Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic Releases SUG Election Timetable, Lifts Ban on Student Politics

The Electoral Board of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic has announced the timetable for the 2025/2026 Students’ Union Government (SUG) elections, formally lifting the ban on student political activities and signalling the start of electioneering campaigns on campus.

According to the schedule, the sale and return of nomination forms will run from Monday, March 30 to Thursday, April 2, 2026. During this period, prospective candidates are also required to obtain the voting link for online registration.

A mandatory security screening for all aspirants has been fixed for Tuesday, April 7, while the list of cleared candidates will be published on Wednesday, April 8. The same day will feature an official meeting between candidates and the Electoral Board.

On Thursday, April 9, the institution will host a seminar on electronic voting procedures, alongside manifesto presentations by presidential candidates. The general election is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 10, 2026.

The Electoral Board outlined strict eligibility criteria for aspirants. All candidates must be duly registered students of the Polytechnic. Those contesting for the office of President must be HND II students with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.20. Candidates for Vice President and Secretary General must also be HND II students with a minimum CGPA of 3.00, while other positions are open to both ND II and HND II students with a minimum CGPA of 2.70.

In terms of voter eligibility, ND I and HND I students are permitted to vote but are not qualified to contest for any position.

Aspirants are required to submit completed nomination forms alongside supporting documents, including admission letters, school and departmental fee receipts, student identification cards, certificates of origin, hostel receipts, and passport photographs.

The Board further warned that acts of misconduct or insubordination would not be tolerated, stressing that all candidates must adhere strictly to the SUG constitution. It also noted that elected members of the Executive Council would be required to reside within the Polytechnic community upon assumption of office.

Interested students have been directed to the Students Affairs Division for the purchase of nomination forms, with a notice that all payments are non-refundable.