Politics
2027: Nigerians Victims Of Desperate Politicians – Cleric
He also emphatically declared that Nigerians were victims of ambitious politicians, stressing the need for the people to start questioning the legitimacy and credibility of politicians who are seeking for power.
The cleric, who is not afraid to speak the truth to powers-that-be, said this at a press conference held on Saturday to kick off the WOCOM Triple Celebrations 2025.
The Triple Celebrations 2025 was to mark the ministry’s annual convention tagged “Power of Faith Convention”, 40th anniversary of WOCOM and the 70th birthday celebration of its President, Apostle Popoola.
The WOCOM President spoke in support of a recent statement credited to Most Rev’D Williams Aladekugbe, Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of the Ibadan North Diocese (Anglican Diocese).
Rev. Aladekugbe, speaking at the burial service for the late 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Friday, had reportedly carpeted politicians already angling for elective offices, saying desperation will not work in the 2027 elections.
He described the actions of the desperate politicians already campaigning and bargaining for power in elections that are still about two years away as “disgraceful.”
“It is very disturbing that, while our government needs to focus on the myriad of problems confronting the nation, some politicians are already talking about 2027.
“This is a disgrace to governance, an abuse of the people’s mandate, and a reckless disregard for their concerns,” Rev. Aladekugbe added.
Apostle Popoola, supporting the statement by the fiery Anglican cleric, said: “I subscribe to what the man of God said.
“This is because this is two years to 2027 and people have left the assignment they are supposed to be focusing on, but are now focusing on elections.
“This means the next two years of our lives will be wasted on politicians trying to win votes, while the job they are supposed to do to alleviate the sufferings of the people will be neglected.
“Unfortunately, some of them who are already right now spending their times, abandoning the works they are supposed to do, looking for how to get votes, have not really done much for the people.
“So, it is like we have just become a victim of ambitious politicians who, whenever elections are coming, pose as lovers of the people.
“They will come and offer worthless things like one congo of rice and stuffs like that, that will not last the people for under one day or two to get their votes, and to gratify their own whims for the next four years.
“It is like there is a spell over the people of this nation, that no matter how we are treated, we keep quiet. We have been bastardised. We are dehumanised. But we keep quiet.
“They [Nigerians] know that this is what politicians do when elections are coming; they come and offer you stupid rice and worthless things. They get your votes and you would not see them again until the next four years.
“Yet, we keep falling into this trap continually and, no matter what they [the politicians] do in office, we don’t call them to account,” the WOCOM President added
Apostle Popoola said the time had come for NIgerians to begin to demand accountability ensure that those who really and truly are visionary, Godly, performers and with credibility were voted into elective offices.
“The issue wherein somebody just come from the blue and we never know him, and there is no prove if anything he has done in life and then we vote for him, what do you expect from such people?
“It is an unfortunate trend in our nation. That is why I said it is like we Nigerians are under spell; that, no matter the bastardisation, the impunity, we keep doing same thing and then we are crying for a change.
“It is not going to happen. The change in our hands is our votes. We cannot keep casting our votes for some politicians who come every four years and play on our intelligence and take our votes but deliver nothing,” he added.
Apostle Popoola however said all hope was not lost as he declared that the Church would play a very critical role in the 2027 elections across the country.
“The Bible says if the righteous are in power, the people rejoice. If the wicked bears rule, the people mourn. That is a matter of if.
“It took years of speaking out for people to begin to believe that a Godly person can play politics. Today, we are beginning to see well-meaning Christians, born again Christians going into politics.
“We are not as we may ought to be, but, at least, we have been able to improve on what it was. Now, you see the Church taking interest in politics, speaking out.
“And, then, we are also involved in trying to raise Christians who have that calling in ways that when they get into government, they will be able to maintain their faith, walk in truth, in righteousness and lead in a way that will be a blessing to the people and in a way that will lead the nation in the path of progress.
“We are raising Christians that will walk in a way that will lead in the path of justice, fairplay, equity and inclusion. These are the things that will make a nation to move forward.
“We have been able to do that and I have even gone further to look for a way to look at those who are contesting elections, particularly in this state [Oyo].
“We want to look for the best and give them spiritual support and advice. And God has helped us in this respect,” the WOCOM President added.
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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