Politics
PDP Campaign Outfit Demands Sack Of Bayelsa REC
The Peoples Democratic Party Campaign Organisation in Bayelsa State, has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to call the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Monday Tom Udoh to order to prevent giving the electoral body a bad name.
The PDP campaign team said its call followed the alleged shocking discovery that the INEC in the state had published a list of Supervisory Presiding Officers for the governorship election which was handed over to them by the All Progressive Congress (APC) in a desperate bid to rig the poll.
Speaking to newsmen in Yenagoa on Monday, the Director, Media and Publicity of the Senator Douye Diri Campaign Organisation, Jonathan Obuebite, said the APC contracted the Deputy Vice Chacellor of the Federal University, Otuoke, to supply the APC members as SPOs to subvert the election.
Obuebite called on the INEC national chairman to prevail on the REC to withdraw the list without delay in the interest of peace and engage the services of neutral and credible SPOs from institutions outside the state.
He said that the electoral body had a responsibility to assure the Bayelsa people by its actions that it was prepared to conduct free, fair and credible election.
He said, “Bayelsans and Nigerians have seen that with what has just happened, the APC is not ready for a free, fair and credible election, but I am not surprised because they have a penchant for illicit behaviours during electioneering period.
“All they have always been known for is to truncate, undermine and subvert the will of the people. I, therefore, call on the INEC chairman to caution the Bayelsa State REC as it is glaring that his relationship with the APC to work against the PDP will further tarnish the reputation of INEC.
“I also call on the international community and all security agencies to be aware of what the REC in Bayelsa State is doing to jeopardize the forthcoming governorship elections in the state.
“I can recall that during the last general election, this same REC was seen in the same car with Barr. Dennis Otiotio, a leader of the APC, and they drove to Bassambiri where electoral materials and personnel were hijacked and the results written in a hotel.”
Obuebite added that the PDP is demanding the immediate removal of the state REC, who according to him, had lost the credibility having shown an unacceptable level of bias to carry out a free, fair and credible election in the state.
The stressed that the INEC REC has portrayed himself as a man lacking in integrity and undeserving of the sensitive responsibility put on his shoulders.
He appealed to INEC to deploy RECs and commissioners of proven integrity with a reputation for impartiality and competence for the election rather than the APC RECs doing the dirty jobs of smearing the image of the commission.
He said that INEC should be guided strongly by a consciousness of its reputation to halt the evil plot to send compromised RECs to taint the electoral process in Bayelsa State.
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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