NANS Leadership Crisis Escalates: President-Elect Confirmed Amid Allegations of Violence and Political Interference
The committee has urged security operatives to apprehend impostors, led by 48-year-old politician Lucky Emonefe, who declared himself the president-elect with the backing of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu. The election results revealed Obi securing 212 votes against Emonefe's 83.
The Convention Planning Committee of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has officially declared Pedro Obi, a Ph.D. student from Delta State University, as the President-elect. This announcement follows a tumultuous national convention marred by violence and allegations of political interference.
The committee has urged security operatives to apprehend impostors, led by 48-year-old politician Lucky Emonefe, who declared himself the president-elect with the backing of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu. The election results revealed Obi securing 212 votes against Emonefe's 83.
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In an interview, President-elect Pedro Obi cautioned against an imposter parading as the leader of NANS, pledging a non-partisan stance during his tenure. He expressed gratitude for the support received from Nigerian students and vowed to fight against the victimization of student leaders and activists on campuses.
The national convention, held at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja, witnessed heavy shootings and violence, with some students sustaining injuries. Thugs, allegedly aligned with Seyi Tinubu's preferred candidate, targeted opposition delegates. The media had previously exposed the alleged financial involvement of Seyi Tinubu in compromising the convention.
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The report highlighted Seyi's alleged release of millions of Naira for security operatives and mobilization of cultists to manipulate the convention outcome. Stakeholders opposed the candidature of Lucky Emonefe, emphasizing a plot to prevent Nigerian students from mobilizing against the perceived unpopular government of President Bola Tinubu.
As Pedro Obi assumes leadership, concerns persist regarding the broader implications of external influences on student politics and the need for a transparent electoral process within NANS.