The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Enugu State Axis, has outrightly rejected the ongoing Student Union Government (SUG) elections at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), describing the process as undemocratic, unjust, and riddled with gross irregularities. The association is raising alarm over what it termed “systemic injustice,” alleging that the election is marred by the intimidation and unlawful disqualification of credible candidates, particularly those vying for the positions of President, Speaker, and Senate.
In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Ali Cajetan C., Chairman of NANS Enugu State, and Comrade James Emmanuel, Secretary, the student body expressed deep concern over the irresponsible use of allegations, especially cultism, as a tool for silencing opposition and disqualifying student leaders. These actions, reportedly orchestrated through the Students Affairs Department of ESUT, have cast serious doubts on the integrity, fairness, and transparency of the entire electoral process.
NANS has therefore issued a clear directive to all students of ESUT to boycott the ongoing SUG election, insisting that no legitimate election can take place in an atmosphere of fear, manipulation, and injustice. According to the association, what is unfolding at ESUT is not just an attack on individual candidates but an assault on student democracy itself.
The body has outlined its demands which include the immediate withdrawal of the flawed screening report and the initiation of a fresh, impartial screening exercise. It also called for a total halt of all election activities until the disqualified candidates are given fair hearing and all grievances are adequately addressed.
Warning that the matter will not be treated lightly, NANS declared that if these concerns are not resolved by the end of today, Wednesday, June 11th, a massive protest will be staged on Thursday, June 12th; Democracy Day. The association stated that the protest would involve the total shutdown of the university, and no academic or administrative activities would be allowed to continue until student voices are heard and respected.
In a passionate appeal to the students of ESUT, NANS urged them not to remain silent in the face of injustice, stressing that silence is approval and participation in a compromised process amounts to complicity. The leadership encouraged the student body to boycott the election and stand firmly for their rights, reminding them that the fight is not just about one election but about protecting the future of student leadership and safeguarding the dignity of every Nigerian student.
The statement has been duly forwarded to critical stakeholders including the Senior Special Assistant on Security to the Governor of Enugu State, the Commissioner for Justice, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, the Governor of Enugu State, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of DSS in Enugu, as well as the NANS Zone F Coordinator, the Vice President External Affairs of NANS, and the Senate President and President of NANS.
The fate of the ESUT SUG election now rests on the ability of the university authorities and government stakeholders to act swiftly, restore due process, and protect the integrity of student governance.
