are aware, the successes and achievements of our great party like any other organisation is a function of good leadership. That has been our secret all these years.
“Again, as you are aware, there is a vacuum in the leadership of our great party which has led us to election victories and successful transition, following the resignation of the former chairman Abdullahi Adamu.
“In the effort and genuine desire to sustain these initiatives for good governance, the Progressive Governors Forum of our party under the chairmanship of Governor Hope Uzodinma recently decided to act swiftly in endorsing a candidate so as to avoid any leadership gap in the party.
“They did that also in their wisdom, and in line with the approval of the leader of our party, President Bola Tinubu, on the candidate of choice. That candidate is none other than the former Governor of Kano State, Umar Ganduje. They have weighed his leadership capacity, commitment and experience to lead the party well before taking that decision.
“It is not surprising therefore that since the progressive governor’s forum endorsed and announced Ganduje’s candidature, many political interest groups have similarly endorsed him to lead the party in an acting capacity,” he noted.
Speaking further, Onoja said APC elders in the North Central Zone, have in continuation of the series of endorsements also endorsed Abdullahi Ganduje.
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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