Abdullahi Dare Akogun, a chairmanship candidate in the recent Kwara State Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) election, has formally petitioned the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the union, seeking the nullification of the election results and intervention of the State Executive Council (SEC) to oversee the council’s affairs until a new election can be conducted.
In a letter dated August 3rd, 2024, addressed to the CWC through the National Secretary, Akogun alleged multiple violations of the NUJ Constitution, including fraud and irregularities during the council election held on July 31, 2024. He claimed that the inclusion of voters’ identities on ballot papers compromised the secret ballot principle, while many bona fide members were excluded from participating in the election through a doctored delegates’ list.
Akogun also alleged that a state ministry of information director threatened voters, particularly civil servants, with job loss if they did not vote for a particular candidate. He invoked relevant sections of the NUJ Constitution, which allow aggrieved candidates to challenge election outcomes within 21 days, and urged the committee to review the issues dispassionately and take necessary actions to ensure justice and fairness in the electoral process.
The CWC is expected to review Akogun’s petition and take appropriate action to address the allegations and ensure the integrity of the NUJ electoral process in Kwara State.