The management of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, has described as “sponsored” a protest staged by some Engineering students over the disqualification of a presidential aspirant in the forthcoming Students’ Union Government (SUG) election.

There had been claims that the SUG election became inconclusive after the Engineering Faculty candidate for the presidency was disqualified on the grounds that he is not from Abia State.

However, in a press statement signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Chijioke Nwogu, the institution clarified that “the said student was disqualified by the Students’ Union Government Electoral Commission on security grounds.”

The management alleged that instead of utilising internal mechanisms for redress, the disqualified aspirant mobilised students from his faculty and neighbouring institutions to disrupt academic activities.

Election postponed indefinitely

According to the statement, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo, has directed that the 2025/2026 SUG election be postponed indefinitely to safeguard lives and property and maintain order on campus.

“A new date for the election will be announced later and new aspirants into all offices will be free to apply,” the statement said.

The current SUG executive has been directed to remain in office pending the election of a new leadership, while the Students’ Electoral Committee has been dissolved. A new committee will be constituted.

Management also ordered an investigation into the alleged security concerns that led to the disqualification of Nicholas Emmanuel Chimaobi and his subsequent role in the protest.

Call for calm

While acknowledging students’ rights to express grievances through lawful channels, the university condemned actions capable of disrupting academic activities.

Students have been urged to remain calm and focus on their studies, as management reaffirmed its commitment to providing a peaceful and inclusive learning environment.

During the protest, students carried placards with inscriptions such as “No Nicholas, No Election,” “We See Injustice, We Say No. Restore Nicholas,” and “With One Voice, We Ask For Reason.”