In A Controversial Move Defended With Precedence, OAU Electoral Commission Made One of Its Members Head of Security Committee


OAU Kilonshele



The electoral commission tasked with organizing the election of Obafemi Awolowo University just-reinstated Students' Union made one of its members the head of the security committee, a move it claimed is based on precedence.


In the congress held on the 15th of July, the electoral commission brought up the need to have a security committee. Congressmen assented, nominated security members, and gave the electoral commission the right to screen and ratify the committee. However, that was the extent of the congress decision. 


OAU Kilonshele learned that the commission did all these and then made TeePaul, one of its members the head of the committee. This selection was not discussed in the congress and has generated criticism from some quarters. The decision is also not constitutionally backed but neither are the majority of the decisions that have been made since the reinstatement of the union. Although, the current climate is an unusual one and not specifically provided for in the constitution. 


This decision has been criticized by students and ex-students who have knowledge of how Students' Unionism works. Some students stated that if they keep making decisions without consulting democratic means, the long-term effect could be huge. Nevertheless, the chairman of the electoral commission told OAU Kilonshele that the decision was a necessary one as no one among the committee was deemed capable to hold that position. The chairman even said they had to rule out some members because they were far from the standard. 


TeePaul and Efem Castro, the electoral chairman, stated that their decision was based on the precedence that happened in 2016 - the last time there was an electoral commission. In 2016, the then electoral chairman made a member of the commission the chairman of the security committee . Although, we learned that this was not well-received at that time too. The electoral commission maintained its defense. 


The committee also has a vice-chairman and will have a PRO, according to the electoral chairman


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