Politics
INEC Urges Compliance With Electoral Act
The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has warned political parties to ensure immediate compliance with Electoral Act or risk sanctions.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Elections and Party Monitoring Committee, Prof. Antonia Simbine gave the warning yesterday, in Abuja while presenting certificates of registration to 21 new political parties.
She said was pertinent to note that at the conclusion of a review of the compliance status of registered political parties done in August 2017, 17 of the then 46 registered political parties had no functional offices in the FCT.
‘’Additionally, about 18 of the then 46 registered political parties had invalid National Executive Committees whose tenures had expired and/or where not reflective of the Federal Character of Nigeria as required by the constitution.
“The commission had, in November 2017, formally advised the affected political parties on their respective areas of breach and provided a 90-day period within which the parties are expected to revert to full compliance status” she said..
According to him, ”It is, therefore, very important that you, as newly registered political parties, put in place mechanism for ensuring compliance with relevant laws governing your existence as political parties. “It is only by being law-abiding that parties can seek to capture power and govern according to the laws of the land.”
‘’On his part, INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, noted that in compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court, the commission had registered the Socialist Party of Nigeria, SPN.
“We have already issued the Certificate of Registration to the SPN. The number of new political parties has risen to 22 in addition to the 46 parties already in existence’’, he said
This means that the total number of political parties in Nigeria today stands at 68. “Since the registration of the 21 new political parties, the commission has received more applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.
At the moment, 90 applications are under consideration by the commission. ‘’Of this number, 61 associations have failed the initial assessment of their proposed names, logos or acronyms.
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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