By Adelu Idris and Maryam Nababa
The annual general elections for the Faculty of Social Sciences (FOSSSA) took an unexpected turn on Thursday, August 17th, as delays, disruptions, and arrests marred the proceedings. The election aimed to select the upcoming members of the Center Executive Council from a roster of 12 candidates, with four running unopposed. The event unfolded within the premises of the Faculty Lecture Theater (SSLT).
Initially slated to kick off at 10:00 am, the election faced an approximate delay of 1 hour and 40 minutes. The Chairman of the Faculty of Social Sciences Independent Electoral Committee (FOSSIEC) attributed the setback to complications in the printing of ballot papers, necessitating rectification before the process could proceed.
Students were directed to form orderly queues outside the lecture theater, organized according to their respective departments. They were then admitted to the venue in groups of five, after undergoing a meticulous ID card verification procedure. Within the theater, departmental representatives facilitated the accreditation process, culminating in the distribution of ballot papers for voting. Each department had a dedicated ballot box for the collection of votes.
Around 12:15 pm, the voting process encountered a temporary halt due to a contentious issue. A faculty stakeholder had cast their vote and lingered within the hall, raising concerns of potential interference in the electoral process by influencing voters towards particular candidates. Subsequently, the election was suspended as questions arose about the stakeholder’s presence.
It came to light that the stakeholder had stayed behind to address a capacity issue faced by a candidate’s agent from their department. However, the electoral committee contested this explanation, alleging that the stakeholder’s actions aimed at manipulating the proceedings.
Following consultations with the concerned parties, the electoral process resumed at 12:25 pm, accompanied by an alteration in the entry procedure – allowing groups of ten students from each department.
Yet, at 12:34 pm, the election experienced another suspension due to escalating tensions and apprehensions of potential violence and manipulation. Conflicts involving agents and students were eventually resolved following intervention.
The Chairman of FOSSIEC convened a meeting with the agents to establish clarity regarding their roles and affiliations, setting out guidelines to ensure impartial conduct.
Consequently, the electoral process was reinstated, permitting entry in groups of ten, regardless of their departmental affiliation. The previously tumultuous atmosphere transformed into a peaceful environment, facilitating uninhibited voting.
Beyond the precincts of the venue, a dispute involving “ACCESS TO EXCELLENCE,” a presidential candidate, and other individuals unfolded. Although the precise cause remained undisclosed, the school’s security unit promptly responded to the situation following a plea by the Cadets. After dialogues, the situation was defused, and arrested individuals were released.
Despite external disruptions, the voting process within SSLT remained unimpeded, thanks to the support of the Cadets.
Briefly interrupting the temporary tranquility, conflicts emerged between the FOSSIEC chairman and certain agents concerning entry regulations. Cadets and security personnel played an integral role in resolving the dispute.
As the election proceeded, Mr. Raheem Azeez, President of the Department of Political Science, raised concerns about missing student names that could potentially affect the vote count. FOSSIEC reassured him that the oversight would be rectified, ensuring the inclusion of their votes.
Although the election was originally scheduled to conclude at 4 pm, the FOSSIEC chairman announced an extension until 5 pm due to the earlier delay.
The election drew to a close around 5 pm, in line with the FOSSIEC chairman’s prior announcement, marking the commencement of the vote counting process.