The shameful drama unfolding in the build-up to the NUJ Ogun State Council elections has exposed a grand conspiracy masterminded by the National Secretary, to hijack the will of Ogun journalists, trample on the NUJ Constitution, and force an illegitimate leadership on our Council.
Mr. Achike Achude, a supposed human rights activist, was employed as the national secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) by former NUJ president, Mr. Chris Isiguso in 2024
What we are witnessing is not an election process — it is a coordinated assault on democracy, and we will not keep quiet.
1. A Credentials Committee Built to Fail — and Built for Fraud
The so-called Credentials Committee is a constitutional disaster.
It is stuffed with Associate members who have no business being there, and led by one Abiodun Taiwo, Publisher of Salient Times, a man publicly disclaimed by Daily Times, yet handpicked to preside over our elections.
This is not incompetence. This is a deliberate setup, a Committee created to do a dirty job.
2. A Screening Exercise Designed to Favour the Anointed Candidates
Under the watchful eyes of the National Secretary, the screening exercise became a factory for fraud.
The incumbent camp, Mr. Akinwale Olanrewaju-led Executive Committee — his preferred candidates — were cleared even though they broke every rule in the NUJ Constitution, including:
* Failure to meet 50% Chapel and State Congress attendance.
* Being nominated by unqualified persons.
* Being Associate members who should not "vote and be voted for.
* Members without good financial standing.
* Imposition of constitutionally disqualified person who should not be a member at all.
Yet, genuine, bonafide members — with valid and good financial standing and nominations from fully qualified chapel members — were shamelessly disqualified.
This was not screening. It was targeted elimination.
3. Illegal Election Date Change: A Desperate Grab for Power
As if the fraud was not enough, the National Secretary, Achike recklessly moved the election date from 22nd December 2025, to 11th December 2025, without Congress approval, without consultation, and without one atom of Constitutional backing.
This is lawlessness of the highest order — a desperate attempt to ambush Ogun journalists and hand the election to his preferred camp on a platter of illegality.
4. Constitution Torn to Shreds
Every one of the nominators for his favoured candidates violates:
* *Article 3:3(a, b & d)
* *Article 4, and
* *Article 6:7(f) of the NUJ Constitution.
Yet these same candidates were miraculously cleared, while those who met every requirement were thrown out. This is an open contempt against the NUJ Constitution.
WE WILL NOT ALLOW NUJ OGUN TO BE TURNED INTO A PRIVATE ESTATE
This reckless manipulation will not stand.
This assault on our union will not pass.
And this brazen conspiracy will not go unchallenged.
OUR POSITION IS CLEAR:
* Reverse the illegal disqualifications.
* Dissolve the tainted Credentials Committee.
* Restore the rightful 22nd December, 2025 election date.
* Conduct a fresh, transparent screening under neutral officers.
Anything short of this is an endorsement of fraud — and we will resist it with every lawful tool available.
Ogun journalists refuse to be conquered.
The NUJ Constitution must rise above the ambitions of one man.
Signed.
Comrade Razaq Ayinla
Comrade Folake Ade-Adeniji
Comrade Kunle Ibikunle
Comrade Seun Odunlami
Comrade Biodun Ogundipe
Comrade Wole Shokunbi
Comrade Sola Ajibike
Comrade Adejoke Adeleye
Comrade Omobolaji Adekunkle
Comrade Gbenga Oladipupo
Comrade Wale Adelaja
Comrade Ayomide Adetunji
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