NAUS Demands Immediate Suspension of ESUT SUG Election over Alleged Irregularities
The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has called for the immediate suspension of the ongoing Students’ Union Government (SUG) election at Enugu State University of Science and Technology over allegations of irregularities and undue interference in the electoral process.
In a statement signed by the Senate President of NAUS, Comrade Imran Abdullahi, the association expressed deep concern over reports that a widely supported candidate was allegedly disqualified shortly before the election in what was described as an attempt to favour another candidate allegedly preferred by the university management.
NAUS stated that if the allegations are substantiated, such actions would undermine the principles of transparency, fairness, and democratic participation expected of student union elections. The association stressed that elections on university campuses must be conducted in a manner that guarantees credibility, inclusiveness, and the confidence of the student body.
The national students’ body therefore urged the management of ESUT to immediately halt the ongoing electoral process and commence extensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders before fixing a new date for the election.
According to the statement, the concerns raised by the NAUS Campus Monitoring Council (CMC) in Enugu State warrant urgent and impartial attention, noting that any electoral process perceived as unfair could erode the legitimacy of the eventual outcome and threaten peace on campus.
NAUS further warned that failure to address the issues through constructive dialogue could compel the National Secretariat of the association to relocate its activities to Enugu State and temporarily move the National Headquarters of NAUS to ESUT until the matter receives appropriate attention.
The association affirmed its readiness to engage with the university management, the Enugu State Government, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and democratic resolution of the dispute.
Reiterating its commitment to lawful advocacy and constructive engagement, NAUS emphasized that the democratic rights of Nigerian university students must be protected at all times.
“The voice of students must never be silenced. Democracy on our campuses must never be compromised,” the statement concluded.
