Politics
LG Polls: Only 18 Registered Parties Will Participate – RSIEC
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission(RSIEC) has reiterated that only 18 political parties approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC)will participate in the April Local Government polls.
Chairman of RSIEC Justice George Omereji (rtd) made the declaration while speaking in a phone-in radio programme organised by Silverbird Communications at the weekend in Port Harcourt.
The RSIEC Chairman said the list of the participating political parties was given to it by INEC, adding that it is only the national electoral body that approves and registers political parties.
He explained that the other 74 de-registered political parties cannot participate even though they have gotten an appeal, and as such only the Supreme Court can put them back on the ballot.
“ The court order cannot include them in the ballot, because we are aware that the matter is at the Supreme Court”, he maintained.
According to him, the status que will be maintained until the apex count rules otherwise.
On the issue of party’s wranglings and division, the RSIEC Chairman said the commission does not have any powers to intervene in internal crisis in parties.
“We have no business with parties internal wranglings. It is those candidates they present to us that we put in the ballot. Parties have the legal powers to nominate who represents them at the polls. The commission can only act when it recieves petition from the parties through the court process, and will act according to its mandate in such circumstance”.
Justice Omereji further stated that RSIEC was poised to conduct free and fair polls, and urged the citizenry to fully participate.
The retired judge called on the people of the state, non-governmental organisations and the media to fully participate in the electoral process.
The RSIEC Chairman promised that the commission will conduct a free and fair election and ruled out bias so far in it’s activities.
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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