The 2024 Kwara Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) election conducted today, July 31, 2024, is unequivocally the most shambolic and kangaroo election in the history of our union. It is marked by numerous anomalies and blatant disregard for democratic principles, which I feel compelled to detail for the public record:
Flagrant Disregard for Court Order:
The National Industrial Court issued a summons putting the election on hold. Despite this, the National Secretariat of the NUJ proceeded with the election, showing a blatant disregard for judicial authority.
Pecuniary Inducements:
There was massive use of financial inducements directed at electoral officials, security operatives, and voters. This gross misconduct undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
Printing of Voters' Names on Ballot Papers:
In a laughable and unprecedented move, voters' names were printed on the ballot papers in what was supposed to be a secret ballot election. This farcical act nullifies the concept of voter privacy and secrecy.
Disenfranchisement of Members:
There was massive disenfranchisement of bona fide and financial members of the union through a doctored delegates' list. This deliberate act excluded many legitimate members from participating in the election.
These infractions were brought to the attention of the national secretariat of the union well before election day, yet they chose to ignore these serious concerns. Furthermore, the conduct of the election was overseen by officials from the national secretariat who should have been impartial observers at best. Their active involvement in the electoral process raises serious questions about the fairness and transparency of the election.
In light of these egregious violations, I hereby declare that the outcome of this election will be duly challenged and pursued to a logical conclusion in a competent court of law. The fight for justice and the integrity of our union continues.
Aluta Continua Victoria Acserta
Signed,
Abdullahi Dare Akogun
Chairmanship Candidate, 2024 NUJ Kwara Council
July 31, 2024
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