Politics
Kogi Poll: Ododo Dumps APC, Endorses AA Candidate
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, Yahaya Ododo, has resigned his party membership ahead of the November 11 governorship election.
Ododo, who announced his resignation from the APC on Monday in Lokoja joined the Action Alliance (AA) barely one month to the gubernatorial election in the State.
Speaking on the development, the chieftain said his decision was anchored on the need to enshrine equity, fairness, and justice in the governorship chronicles of the State.
In his remarks, Ododo, who is a retired military officer said the present administration in Kogi State got to Lugard House by accident, pointing out that it was the time of Kogi-West to produce the next governor of the State.
The statement reads in part, “I have been in the politics of Kogi State for a long time, I have worked for the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, former Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Olushola Akanmode and we are ready to work for you.
“The party has continued to receive decampees from various parties including a stalwart of PDP in Ojoku Ward, Hon. Samuel Omale, and his teeming supporters. Also, some members of the All Progressives Congress defected to AA, saying they were committed to realising the wealth creation programme of the governorship candidate”..
In the same vein, a former PDP stalwart in Ojoku Ward, Mr Samuel Omale, who recently joined AA urged the new members to go to the nooks and crannies of the local government to canvass support for Otunba Olayinka Braimoh and his running mate, Alhaji Yahaya Tijani Imam.
Braimoh, in his response, told the new party members, as well as his supporters at the defection ceremony, that he was on an assignment to raise Kogi State and its people from poverty, with his STAT Agenda which includes; Solid Minerals Development, Trade, Agriculture, Trade and Tourism.
He added that his Agenda for the state will bring food to the table of all in the state, noting that Kogi state is not supposed to be poor with abundant human and natural resources.
He solicited more support from the Ankpa electorate in his bid to rescue the state from poverty.
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.