The Electoral Commission, constituted to oversee the Great IFE Students’ Union election for the 2023/2024 academic session and led by Mathew Ehondor, on Monday, June 23rd, announced the postponement of the much-anticipated Press and Debate Night initially scheduled to be held by 6 PM the same day.
This announcement, which came after heightened anticipation and expectations from Great Ife students eager to witness the debate among aspirants vying for various positions, was met with disappointment. Candidates and students who had gathered inside Oduduwa Hall of the university described the development as a waste of time and an indication of incompetence.
Allegations of gross incompetence have been levelled against the Electoral Commission by candidates, students, and supporters who had converged at the iconic Oduduwa Hall, eager to witness a thrilling night where aspirants would engage in a press confrontation debate. However, their anticipation was met with disappointment when the Electoral Commission failed to appear—an act they deemed unjust.
In a statement released by the Public Relations Officer of the Electoral Commission, Audu Abdulsalam Olamide (Salam), the commission announced the postponement of the date to candidates and students, stating the reasons that prompted it. The adjustment, the commission says, is due to the SRC’s in-house election, which took more time than initially planned.
However, this came after the Association of Campus Journalists issued a press release accusing the commission of lacking transparency and accountability—a development that raised serious doubts about the commission’s ability to fulfil its promise of conducting a free, fair, and credible election.
As contained in the ACJOAU’s press release, the Association expressed concern over the commission’s departure from the conventional practice where candidates vying for positions in the Great Ife Students’ Union Central Executive Council, at the Press and Debate Night, engage in rigorous debate, informing students about their leadership records, vision, and the initiative they are bringing on board when elected to office.
Meanwhile, according to ACJOAU release, it was stated that the commission requested that questions for the press conference, earlier speculated to be held on Friday, June 20th, should be submitted for review. The Association described this move as ‘uncalled for,’ asserting that it undermines its independence in organising the Press and Debate night.