Politics
2023: Group Backs Power Shift To South
A new political group, the New Nigerian Movement (NNM), has joined the agitation for the Presidency to shift from the North to the South, come 2023.
The group called on the two main political parties; the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), or any other viable political parties that may emerge along the line, to banish the idea of retaining their presidential tickets in the North.
It charged the political class to ensure equity, fairness and justice for peace and stability to reign, stressing that no single part of the country must be made to dominate others in the power equation.
In a communique issued after its inaugural meeting in Abuja yesterday, the Movement expressed its determination to work towards giving Nigerians a new direction ahead of the 2023 elections.
In the communique, signed by the National Chairman of the NNM, Alhaji Ahmed Haruna Dan-Zago, the group said it would also support generational power shift in the country.
It called on the national leadership of the ruling APC to respect agreements by keeping the party’s commitment to all the legacy parties that came together to form the APC before the 2015 elections.
The communique reads: “The inaugural meeting of the New Nigeria Movement (NNM), a socio-political group comprising patriotic and credible Nigerians who are determined to give Nigerians a new direction, was held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, today, Monday, 18th January, 2021.
“The pioneer members are drawn from the 36 states of the federation and united by a burning desire to give Nigeria a new political direction that will guarantee peace, true unity, equity and mutual trust.
“The New Nigerian Movement (NNM) therefore resolved to team up with patriotic Nigerians and the President to move the country forward.
“Our Movement is in total support of the clarion call by Nigerians for power shift to the South and generational power shift”.
“The meeting unanimously elected a credible, humane, patriotic and progressive Nigerian, Alhaji Ahmed Haruna Dan Zago, the former Kano state chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), as National Chairman of the Movement.”
The agitation for power shift to the South has continued to dominate discussions in political circles in the last few weeks, with various interest groups lending their voices to the call.
The latest of such agitation came from Speakers of the Legislative Assemblies of the six states in the Southwest geopolitical zone.
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.
-
News3 days ago
Decentralizing Pipeline Surveillance Poses Greater Dangers To Niger Delta …. Group Warns
-
Politics3 days agoAPC Resumes Electronic Membership Registration Nationwide
-
Rivers3 days agoCourt Rules Out Interim Administration In Jumbo House, Bonny
-
Business3 days ago33 Banks Raise N4.65tn As Recapitalisation Ends
-
Politics3 days agoAlleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
-
Nation3 days agoNile University Hosts ICA Nigeria First National Confab On Global Communication
-
Sports3 days ago
Lewandowski Leads Top Stars Missing From W/Cup Roll Call
-
Sports3 days agoPara Games: Team Rivers Wins 53 Medals On Day 5 … Director Praise Athletes