NANS Senate Suspends ZONE B CPC Convention Activities, Requests Probe

The President of the Senate, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Dist. Sen. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez (Babtee), has directed the immediate suspension of the ongoing NANS Zone B electoral process.

This is coming on the heels of a petition from the NANS National President, citing multiple grievances over alleged irregularities.

The petition, dated October 12, 2024, with reference number NANS/VOL1/GA1/A215, highlights concerns raised by various Students’ Union Government Presidents and electoral aspirants within Zone B (South-South Zone).

The grievances centered around the transparency, inclusivity, and credibility of the convention and electoral process.

In response, Sen. Babatunde Afeez, acting in his capacity as Senate President, issued a formal directive to the Convention Planning Committee (CPC) through the Zonal Coordinator of NANS Zone B, calling for an immediate halt to the electoral proceedings.

He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities to safeguard the integrity of the process.

“The National Association of Nigerian Students is built on democratic values and the sanctity of free and fair elections.

It is crucial that NANS upholds these core principles at all levels,” Sen. Babatunde stated in the statement.

He added that the suspension is necessary to ensure that the rights of all eligible students are protected and to allow for full participation in a transparent and fair election.

He also announced the formation of an unbiased investigative committee to examine key allegations.

These are denial of access to nomination forms for qualified aspirants, lack of transparency in the convention process, adherence to NANS’ democratic values of fairness, inclusivity, and due process.

The Senate President assured students in Zone B that the investigation would be conducted promptly and without bias, and that the electoral process would resume once these issues are resolved.

Furthermore, Sen. Babatunde gave the CPC a 48-hour ultimatum to suspend all electioneering activities and communicate the suspension to the Senate Secretariat.

He warned that failure to comply would lead to decisive actions from the Senate.

The NANS Senate leadership reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, transparency, and accountability, urging all stakeholders to trust the process and ensure a just and credible election.