Politics
Bayelsa Poll: PDP Scores Diri High On Performance
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has given the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, high scores, saying his first term in office is very impressive.
A statement by the Governor’s spokesman, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the party’s National Vice Chairman (South South), Chief Dan Orbih, as having stated this when he led the Zonal Working Committee on a solidarity visit to Government House, Yenagoa.
He said the party was impressed that Governor Diri has been inaugurating projects while campaigning for re-election.
Orbih noted that while some first term governors campaign for a second term with promises of what they would do, the Bayelsa governor has rather been busy inaugurating and flagging off projects in his State.
According to him, the national and zonal leaderships of the PDP were not only proud of his achievements but are also comfortable with him as the party’s flag-bearer in the November 11 election.
“We, members of the PDP South South Working Committee, came to show our solidarity with the performing Governor of Bayelsa State.
“We have watched with great admiration your campaigns. Some governors campaign for their second tenure telling the people what they want to do. But your campaign is laced with commissioning of projects and flagging off new ones. It is very uncommon and we want to congratulate you.
“For us in the South South, we are very proud of you and your achievements. You are indeed a miracle Governor. God has again shown His hand that with His support, you can even go into the election without an opponent”, he said.
The PDP zonal leader stressed that with Diri’s performance in office and considering the fact that the South South is the stronghold of the party, victory was assured for the Governor.
Responding, Governor Diri said the PDP was sure of victory as there was no basis for comparison between his first term and that of one of his opponents, Chief Timipre Sylva, who had also governed the State for five years.
He noted that the differe all Bayelsans to see.
Diri also stated that his developmental imprints were visible in the community of the APC candidate where, in sharp contrast, his opponent had nothing to campaign with, even in his hometown.
He said even if the APC candidate was not contending with the constitutional issue of tenure, he was sure the election would still be won by the PDP.
”The commitment of our people and what they stand for as far as this election is concerned is very clear. So we are home and dry even if they go into the election with the law against them.
“We went to his hometown and inaugurated a road. So I do not know when he gets to his village, what he will inaugurate there.
“The paradox is such that there is no way to compare his five years to our just about four years even when we lost one year to COVID-19 during the lockdown in 2020”, he said.
The governor thanked the zonal working committee for the visit, urging them to close ranks in order to have a formidable house going into the election.
He averred that the PDP remained the only party on ground in terms of structure and governance that can give a viable opposition to the government at the centre and must therefore continue to be the bulwark of the opposition in the country.
By: Ariwera Ibibo- Howells, Yenagoa
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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