Politics
Kalu Writes Buhari, Wants Convention Rescheduled
Former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu, has called for rescheduling of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention slated for February, 2022.
He allayed fears of a collapse and an unmitigated injury the party could sustain if the National Chairman of Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the APC, Governor Mai Mala Buni, went ahead with the convention in February.
In a letter he wrote on Thursday in Abuja which he addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari and the National leadership of the APC, Kalu identified three challenges that must be urgently addressed before the convention, which are: “Election of National Working Committee (NWC); Party crisis at State levels; and the 2023 presidential zoning.
To this, he suggested that the 2023 presidential primary of APC and election of National Working Committee (NWC) should hold the sa me time with the presidential primary election.
Kalu in the letter titled: “Urgent appeal for postponement of APC National Convention,” warned that holding the convention in February without resolving pockets of disagreements that emanated from the Congresses of the party may lead to implosion.
The letter reads in part: “It is with a sense of commitment and unflinching loyalty to our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) that I write to you, the content of this letter regarding the National Convention of our party slated for February, 2022.
He lauded the achievement of Mai Mala Buni for managing the party up to this time, but warned that crisis in some State chapters of the party remained threatening if there were not addressed immediately.
“However, it is pertinent to note that, some states are embroiled in crisis with multiple factions.
“These factions are not new to our politics, especially since the return of democracy in 1999.
“However, it is important to put into consideration, the consequences of these factions during and after elections.
Kalu recalled how factional crises aided opposition party in Rivers and Zamfara governorship election in 2019, even as the party could not field Senatorial candidates in Cross River State, thereby making the Peoples Democratic Party to have a field day.
He further explained that the party could not boast to have decided on presidential zoning yet, a situation he said could lead to party implosion, stating that the issue must be addressed before proceeding on the national convention in order to save the party.
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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