Politics
Rivers APC Chairmanship Candidates Hail Tinubu, Yilwatda Over By-Election Victory
According to the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC won 12 out of the 16 constituencies where the bye-elections were conducted.
The chairmanship candidates, contesting under the Emeka Beke-led faction of the party in Rivers State, said the outcome of the elections was a reflection of what to expect in both the August 30 elections in Rivers State and the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by their spokesperson, Ambassador Fubara Dagogo, the candidates noted that the APC’s victory in last weekend’s elections was a testament to voters’ appreciation of President Tinubu’s good works, which they said have impacted all zones and regions of the country.
Ambassador Dagogo, who is also contesting for the chairmanship of Bonny Local Government Area, further stated that the APC’s dominance will be extended to all 23 local government areas in Rivers State after the LG polls, stressing that the ruling party was set to sweep the elections.
He described the victory at the by-elections as a good beginning for the newly appointed National Chairman, urging him to leverage the momentum from last weekend’s success to rally behind and support all APC candidates contesting in Rivers State.
He expressed confidence that the outcome of the August 30 election will strengthen the party’s authority in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We, the 23 candidates of the APC in the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State, wish to express our joy and congratulate our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our National Chairman, Professor Nentalwe Yilwatda, and the entire National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party on the sweet victory and exceptional performance recorded at last Saturday’s bye-elections across the country.
“This victory has demonstrated the continued support and appreciation of Nigerians for the good works of our caring President, which cut across all regions and zones. President Tinubu’s acceptance is overwhelming because he has remained a father to all.
“This love for the President and the APC will be further consolidated across all local government areas in Rivers State, where the party and its authentic candidates will sweep the 23 local government areas in the August 30 LG polls.
“We have intensified our campaigns, and there is strong evidence of our overwhelming acceptance by the people. We must not miss this great opportunity to entrench the APC in the grassroots of Rivers State ahead of the much-anticipated 2027 election victory for President Tinubu.
“We also note with joy that our new, vibrant National Chairman, Professor Nentalwe Yilwatda, has begun on a victorious note, scoring an ‘A’ in his first major assignment. We are confident this momentum will extend to Rivers State on August 30, when we will all emerge victorious at the LG polls.
“We therefore reaffirm our strong commitment to capturing Rivers State for our great party as we intensify campaigns, promoting the good works of President Tinubu to the grassroots ahead of the upcoming LG polls and the 2027 elections,” the candidates assured.
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.