Pedro Obi, a PhD student from Delta State University, has triumphed in the recent elections to become the new President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Winning by a significant majority with 212 votes, Obi defeated his closest competitor, Lucky Emonefe, who received 83 votes.
The elections were held at the old parade ground in Abuja under a cloud of controversy and allegations of corruption and violence. The outgoing president, Usman Barambu, had suspended the former electoral committee, alleging compromise. The students’ body had zoned the presidency to Zone B (South-south), and Obi’s victory was confirmed by Levi Okuru, the coordinator of Zone.
However, the election process was marred by violence, with reports of shootings at the venue and students sustaining injuries. Claims emerged that Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, attempted to influence the election by funding security operatives and mobilizing cultists to support his preferred candidate, Emonefe. Students and stakeholders expressed opposition to Emonefe’s candidacy due to his age and potential manipulation of the association.
SaharaReporters, a news website dedicated to reporting corruption and malfeasance in Africa, highlighted these events. The allegations against Seyi Tinubu involved the release of millions of naira for security operatives and the mobilization of cultists to compromise the NANS convention and enthrone his preferred candidate. These accusations, if proven, could have profound implications for the integrity of student politics in Nigeria.
Despite these challenges, Comrade Pedro Obi’s election represents a significant moment for NANS and Nigerian student politics. Obi’s victory, achieved amidst controversy and allegations of corruption, underlines the importance of student leadership in shaping the future of Nigeria’s educational landscape.
