A Day of Triumph and Lessons at Yakubu Gowon University’s SUG Elections

The campus of Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja, pulsed with fervor today, June 3, 2025, as the results of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) elections rolled in. I find my heart brimming with a complex joy—not solely for the victories, but for the indomitable spirit of democracy that defined this moment. Today’s elections were a vibrant tapestry of aspiration, resilience, and lessons that will shape the future of student leadership.

My presidential candidate, Comr. Korede Royalty, did not emerge as the victor, yet her campaign was a beacon of courage. The popular vote may have spoken otherwise, but her loss was not a defeat of merit. For 37 years, an invisible yet persistent barrier has kept women from the presidency of our SUG. Korede’s audacious bid challenged this entrenched curse, igniting a spark that will outlast the ballots cast yesterday. I harbor no regrets for championing her cause, for she has redefined what it means to lead. Her influence—a bold vision of inclusive leadership—has sown a dream that will one day bloom into reality, inspiring generations to come.

My deepest joy, however, springs from the victory of Comr. Ojoneme Goodness as Vice President of the SUG. This office, elevated through the meticulous work of the constitutional drafting committee, is a cornerstone of service, designed to uphold the welfare of students with dignity and purpose. Ojoneme’s win is a personal triumph, a moment where my vote felt like a sacred act of faith in her proven leadership. Her past in student governance is a living testament to her wisdom and tenacity. She has walked this path before, leaving footprints of integrity and compassion that continue to guide her peers. As Comr. Donald once mused, “Leadership is not about power but about lifting others to their potential”—words that echo her ability to inspire and unite. No one could embody this role with greater grace or resolve. Her victory affirms that every vote counts when cast for a leader who truly serves.

The election of Comr. Law of Honour as Secretary General is another cause for celebration. His triumph is a story of relentless effort blessed by providence. In the often unpredictable arena of unionism, his win is a reminder that hard work, paired with faith, can yield extraordinary outcomes. With Comr. Law at the helm, the administrative soul of the SUG is in capable hands, poised to serve with honor and efficiency.

Equally heartening is the victory of Comr. Sefa Daniel as Director of Academic Affairs. His ascent to this critical office feels nothing short of divinely orchestrated. The academic welfare of students, a pillar of our university’s mission, is secure under his stewardship. Sefa’s calm strength and dedication ensure that this office will not only protect but actively advance the academic aspirations of every student.

Beyond the victors, I find inspiration in two comrades who did not win but whose influence endures—Comr. Joe and Comr. Motion. In the theater of politics, not every hero wears a crown, but true leaders capture the hearts of their people. These two, with their unwavering commitment to student welfare and their truthful ideas, did just that. I supported them without bias, trusting voters to see their worth, and I cast my vote for both because their goodness was undeniable. Their loss from the race only amplified their impact, proving that leadership is not confined to titles but thrives in the courage to serve selflessly.

Yesterday’s election was not a tale of loss but a profound lesson in the art of politics. It taught us that victory is not always about winning a seat but about standing for what is right, challenging outdated norms, and building bridges of trust. The 2025 SUG elections at Yakubu Gowon University have shown that democracy is a living force, fueled by the dreams of those who dare to lead and the votes of those who dare to believe. As we move forward, let us carry the wisdom of this day: that every step toward progress, whether crowned or not, strengthens the foundation of our student community.

Today, I celebrate the winners, the dreamers, and the voters who made this election a powerful chapter in our university’s story. Yakubu Gowon University stands taller, its future brighter, because of the courage and unity displayed in this democratic dance.