Politics
Liberia Election: West African Elders Call For Calm, Patience
The West African Elders Forum (WAEF) has sued for calm and patience in Liberia as the citizens await the final tallying and official declaration of the results of last Tuesday’s general elections by the country’s National Electoral Commission (NEC).
The forum, which deployed a mediation mission to Liberia a few days before the election, also cautioned the politicians and their supporters to desist from announcing unconfirmed results in order not to heat up the polity.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Monrovia by WAEF head of mission and former President of Nigeria Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the elders however commended Liberians for their patriotism and peaceful disposition during the October 10, 2023 elections.
The Forum further praised Liberia for consolidating democracy in the last two decades and called on all Liberians to strive to keep a positive image by maintaining law and order, according to a press release issued by Ikechukwu Eze, Dr Jonathan’s spokesman.
The statement read: “The West Africa Elders Forum (WAEF) Mediation Mission to Liberia, 2023, commends Liberians for their patriotism and belief in the nation’s democracy, given their peaceful conduct and the large turnout of voters during the October 10, 2023, general elections.
“The Forum also commends the candidates in the last elections for heeding the call to respect the Farmington River Declaration and act in a manner that would encourage their followers to tow the path of peace during and after the elections.
“The conduct and level of patriotism demonstrated by youths and women is highly commendable. As demonstrated by women and young people not only participating but leading and taking ownership of the process.
“The Forum is equally impressed with the deployment and professionalism of the Joint Security Team. We call on them to remain vigilant and for all Liberians to remain calm as we await the official announcement of the results by the National Electoral Commission”.
Liberians to strive to keep this positive democratic image by maintaining law and order as vote collation continues.
“The Forum is encouraged by the commitment of the National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deliver on its mandate of concluding the electoral process in a transparent manner that renews the hope, trust and confidence of the Liberian people on the nation’s democracy.
“At the same time, we urge the political parties and their supporters to show restraint by abstaining from the announcement of unconfirmed results or posting of the same online until the National Electoral Commission concludes the tallying process and officially declares the results.
“The Forum wishes Liberians a successful outcome of the 2023 elections and commits to remain engaged with the country as a dependable ally in the development process in line with its objective of contributing to the consolidation of democracy and good governance in the West African sub-region.”
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.