Politics
Speakership: Abbas, Kalu Meet Sanwo-Olu For Support
The anointed candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Speakership of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has visited Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, to seek his support.
Abbas visited Sanwo-Olu in Lagos, on Saturday, in the company of Benjamin Kalu, the party’s choice for Deputy Speaker.
The decision of the APC to nominate Abbas and Kalu as candidates for the leadership of the green chamber for the forthcoming National Assembly has since sparked controversy within the party.
Speaking during the visit, Abbas said he and others anointed by the party needed the support of Sanwo-Olu to “reach out to all the contestants and governors”.
He added that the governor’s guidance would also be needed to “heal the wounds” created by the ongoing National Assembly leadership tussle.
“We are here for your prayer. Being one of the most loyal party governors, we believe your prayer and support will go a long way in actualising our goal,” the lawmaker said.
“We need your prayer to ensure that we will not only win come June 13 but that we will be able to stabilise the house and heal the wounds, particularly from various contestants in this race.
“We know you are a true Nigerian, you can reach out to all the contestants and governors and ensure we have unity of purpose in this particular project”, he added.
Also speaking, Kalu, who is also the spokesman of the House of Representatives, said their leadership would ensure equality while the demands of Nigerians would direct its decision-making.
“We are preaching the balancing of inequalities between members and gender and will ensure that.
“We are going to project institutional trust driven by credibility, competence and capacity so that people can see that the National Assembly is an institution they can rely on.
“The incoming Speaker had told me that the gavel shall go in the direction of Nigerians and not his emotions or sentiment”, he said.
Last Tuesday, Abbas also visited Bola Tinubu, president-elect, in Abuja.
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.