UNIDEL SUG ELECTION: COMRADE IKWU APPLAUDS VC, URGES INEC AND DSIEC TO EMBRACE ELECTRONIC VOTING
By Ewere Okonta
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In a significant stride towards electoral transparency and efficiency, the University of Delta, Agbor, has successfully conducted its inaugural Student Union Government (SUG) election utilizing an electronic voting system. The pioneering endeavor has drawn widespread acclaim, notably from Comrade Joel Ikwu, the Branch Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) at the institution.
Comrade Ikwu lauded the visionary leadership of Prof. Stella Chiemeke, the Vice Chancellor of the University, and the entire management team for orchestrating an electoral process marked by peace, transparency, and integrity. Unlike the typical narrative of elections fraught with irregularities and controversies, the UNIDEL SUG election emerged as a beacon of credibility and fairness.
Speaking on the significance of this milestone, Comrade Ikwu emphasized the need for electoral bodies at both the national and state levels, notably the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC), to take a cue from UNIDEL’s exemplary electoral model. He urged these institutions to embark on a learning expedition to the university to glean insights into implementing electronic voting systems, thereby fostering a more transparent and efficient electoral process across Nigeria.
“The UNIDEL SUG election sets a precedent for electoral excellence,” remarked Comrade Ikwu. “By embracing technology and innovation, the university has demonstrated that elections can be conducted with utmost integrity and fairness. It’s time for INEC and DSIEC to embrace this progressive approach and enhance the credibility of elections nationwide.”
Beyond applauding the management’s efforts, Comrade Ikwu extended his congratulations to the winners of the SUG election, urging them to lead with humility and a commitment to serve the student body. He also called upon all contestants, whether victorious or not, to rally behind the university administration in its quest to propel UNIDEL to greater heights of academic and institutional excellence.
“The success of the SUG election is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and dedication,” affirmed Comrade Ikwu. “Let us all unite in advancing the collective interests of our university, ensuring that it remains a shining example of academic excellence and democratic values.”
As UNIDEL emerges as a trailblazer in electoral innovation, the echoes of its SUG election resonate far beyond the campus, inspiring a renewed hope for transparent and credible elections in Nigeria’s broader electoral landscape. With Comrade Ikwu’s commendation and call to action, the stage is set for a transformative shift towards a more accountable and participatory democratic process.
*Ewere Okonta is the CEO of EOB Media. He writes from the Department of Business Administration, University of Delta, Agbor.*