The South-West chapters of the National Association of Akoko North East Students have denied endorsing the re-election bid of the member representing Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency, Hon. Ife Ehindero, declaring that the chapters remain politically neutral.
The position was contained in a joint statement signed by Omojola Basit, NAANES President, Ekiti State University; Obayan Sunady, NAANES President, Lagos State University; Adigun Mohammed Temitope, NAANES President, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo; Balogun Ibrahim O., NAANES President, University of Ibadan; Babatunde Abdulraham Ayomide, NAANES President, Federal Polytechnic, Ede; and Aliu Kayafat Opeyemi, NAANES President, Osun State College of Technology.
The chapter presidents said they issued the clarification following reports and social media publications suggesting that Akoko North East students had endorsed Ehindero for a second term.
They stated that none of the six South-West chapters participated in, authorised or endorsed any political candidate, including Ehindero.
The student leaders explained that the affected chapters were neither consulted nor involved in any purported endorsement allegedly associated with some individuals within the national executive of the association.
They stressed that no individual, group or executive member could present a personal political decision as the collective position of NAANES without proper consultation and authorisation in accordance with the association’s constitution and established procedures.
According to them, while individual students have the right to support candidates of their choice, such personal political preferences should not be presented as the official position of NAANES without the consent and participation of the relevant chapters and students.
The presidents also raised concerns over alleged political endorsements and fundraising activities being carried out in the name of Akoko North East students, urging members of the public to verify such claims before making any financial commitments.
They said the South-West chapters had dissociated themselves from any unauthorised political endorsement, fundraising activity or representation of students, stressing that NAANES remained focused on students’ welfare, academic advancement, unity, representation and overall development.
