Politics
NNPP Hails INEC, Security Agencies Over Kano Polls As PDP Rejects Results
NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, on Saturday in Abuja, praised Kano residents for enabling transparent voting during the by-elections but condemned calls to cancel the two elections.
Mr Johnson described the cancellation call, allegedly over violence, credited to the All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesman, Felix Morka, as frivolous and devoid of facts and reality.
He asserted that Mr Morka’s position blatantly misrepresented the actual events, emphasizing that the NNPP candidate decisively won, as duly declared by INEC.
Mr Johnson restated that the two constituency elections were free, fair, credible, and peaceful, consistent with Kano’s status as an NNPP stronghold.
“We must state unequivocally that there were no widespread irregularities during the election, contrary to the misleading narrative being peddled by the APC,” Mr Johnson declared.
He added that Kano is the NNPP stronghold, making an APC win unlikely, as electoral history and recent outcomes show.
“The results have now been validated by the INEC commissioner, who adjudged them free, fair, credible, and validly won by NNPP candidates,” Mr Johnson said.
He commended the Kano people for resisting alleged nefarious activities during the elections.
“The NNPP salutes the patriotism of INEC officials and security agencies for demonstrating professionalism and courage throughout the exercise,” Mr Johnson said.
He added that both INEC and the police in Kano attested to the credibility of the by-election, which went smoothly without violence.
“NNPP therefore urges Nigerians and the international community to disregard any claim of violence in today’s by-election in Kano State,” Mr Johnson said.
The party claimed the electoral process was marred by thuggery, with political thugs intimidating eligible voters, rendering the exercise ridiculous.
The chairman of the party, Yusuf Kibiya, who stated this while addressing newsmen on Saturday in Kano, described the process as “totally devoid of all democratic processes”.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a level playing ground for all parties, emphasising that the current state of affairs undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
Mr Kibiya explained that the entire process was “totally devoid of all democratic processes”.
He called on security agencies to protect voters, uphold peaceful assembly, and deter intimidation and violence.
The party chairman advised the Kano State government and national leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and actions, and urged them to promote a transparent and peaceful electoral process.
He also called on relevant authorities to investigate electoral law breaches and sanction offenders accordingly to prevent future misconduct.
The Nigeria Police on Saturday announced the arrest of 288 suspected thugs during the re-run election for Ghari/Tsanyawa state constituency and Bagwai/Shanono state constituency.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Bakori, disclosed this to newsmen in Shanono Local Government Area.
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.