Politics
Seized N25.9m For Party Agents’ Welfare, Not Vote Buying – PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna says the N25.9 million cash seized from one of its members during Saturday’s by-election was meant for the welfare of 5,000 party agents.
On Saturday, police officers arrested one Shehu Aliyu Patangi with about N25,963,000 at a popular hotel located along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis.
The police alleged that the seized cash was set aside to induce voters during the polls.
By-elections took place on Saturday in three constituencies in Kaduna — Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Basawa State Constituency, and Zaria/Kewaye State Constituency.
Speaking at a press conference, the chairman of the PDP in Kaduna State, Edward Masha, said the N25.9 million was not meant for vote buying as alleged by the police.
Mr Masha said PDP mobilised over 6,000 agents across the three constituencies for the by-election, adding that the funds were meant for the welfare of the agents and supervisors.
“Let me make it clear that money was for election logistics.
“We have 169 polling units. We have party agents, supervisors, and collation officers across the three constituencies. Even if you give them N3,000 each, it is over N30 million.
“That is the reality. To now turn around and say it was for vote buying is mischievous and an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians”, he said.
The Kaduna PDP chairman alleged that the party has been the target of harassment by security operatives “at the behest of the Kaduna state government”.
He alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was weaponising state institutions to intimidate the opposition.
Mr Masha said security operatives on Friday raided the campaign council office of Esther Dawaki, PDP candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency.
He alleged that party officials, including the state publicity secretary, zonal chairman, youth leader, women leaders, and over 18 others, were whisked away during the raid.
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.