The Abia State University (ABSU) administration has announced the indefinite postponement of the 2025/2026 Students’ Union Government (SUG) election following a large-scale protest by students over the disqualification of a leading presidential aspirant.
The protest erupted after Nicholas Emmanuel Chimaobi, a Mechanical Engineering student and prominent SUG presidential candidate, was disqualified from the race by the Students’ Union Government Electoral Commission (SUGECO). University authorities stated that the decision was taken on security grounds, citing concerns for the safety of the campus community. The management emphasized that the move was intended to maintain peace and order on campus.
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Eyewitnesses reported that hundreds of students gathered on the main campus carrying placards with messages such as “No Nicholas, No Election” and “Restore Nicholas”, demanding the reinstatement of the disqualified candidate. The protest, which began early in the morning, drew students from various faculties and reportedly included some individuals from outside the university, further heightening security concerns.
In response to the unrest, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo issued a statement condemning the disruption of academic activities and reiterating the university’s commitment to ensuring a safe and orderly electoral process. Professor Okeudo announced that the SUG elections have been suspended indefinitely and directed the immediate formation of a new electoral committee to oversee future elections. Until a fresh election is conducted, the current SUG executive will remain in office to ensure continuity of student governance.
The university also revealed that an investigation has been launched to examine the circumstances surrounding both the disqualification of Nicholas Emmanuel and the subsequent student protest. Management urged students to adhere to university protocols for raising grievances and discouraged any form of action that could jeopardize campus security or disrupt academic activities.
This development has sparked widespread debate among the student body, with many expressing frustration over what they describe as a lack of transparency in the electoral process. Meanwhile, university authorities maintain that all decisions were taken in accordance with established regulations, and the primary goal remains the safety and welfare of all students and staff.
The ABSU management has assured students and stakeholders that the postponed SUG election will be rescheduled once the new electoral committee is in place, and further details will be communicated through official channels. Students have been advised to remain calm, exercise patience, and utilize proper institutional channels to voice their concerns.