Owolewa, a student of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State was the Deputy Coordinator of Zone D, which comprises Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo states.
The Ekiti State government is meddling in the election of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) by openly canvassing for votes for its preferred candidate.
In a video seen by SaharaReporters, the state government through the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Gold Adedayo, asked all stakeholders in the state to vote for one Comrade Taiwo Owolewa for Coordinator of NANS Zone D, South West.
Owolewa, a student of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State was the Deputy Coordinator of Zone D, which comprises Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo states.
Canvassing for votes for Owolewa, the Ekiti commissioner, Adedayo said, “Greatest Nigerian students, my name is Gold Adedayo. I am the Commissioner for Youth Development, Ekiti State.
“On behalf of Ekiti State government, I am endorsing Comrade Taiwo Owolewa for the position of South West Coordinator Zone D of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
“This is because he has shown capacity during his discharge of duties as Deputy Coordinator of the same zone.
“And so now, he is contesting for Zone D Coordinator in South West, and so we appeal to all stakeholders to please vote for Comrade Taiwo Owolewa.
“I assure you that he has the capacity to deliver on his mandate. He has the capacity to lead the student community to the next level. Please, vote for Comrade Taiwo Owolewa.”
Persistent allegations have surfaced, suggesting that federal and state governments, along with their respective agents, frequently intervene in the electoral processes of NANS.
This alleged interference is reportedly aimed at manipulating the outcome of these elections to favour candidates handpicked by the government, who can be easily influenced and controlled.
These claims imply that government authorities seek to exert undue influence over NANS leadership, compromising the organisation's autonomy and independence.
By allegedly backing specific candidates, the government may attempt to install puppet leaders who will toe the line and advance their interests, rather than genuinely representing the concerns and aspirations of Nigerian students.
This reported interference raises serious concerns about the integrity and credibility of NANS elections, undermining the principles of democracy and self-determination within the student body.
For instance, last October, aspirants for NANS Senate presidency warned Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, against interfering in the electoral process.
In a statement, the aspirants namely Opeoluwa Awoyinfa of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Adetunji Olalere of the Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele Ibadan, Oyo State, Segun Ekudina of Sikuru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology, Omu-Ijebu, Ogun State and Henry Okunomo of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), appealed to the President’s son not to polarize NANS.
The statement reads in part: “We respectfully appeal to Seyi Tinubu not to polarise the students’ body, which will definitely result in compounding issues for this administration that his purported endorsement of a particular candidate could cause.
“We believe that his influence should be used to foster a level playing field, where every aspirant has an equal opportunity to succeed.
“This is very important because each of us forms an integral part of the broader political structure that contributed to the success of his father’s presidential ambition.
“We must understand that the strength of a democratic system lies in its inclusivity and the equitable participation of all actors. It is, therefore, very necessary that Seyi Tinubu acknowledges the aspirations of all NANS Senate presidential aspirants and support them without favouring one over the other.
“The endorsement of a single candidate could inadvertently create a sense of alienation amongst other aspirants and their supporters, which could potentially undermine the unity and strength of the broader political structure.
“We, therefore, appeal to Seyi Tinubu to consider the bigger picture and the long-term implications of his actions. By supporting all aspirants equally, he will be reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles and strengthening the political structure, which is vital to his father’s advocacy for equality, justice and fairness in the overall interest of Nigerian students.”
“We believe that Seyi Tinubu understands the importance of maintaining unity and equality amongst all aspirants. We are also confident that he will take our concerns into consideration and act in a manner that supports the democratic ideals we all hold dear.
“Democracy is not just about the destination, but the journey. Let us ensure that this journey is fair and inclusive for all aspirants. This way, we can build a stronger and more vibrant political system that will deliver on the promise of a better and more prosperous Nigeria,” they added.