NUJ Election: Beyond Desperation, Oyo Journalists Must Choose Credibility Over Sentiment| Anonymous

Desperation is a natural element in the life of any ambitious individual. However, it appears in two forms: the healthy urgency to achieve a goal, and the reckless version that lumps both relevant and irrelevant tactics together without regard for consequences.

In truth, achieving life goals is not a matter of life and death. It is an opportunity—often a product of grace—properly utilised unless God decides otherwise. That is why the bridge some people cross with ease becomes impassable for others, even when they appear more physically and mentally equipped.

In the pursuit of goals, it is normal to reach out, mobilise, and consult stakeholders. But ambition crosses the line when people resort to discrediting others or injecting ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation into the process. Unfortunately, this is the disturbing trend emerging in the ongoing NUJ election in Oyo State.

While desperation may be excused in partisan politics due to the craze for power, the same cannot be said of the NUJ—the moral watchdog of society. What we are witnessing today reflects an embarrassing level of indecorum and extreme desperation, an attempt to “rule by force” through any means necessary.

For me, it is time to rescue the NUJ from the karakata style of leadership. Truly, all the candidates are qualified in their own right, but Comrade Akeem Abass, an editor with the News Agency of Nigeria, stands out as the most suitable to lead the union—if indeed journalists in Oyo State are ready to restore the credibility of their union and return sanity to the system.

Akeem is not only a thoroughbred development journalist; he is an advocate for a better society, and NUJ is a critical part of that vision. Place the three candidates side by side and let them speak for just five minutes—you will see the difference in elocution, articulation, clarity of ideas, and the depth of their vision for the union.

Beyond that, a look at his manifesto shows clearly that Akeem is not the kind of leader who will go cap in hand, begging for funds at every slight need. His agenda is rooted in institutional strength, resourcefulness, and financial prudence—qualities the NUJ desperately needs to regain its dignity. His programmes are practical, sustainable, and structured to make the union self-reliant instead of dependent on endless favours from politicians or power brokers.

Importantly, testimonies from respected colleagues further underline his credibility. At the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr. Ola Ajayi, under whom Akeem served as Treasurer, openly attested to his integrity, diligence, and sense of responsibility. Similarly, Mr. Niyi Alebiosu, former SWAN chairman, spoke highly of Akeem’s character, leadership qualities, and unwavering commitment to accountability. These are voices that know him closely—and their words reinforce the trust many already place in him.

The trend of name-dropping, weaponising ethnicity or political affiliation, and adopting deceptive tactics to win support is a clear sign of weakness, lack of goodwill, and an absence of capacity. This election belongs to journalists; they should be the ones to decide. Anything contrary turns the process into a jamboree. And if we cannot conduct a credible election in the NUJ, we lose the moral right to criticise politicians.

Sadly, the NUJ of today has been politicised and ethnicised. To some, the election is an opportunity to “cash out” and engage in moneybag politics without any meaningful vision for the union. To others, it is simply about wearing the title “NUJ Chairman” and enjoying the influence. But if the goal is truly to rebrand the union and restore its dignity, then Akeem Abass remains the best option.

I have watched him closely. To him, NUJ leadership goes far beyond a title—it is about changing the narrative, restoring the credibility of journalism in Oyo State, and creating an environment where professionalism thrives and ethical journalism reigns supreme.

Akeem may not be perfect—no one is—but among the current chairmanship contenders, he is clearly the best equipped to lead the union into a new era of integrity, independence, and excellence.

Anonymous.