Politics
Buhari, Angel In Human Flesh – Akande
Chief Akande, who led a delegation of political associates to Kaduna to commiserate with the late former president’s family, said the news of Buhari’s death was a “painful personal loss” that shook him deeply.
He recalled his last encounter with the late former president in Daura, Katsina State, noting that Buhari had appeared “healthy and strong,” giving no sign that death was imminent.
“I first heard that he died when I was abroad. Before then, I met him in Daura after our feast.
“We had a nice time together. He was looking robust, he was healthy, very strong,” Chief Akande recounted.
The elder statesman added that their conversation on that occasion was lighthearted.
“In a joke, I said I was going back to my village. He too said he was enjoying his village in Daura. By the time he moved to Kaduna, I was planning to come and see him here, and they told me he had travelled,” he said.
According to Chief Akande, the sudden news of Buhari’s passing caught him unprepared.
“I didn’t ask questions and I travelled through. But when I was abroad, I learned that he passed. Very painful, very, very painful,” he lamented.
He explained that upon returning to Nigeria, his first duty was to pay a condolence visit to the family.
“When I came back, I thought the first thing I should do is to come and meet the family, commiserate with them and pray with them. And that’s what I have come here to do today,” he said.
Chief Akande paid glowing tributes to the former president, describing him as a rare Nigerian leader whose influence would remain indelible.
“He was a great Nigerian. He was patriotic. Maybe he was an angel coming in human flesh and he had done his bit. He had passed,” he said.
The APC chieftain noted that Buhari’s legacy of service, integrity and discipline would continue to inspire Nigerians. “His spirit will continue to live forever because of the good work he did in Nigeria,” Chief Akande declared.
The condolence delegation led by Chief Akande included Senator Abu Ibrahim, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, APC stalwart, Alhaji Mahmud Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment, Mr Silas Agara, and Convener of the Arewa Think Tank, Mohammed Alhaji Yakubu.
They were received at the late president’s Kaduna residence by the former First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and the eldest son of the family, Yusuf Buhari.
In his response, Yusuf expressed deep gratitude to Chief Akande and his entourage for standing with the family during what he described as their “most difficult moment.”
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for ensuring that the late Buhari received a befitting burial and dignified send-off.
“We are grateful to President Tinubu for standing with us and giving our father the honour he deserved. We also appreciate all Nigerians for their prayers, their messages, and their visits. The support we have received has been overwhelming, and we do not take it for granted,” Yusuf said.
He assured that the family would uphold the values of patriotism and sacrifice which Buhari represented throughout his life.
“Our father lived by integrity, discipline, and service to Nigeria. We will continue to uphold those values and preserve his legacy,” he said.
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.