Politics
Rivers APC Group Coordinator, 3000 Members Defect To PDP
The Coordinator of Patriotic Movement(PM), a grassroots political group campaigning for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Isa Mohammed Enyindah, has dumped the party for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Alhaji Enyindah, defected with seven Local Government Area coordinators and their members numbering about 3000.
Members of the group who defected to the PDP were received by the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Engr. Samuel Nwanosike, at Elele.
While receiving them, Engr. Nwanosike described the PDP family as the right place to belong to, saying that they will not regret coming to work with the right party.
He thanked the Coordinator for taking the decision on time.
Earlier, Alhaji Enyindah said he took the decision after due consultation with his supporters.
According to him, looking at the infrastructural development embarked upon by Governor Nyesom Wike, it will be unfair to remain in the opposition, noting that he considered it expedient to support and appreciate him.
“Considering the excellent performance of Governor Wike in the state and what Engr Nwanosike has done in Ikwerre LGA, it will be unfair to remain opposition, hence there is need to join hands with them to do more.
“Clearly, anyone or group opposing or fighting Governor Wike after seeing his achievements, that person or persons is an enemy of the State.
“As I speak, over 3000 of my members and their coordinators from Emohua ,Etche, Omuma ,Ikwerre ,Obio/ Akpor and Port Harcourt City are here with me to work for PDP.
“We are people you can’t buy our conscience with money. It is a blatant lie for anyone to allege that we were given money by Governor Wike”, Alhaji Enyindah said.
Earlier ,the leader of PDP in Ward 4 in the LGA, Jacob Amadi described the defection of Alhaji Enyindah and his supporters as home coming.
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.