UNIZIK SUG Election: Allegations of Intimidation Trail Ochuba’s Victory

Comrade Ochuba Chukwusom Samuel has emerged as the President-elect of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) following the institution’s election held on August 1, 2025. According to the official announcement by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Makodi Biereenu-Nnabugwu, Ochuba secured 1,693 votes, defeating five other contenders. The university described the election as “free, fair, and credible,” monitored virtually by student agents and security personnel.

But in sharp contrast to the university’s position, allegations of intimidation, coercion, and external interference have flooded social media, especially Facebook, with several students accusing thugs allegedly loyal to the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) of hijacking the process.

A preliminary report shared with SK Blog claims that thugs, allegedly led by Charles Ijeoma, the NANS ZONE F Coordinator, stormed lecture halls during the election period, creating panic and allegedly pressuring students to vote for the candidate backed by NANS — Ochuba Chukwusom Samuel. Though the election was conducted online, students claim the physical presence of the thugs in academic spaces compromised their ability to vote freely.

On the university’s official Facebook announcement of Ochuba’s victory, the comments section reflected a divided student body.

Kenzy Stark commented:

“SUG ELECTION ❌ NANS ELECTION ✅”

Luchy Bee wrote:

“Allow us choose our leader!!!”

Doc Franktasy questioned the process:

“Why do an election if you guys already made up your mind on whom to elect?”

Victor William shared a more damning assessment:

“What happened wasn’t just an election… it was a reflection of a broken, compromised structure. I witnessed incompetence from the electoral board and a process drenched in bias.”

Alochukwu Emmanuel Obiabunmo went further, calling for cancellation:

“There were external influences which makes it null and void. The election has to be cancelled ❌”

Others, however, congratulated Ochuba, describing the win as a victory for students.

As of now, no official response has been issued by the university regarding the allegations. While the administration maintains the election’s credibility, students are calling for a formal investigation into the conduct of the election and the alleged interference by non-students and external actors.