Opinion: Asiwaju S.T. Abiodun Speaks Ahead of Oyo NUJ Elections

The election of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has always been a lively and eagerly anticipated event for members. This constitutionally mandated exercise marks the close of one administration and the beginning of a new chapter.

Over the years, the Oyo State Council has produced notable and distinguished chairmen whose contributions have strengthened the Union and positioned it as one of the most vibrant, forward-thinking and respected councils within the influential Ibadan/Lagos media axis. Each leader has left legacies upon which successors continue to build, particularly at the Union’s Secretariat in Iyaganku, Ibadan.

In line with the constitution, NUJ elections are preceded by the inauguration of the Credentials Committee, whose members are nominated, debated and constituted at a congress. Membership is usually spread across chapels to guarantee fairness, transparency and credibility.

Other critical pre-election activities include the collection and submission of nomination forms, screening of contestants, display of the voters’ register, the period for claims and objections, campaigns across chapels, and the much-anticipated Manifesto Day, which typically holds a few hours before voting.

As the tenure of the incumbent EXCO led by Chief Ademola Babalola (DEMBAB) winds down, preparations have intensified for the next pivotal election scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2025, when a new “landlord” will emerge for the ever-developing Millennium Press Centre in Iyaganku.

The 2025 Credentials Committee, chaired by Adewale Fasaasi with Afolakemi Akanbi as Secretary, swung into action immediately after inauguration, pledging fairness and accountability.

Campaign activities have gained momentum, with contestants moving from chapel to chapel, outlining their plans if elected. This year’s campaigns have also taken a digital turn, with WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and other platforms flooded with posters, jingles and videos. Traditional media have been just as active, complementing one-on-one interactions, group engagements and interest-based consultations.

Three major teams are contesting for leadership:

1. The Great Minds Team, led by Abas Akeem of the News Agency of Nigeria (Correspondents Chapel)
2. The Divine Mandate Team, led by Raji Adebayo of Daily Independent (Correspondents Chapel)
3. The Consolidation Team, led by Olusola Oladapo of the Federal Information Chapel

Akeem is the outgoing Treasurer, Oladapo (also known as Summer) is the outgoing State Secretary, and Adebayo is the immediate past Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel—making all three aspirants well-experienced and qualified to lead the Union.

So far, campaigns have been peaceful and within expectations, thanks to the guidance of leaders, elders and stakeholders. However, early in the process, an unpleasant write-up disparaging the three contestants surfaced but was promptly condemned. A few days later, allegations of defacing and removing campaign materials emerged, which the elders again dismissed as unacceptable.

With only days to the election, the general public is watching the “watchdogs,” monitoring the “monitors,” and expecting an exemplary process from those whose profession is to uphold accountability and fairness.

Stakeholders—including the League of Veteran Journalists, union elders, the National Secretariat, other state councils, professional bodies, and even political observers—are keenly anticipating peaceful and credible polls.

The Credentials Committee carries the sacred responsibility of delivering an election that is fair, transparent, credible and widely acceptable.

Contestants, on their part, must uphold decorum, peace and unity, recognising that the Union belongs to all and that elections must remain issue-based. Campaigns will end, but relationships within the Union will endure.

For the over 400 members across 12 chapels, elections should be approached in the spirit of sportsmanship, with winners showing magnanimity and those who do not prevail showing grace in defeat.

Ultimately, it is the collective desire of members that a leader with vision, courage, passion, dignity and a deep commitment to members’ welfare emerges.

As December 9, 2025 approaches, we hope for a Divine Mandate, for Great Minds, and for a leadership that will Consolidate the enviable legacies of heroes past.

Asiwaju S.T. Abiodun
Former Secretary, Oyo NUJ
Ibadan
stabiodun93@gmail.com