Politics
Princewill Quits Labour Party
As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares for the general elections in 2019, the Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2015 elections, Prince Tonye Princewill, has announced his resignation from the party even as he vowed not to seek elective office.
Princewill, who was also the governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2011 revealed this in a letter to the national leadership of the party and made available to The Tide and indicated that the Labour Party leadership currently lacks leadership style.
He noted that the current leadership style and track record of the party negate the kind of progress Nigerians advocate for, stressing that the persistent inability of labour unions to wake up politically was also part of his reasons for dumping the party.
The flamboyant politician also said the divided labour movement blissfully unaware of its strength was also another reason, adding that he is not the type who sits and watches status quo go by.
According to him, ‘’all my life has been about trying to make a difference, and not to be the type of Nigerian who sits and watches the status quo go by, complaining, protesting and analysing, while doing nothing about it, claiming helplessness as an excuse for inaction’’.
He assured that he will not avoid politics unlike many of his good friends, adding that Nigerians need people who can speak up for them.
“God did not give us a big voice or the ability to walk in and out of powerful rooms just to follow my own personal agenda and stay in my own comfort zone. He gave me a voice to speak. And so I must. And so I will. Voices generally make the most impact when in politics’’, he said.
Princewill claimed that he cannot speak up and protect the people if he is still with the Labour Party, noting that he wishes not to seek executive office any more but will remain vocal and effective in the political space.
“Some people believe holding on and hanging on there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it’’, 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.