Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The controversy surrounding the 14 August 2026 election of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Alumni Association Home Branch has intensified, with concerned financial members and stakeholders calling for an independent investigation into alleged electoral irregularities, disenfranchisement and manipulation of the voting process.
In a response dated 22 August 2026 and addressed to the Worldwide President, Dr. Clifford Imade Omozeghian, the group welcomed the decision of the National Executive Council (NEC) to constitute a three-member Appeal Committee.
However, they questioned the committee’s independence, composition and terms of reference.
The petition, signed by Dr. Obasanmi Jude, Comr. Benedict Oseyomon, Comr. Onobhayedo Austin, Dr. Mamudu Zebede, Mr. Aideloje Monday, Mrs. Ookosun Patience and Mr. Okechukhu James, outlined a series of alleged irregularities surrounding the election.
Among the allegations were the unilateral constitution of the Electoral Committee, the use of a private residence reportedly linked to a candidate as the election venue, manipulation of the voters’ register, and the disenfranchisement of financial members.
The petitioners also alleged discrepancies between the number of accredited voters and the votes recorded, improper conduct by electoral officials, intimidation of members and alleged proxy voting.
They further claimed that ballot boxes were stuffed, votes were cast in the names of absent members, and multiple ballot papers were allegedly issued to designated proxies for the chairmanship election.
The group consequently urged the association’s leadership to institute a truly independent and impartial investigation capable of addressing the allegations and restoring confidence in the electoral process.
The group stressed that these allegations remain subject to verification and called for a forensic examination of the election materials.
They therefore proposed the inclusion of an independent legal practitioner, a respected Home Branch elder with no involvement in the election or NEC, and a representative from another branch or zone.
Their position was summed up in their appeal: “We need justice, not just a committee. We need an independent investigation, not an internal validation exercise. We need the truth, whatever that truth may be.”
The group said that they want the committee to examine the voters’ register, financial membership records, accreditation figures, ballot papers, result sheets, attendance records, correspondence, electronic communications, photographs and videos.
They also want the constitutional provisions governing membership, voting rights, eligibility and electoral procedures applied in determining the validity of the election.
The petitioners called for all election materials to be secured immediately and submitted within 48 hours to prevent alteration, loss or destruction.
They also requested protection for petitioners and witnesses against intimidation or victimisation.
Another major demand is the suspension of the newly elected Home Branch Executive and its replacement with a neutral caretaker arrangement pending the outcome of the investigation.
The members argued that allowing an executive whose election is being challenged to continue exercising full authority could give the beneficiaries of the disputed process an unfair institutional advantage.
The group also called for a comprehensive audit of the Home Branch’s financial affairs, including bank statements, receipts, expenditures, membership dues and financial reports.
It further proposed that the investigation be completed within 14 days, warning that an undefined timeline could prolong the crisis.
The members also questioned the wisdom of holding a National Convention while the dispute remains unresolved, expressing concern that widespread dissatisfaction could result in poor participation.
The petitioners further want the substantive findings and recommendations of the Appeal Committee made available to Home Branch members, subject to legitimate confidentiality requirements.
They noted that the Worldwide President’s 20 August letter reportedly acknowledged that the NEC Monitoring Observer’s report was “not fully consistent” with the issues raised in the petition, which they said further underscores the need for a comprehensive and independent investigation.
The concerned members maintained that they are not seeking a predetermined outcome but a credible process capable of establishing the truth.
“If the election was properly conducted, the investigation should establish that clearly. If the election was substantially compromised, the Association should have the courage to correct it,” they stated.
They reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful dialogue, due process and a lawful resolution, saying their ultimate objective is to protect the integrity of the AAU Alumni Association, restore members’ confidence and ensure that the Home Branch is governed in accordance with its constitution.
