Politics
Despite A’Court Ruling, No Leadership Change Whatsoever, ADC Insists
The ADC specifically said that the ruling of the appellate court in the ongoing leadership dispute within the party did not in any way alter its current leadership structure and reassured its members that it remains united and focused,
The party, which made the clarification, dismissed what it described as “misinterpretation and deliberate controversy” as part of attempts by “anti-democratic forces bent on imposing a one-party rule on Nigeria” in order to create confusion within the opposition.
These were contained in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, who pointedly said that the Court of Appeal’s decision was procedural and did not determine the substantive issues raised in the case challenging the leadership of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
The ADC explained that the appeal was dismissed on procedural grounds, and the court did not grant any relief to the plaintiff nor did it issue any order affecting the party’s leadership positions.
In the words of Mallam Abdullahi; “The Court of Appeal did not determine the substantive dispute regarding the leadership of the ADC.
“The case challenging the emergence of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary remains pending before the Federal High Court of Nigeria and has not yet been heard or decided on its merits”.
The ADC further said that the Court of Appeal directed all parties to maintain the status quo, meaning that the current leadership arrangement remains unchanged pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The party therefore urged its members and the public not to be misled by what it described as “inaccurate interpretations” of the judgment circulating in some quarters.
It also said: “The ruling of the Court of Appeal is purely procedural and does not affect the legitimacy or tenure of the current national leadership of the party”.
The ADC therefore urged its supporters nationwide to remain calm and committed to the party’s programmes while the matter continues before the court.
PDP FACTION ELECTS TURNAH AS CHAIRMAN IN BAYELSA, UNVEILS NEW SECRETARIAT
By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over the weekend, swore in its Acting State Chairman and South-South zonal Secretary, Barr. George Turnah, as its substantive State Chairman.
The Tide monitored the State Congress of the party and reports that prior to electing its substantive State Executive Council (SEC), leaders of the party unveiled its new State Secretariat Complex in the Okutukutu town axis of the Isaac Adaka Boro Express Way.
The Tide further reports that the party’s new SEC members were elected through affirmation.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Bayelsa PDP State Congress Electoral Committee, Mr Austin Sor, said he was elated to lead national and state stalwarts of the party for the conduct of the State Congress.
He lauded Barr Turnah and other party executives, as well as its teeming supporters, for keeping the party alive in the state, noting that the PDP was still the party to beat in future elections.
In his acceptance speech shortly after his swearing-in, Barr Turnah said Bayelsans knew no other party than the PDP, saying the party had given the State all it needed in the past and present.
He stressed that in 2019, even when all hope was gone, God did a miracle for the party and a governor emerged.
The party’s new boss said he was ready to partner all stakeholders and party faithful to regain lost grounds to the party in the State, come 2027.
The Tide reports that the PDP in Bayelsa State had recently witnessed many of its members defecting en masse to the All Progressives Congress (APC) owing to factionalization of the party and the defection of the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri to the APC.
Barr Turnah who also thanked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, and its factional Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, as well as Senator Samuel Anyanwu for their leadership, expressed the hope that the party would emerge even stronger in spite of the crisis currently rocking it.
“All what is happening is just for the moment. The God that returned power back to the PDP in the State in 2019, even when everyone thought it was over, is still the same God doing great things beyond man’s imagination.
“The PDP has given so much to us and this state that we cannot leave it. I want to promise you that we’ll not disappoint or disrespect you. We’ll work together and take back out state come 2027”, he said.
Others elected as state executive council members of the party with Barr Turnah include, Tonye Gabriel, State Deputy Chairman, Ato Alfreder Ebibofayei, State Secretary, Mietoikumo Opuofoni, Assistant Secretary, Biobelemoye Igoniwari, Treasurer, Abrakassa Ebiegberi, Assistant Treasurer and Erempagamo Eke-Spiff, Financial Secretary.
Also elected were, Amgbare Fullpower, Assistant Financial Secretary, Godspower Toruyokotie, Organizing Secretary, Ogbeintari Okere, Assistant Organizing Secretary, Ikaebimo Mark, Publicity Secretary, Smart Gboriebie, Assistant Publicity Secretary, Barr. Awudumapu Agorodi, Legal Adviser, Effort Kai, Assistant Legal Adviser, Sola Yoko Amain, Auditor, Dimaro Felix Enakpotari, Assistant Auditor and Nicholas Eferebo, State Youth Leader.
While, Azikiwe Isau emerged as Assistant Youth Leader, Evelyn Bolouebi Odi emerged as State Woman Leader and Wolisi Kosioma took the position of Assistant Woman Leader.
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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