The National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Aisha Ibrahim, is set to secure a second term after emerging unopposed ahead of the association’s National Delegates Conference in Kano State.
Ibrahim emerged unopposed alongside the National Secretary, Wasilah Ladan, and several other national officers following the conclusion of the screening exercise by the NAWOJ Electoral Committee.
However, the build-up to the election has been overshadowed by the disqualification of two aspirants, including the association’s Vice President for Zone D (North Central), Chizoba Ogbeche, and Vice President for Zone A, Rabi Mohammad.
The Electoral Committee reportedly disqualified Ogbeche for failing to meet the constitutional requirement on attendance at congresses at her chapel level.
The committee was also said to have maintained its decision despite alleged pressure, threats, harassment and intimidation directed at its members and the national chairperson by Ogbeche’s husband, a serving Special Assistant to the Cross River State Governor.
Following Ogbeche’s disqualification, Fatima Rasheed of Kwara State, who was cleared by the committee, emerged unopposed for the position of Vice President, Zone D.
Mohammad, on the other hand, was disqualified following her appointment as Director of Social Mobilisation at the Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board.
The decision was reportedly based on provisions of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Constitution, which bar members who accept political appointments from voting or contesting elections within the union and its affiliates.
With her disqualification, Hannatu Mohammed, a former chairperson of the NAWOJ Katsina State chapter, has emerged unopposed.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the NAWOJ Triennial Delegates Conference in Kano, where elections will be held for the remaining contested positions.
The conference is expected to bring together delegates from across the country to elect national officers who will lead the association for the next three years.
