Politics
Edo 2024: APC Settles For Direct Primary
The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee has declared that its candidate for the September governorship election in Edo State will emerge through a direct primary.
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Duro Meseko, revealed this at a press briefing in Abuja yesterday.
Checks revealed that the party leadership held a meeting with aspirants on Monday night at the party national secretariat with the aim of pruning down the list of contenders ahead of its primary fixed for February 3.
Flanked by Edo State APC Publicity Secretary, Barrister Peter Uwadie-Igbinigie, and Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, the National Deputy Publicity Scribe said the resolution to adopt direct primary enjoys the confidence of the aspirants.
The Tide source’s checks revealed that, by virtue of the party constitution, its candidate for any election could emerge through three options: direct, indirect, and consensus.
Hon. Meseko further disclosed that at the Monday meeting, “stakeholders were urged by the NWC to promote unity within the ranks of the party in order to go into the election as one family bound by progressive ideals and fully geared to reclaim the party’s mandate in Edo State.”
Speaking at the Monday night meeting with party stakeholders in Edo State and the APC NWC, which had Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in attendance, former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, said the ruling party was determined to unseat the PDP.
He said, “We are particularly determined; as you can see, everybody here has a robust past and even present. We are determined to reclaim Edo State.
“I used the word reclaim because Edo is ours. “We lost it due to several factors, some of which were caused by some APC elements.
“Nobody needs to lecture Mr Chairman on this because, even as governor of Kano State, you offered to lead the last campaign and even relocated.
“Almost all of the Kano state executive council relocated to Benin for days just to ensure that the last governorship election that we won was successful, but unfortunately, not everybody believes in party participation to the extent that you did.
“We will never forget, and we therefore wish to say thank you for what you did for us before. Even then, you were not the party leader; you were a governor, and you sacrificed executive time.
“Now we can see by providence that today you are here as the chairman of the party”.
“Given your commitment the other time when you did not have any obligation, but rather than voluntarily accepting to lead and to help us win the election in Edo, now I believe you have a duty much more compelling to see that this election is won.”
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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