Politics
REVEALED: Tension Rises As Suspects Admit Knowledge Of Plot Against Tinubu
Tension gripped proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday as video recordings of police interviews with defendants accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration were played in open court.
The recordings, tendered by the prosecution, featured statements from three of the six defendants standing trial over the alleged conspiracy.
Counsel to the defendants objected to the admissibility and public viewing of the recordings, arguing that the statements were not voluntarily made and had not yet been formally admitted as evidence.
However, the trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, overruled the objections and ordered that the recordings be played, while noting that a trial-within-trial would later determine the voluntariness of the statements.
In the footage, two of the accused persons, Erasmus Victor, a retired naval captain, and Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector attached to the State House, acknowledged awareness of discussions relating to the alleged plan, while a third defendant, retired Major-General Mohammed Gana, denied any knowledge of a coup attempt.
Gana insisted he had lived a quiet life since retiring from the Nigerian Army in 2010, saying: “If I knew about any coup plan, I would have reported it,”
He admitted knowing the alleged mastermind but maintained that his involvement was limited to forwarding messages and materials he did not originate.
Gana also acknowledged that his name surfaced during investigations in connection with a N2 million transfer but denied any operational role, including claims of surveillance at the Presidential Villa.
Victor, on his part, admitted awareness of conversations suggesting a plan to topple the government but said he discouraged the idea. He told investigators: “Out of anger, he said he wants to overthrow the system. I told him to forget about it and consider retirement,”
He also admitted being approached for financial support and logistical assistance but claimed he refused to participate, though he continued communicating with the suspect using encrypted messaging platforms.
“I feel so bad that I find myself in this situation,” Victor said, appealing for leniency. Inspector admits reconnaissance and payments.
Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim admitted receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million and conducting reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House.
He told investigators that coded language such as “fertiliser” and “farming” was used to disguise discussions about funding and operational planning.
However, he claimed he did not take the alleged plan seriously, stating: “I played along because I knew it would be impossible for them to access the State House,”
Trial continues amid national security concerns The prosecution told the court that the interviews were conducted in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, with defendants informed that the sessions were being recorded and that they had the right to remain silent.
The case, involving six defendants charged over an alleged plot to overthrow the government, was adjourned until Tuesday for continuation of hearing. The Federal Government is prosecuting the suspects in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, with other defendants including Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, has announced it will not be participating in the forthcoming local government election in the state.
The party disclosed this in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, on Thursday in Ibadan.
The local government election in the state has been fixed for December 2026, but the APC, in its argument, described the decision to conduct the election as illegal, ill-conceived and self-serving.
Sadare said the decision will further worsen the current situation of things at the grassroots level in the state, alleging that Governor Seyi Makinde does not believe in local government autonomy.
He alleged that such action means that Makinde is now trying to impose another set of lackeys who would be loyal to him even after leaving the office.
“The whole world knows that Gov. Makinde does not believe in local government autonomy, and when it comes to democracy at the grassroots, he cannot be trusted for anything. He has feasted on the resources of the 33 local government councils in the state for over seven years and the people cannot wait for him to leave in May for the third tier of government to regain their freedom.
“The same Makinde is now trying to impose another set of lackeys who would be loyal to him even after leaving Agodi Government House and he knows he cannot do this after the conduct of the 2027 general elections, which outcome would strip him of all political power and influence.”
As Ekiti State prepares for Saturday’s governorship election, Isaac Fayose has alleged that members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are planning to engage in vote-buying during the poll.
Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, raised the alarm on Thursday through a video shared on his official Facebook page.
He claimed that intelligence available to him suggests that arrangements have already been made to influence voters with cash ahead of the election.
The businessman called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to closely monitor activities during the election and take immediate action against anyone caught attempting to buy votes.
According to him, the credibility of the election will depend largely on how effectively security and anti-corruption agencies handle electoral offences.
Fayose argued that Nigeria’s democratic system continues to suffer because elections are often manipulated, making it difficult for truly popular candidates to emerge victorious.
He said, “Nigeria is not developing because our electoral system is faulty. Popular people don’t get into power but unpopular people do because they are rigged in.
“If our votes can’t put the best candidates there, it means we are in a mess. We will see on Saturday whether EFCC is effective or not.
“If EFCC is on ground, they should be able to apprehend many vote buyers because APC is planning to buy votes. EFCC, Nigerians are watching, you now have an office in Ekiti State.
“We have credible information that these people are planning to buy votes”.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully concluded its House of Representatives primaries across Nigeria, setting the stage for the 2027 general elections.
The exercise, held on May 16, 2026, drew significant attention as both seasoned lawmakers and fresh aspirants battled for tickets to represent their constituencies in the Green Chamber.
According to The Nation, with high turnout reported in many states, the primaries showcased the party’s internal dynamics and the balance between continuity and change.
At the national level, prominent figures such as Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudasiru Obasa secured their tickets with relative ease.
Their victories reaffirmed their strong influence within the party and their constituencies.
Meanwhile, James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, also clinched his ticket, while Yusuf Buhari, son of the late president Muhammadu Buhari, emerged as a first-time candidate in Katsina.
Winners of APC 2026 primaries
Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, was returned unopposed in Zaria Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker, also secured his ticket.
Mudasiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, won unopposed in Agege James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, clinched victory in Ikeja/Ojodu Yusuf Buhari, son of the late president Muhammadu Buhari, won in Katsina, marking his first entry into the Green Chamber.
Other notable winners included Jimi Benson (Ikorodu), Yusuf Gagdi (Plateau), Ndudi Elumelu (Delta), and Olumide Osoba (Ogun).
Major losses in the APC primaries
House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere lost his bid for a third term in Edo Four sitting members from Imo state, Matthew Nwogu, Miriam Onuoha, Harrison Nwadike, and Emeka Chinedu, failed to secure return tickets Popular businessman Cubana Chief Priest also lost his bid.
State highlights after ruling party primaries
Kaduna: Samaila Abdul Suleiman won convincingly in Kaduna North with 3,049 votes, defeating Abdulaziz Abubakar Kaka and Abubakar Mahmoud, but Kaka’s campaign alleged disenfranchisement of supporters
Edo: Ihonvbere’s defeat was linked to a zoning agreement between Owan East and West, with Hon Eseosa Iyawe also losing in Oredo
Delta: Ndudi Elumelu secured Aniocha/Oshimili, while Erhiatake Ibori won Ethiope
Ogun: Olumide Osoba emerged for Owode/Abeokuta North/Odeda
Kogi: Leke Abejide, formerly of ADC, won unopposed in Yagba
Plateau: Yusuf Gagdi was endorsed for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam
Jigawa: Five incumbents retained their tickets, while four lost to new aspirants
Ekiti: HoR spokesman Akintunde Rotimi won in Ekiti North I, defeating five rivals.
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