Victoria Ascerta Triumphs in UniAbuja SUG Senate Election: A Victory for Student Power

The University of Abuja Student Union Government (SUG) Senate in-house election, held on June 21, 2025, was a political spectacle. Fifty-nine senators from faculty and hostel constituencies voted for principal officers, showcasing the strength of student democracy against corrupt alumni interference. The Victoria Ascerta camp, a symbol of integrity, emerged victorious, proving unity and wisdom can defeat manipulative schemes.

A cabal of alumni, infamous for past embezzlement, tried to control the Senate with empty promises and alleged bribes as high as ₦23,000 per candidate. Yet, the senators’ discernment and dedication to students foiled their plans. Senator God’swill Favour Erudite won the Senate Presidency with 51 votes, crushing his alumni-backed opponent’s 8 votes. Other key roles went to Sen. Habeebah Zannah (Deputy Senate President), Sen. Ade Zaheer (Clerk),Sen. Ahmed Barakat (Deputy Clerk), and Sen. Idris Bashir (Chief Whip), ensuring a Senate focused on accountability and welfare.

In his speech, Senate President Godswill Favour (Erudite) pledged to use the constitutional two-thirds majority judiciously, stating, “If you align with us, we will align with you; if you disalign with us, we will disalign with you, as the constitution is our guide.” From my tentative seat, I was overjoyed hearing his fearless plans for students, delivered with conviction and humor. As a lover of Nyesom Wike’s band, I stood chanting, “As e dey sweet us, e dey pay dem; as e dey pain dem, omor e dey sweet us!”

This victory was achieved through Senate unity, with senators sacrificing personal interests for the collective mandate. Senator Dahiru, Babba, a tireless leader, was virtually everywhere, embodying the house leader role without formal appointment. Senators His Excellency, Senator Isah, and many others played crucial roles. To the unsung comrades who fought for good leadership without reward, may God bless them abundantly.