By Omotayo Toyeeb
The Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is currently grappling with internal discord following allegations that the Council Chairman, Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, is attempting to suppress dissenting voices within the union.
The controversy stems from the fallout of the July 31st NUJ election, which several members claim was riddled with irregularities. The election, now being challenged in court, has led to growing tensions as the National NUJ election slated for November approaches.
The latest issue igniting widespread discontent among members centers on Abdullateef’s decision to remove several members from the union’s official WhatsApp platform.
Among those removed was the immediate past Secretary of the union, Comrade Omotayo Ayanda, who had shared a critical report alleging that the National NUJ President, Chief Chris Isiguzo, manipulated the results of the Kwara election.
Ayanda’s removal from the platform has sparked outrage, with members accusing Abdullateef of stifling free expression within the union. Some have likened his leadership style to that of a military dictatorship, accusing him of eliminating all forms of dissent to protect his position.
“This is no longer about leadership but about integrity and the future of our union,” one aggrieved member said, criticizing the chairman’s actions as an attempt to suppress those who dare to challenge his authority.
It would be recalled that after the first monthly congress after the disputed election the chairman removed chairmanship candidate in the election Abdullahi Dare Akogun, former zonal secretary Fadeyi Babajide and Saka Laaro who are challenging the outcome of the election in court.
The July 31st election, which is under legal scrutiny, has deepened divisions within the Kwara NUJ. Allegations of vote tampering and other electoral malpractices have left many members dissatisfied and questioning Abdullateef’s legitimacy.
For several, the pending court case is seen as a decisive moment that will test the union’s credibility and commitment to upholding democratic values.
The implications of this internal struggle extend beyond the Kwara NUJ, as the forthcoming National election in November is now under a cloud of uncertainty. Should the court rule in favour of the aggrieved members, it may cast doubt on the transparency of the NUJ’s electoral processes at all levels, including the national leadership.
Critics argue that Abdullateef’s leadership is marked by a growing disconnect between the union’s leadership and the members they are meant to represent.
His removal of dissenting voices from the NUJ WhatsApp platform has been widely condemned as an authoritarian tactic that goes against the principles of transparency and accountability.
For a body that prides itself on defending freedom of speech and journalistic integrity, this form of internal suppression has raised concerns about the Kwara NUJ’s ability to uphold these values. Members are now calling for more openness and dialogue to resolve the escalating crisis.
The outcome of the court case is not only crucial for the Kwara State Council but also for the National NUJ. If the court finds that the election was indeed manipulated, it could prompt widespread calls for electoral reform within the union. Conversely, a ruling in Abdullateef’s favour could embolden similar leadership styles across other NUJ councils, setting a troubling precedent.
As the November National election draws nearer, all eyes will be on the Kwara Court’s ruling and how the union resolves its internal crisis. The way forward will determine whether the NUJ remains committed to transparency and reform or continues on a path of control and suppression. The coming months are critical, but for now, the Kwara NUJ remains deeply divided.
