Emoefe Onome Wins Sapele NUT Chairman Election in a faur Contest
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Sapele Local Government Area branch has produced a new chairman following a highly organised and transparent election that reinforced confidence in the union’s internal democratic process.
Comrade Emoefe Onome emerged victorious after defeating his opponent, Mrs. Jonusa Maureen, in what participants described as an orderly and credible contest supervised by union officials, security personnel, and accredited observers.
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Ejes Gist News reports that the election featured a strong turnout of delegates from across the Sapele LGA, reflecting heightened interest in the leadership direction of the branch. The contest for the chairmanship position was particularly competitive, with both candidates embarking on extensive engagements among eligible delegates before the polls opened.
Comrade Onome secured 97 votes, while Mrs. Maureen garnered 69 votes. Election officials noted that the tally represented a broad consensus among teachers who sought firm, proactive, and people-focused leadership within the union’s Sapele structure.
Vote Distribution and Electoral Conduct
Delegates at the election venue noted that the process followed the established guidelines of the Nigeria Union of Teachers. The returning officer, Mestre Edward, supervised the ballots from accreditation to vote counting, ensuring that all procedures remained consistent with union protocols. The presence of observers, security operatives, and media representatives provided additional layers of transparency.
Election officials confirmed that seven votes were voided after being cast for individuals who were not contesting any position. According to the returning officer, all voided ballots were invalidated in line with the union’s electoral rules, which require strict adherence to the published list of candidates.
Secretary Contest and Unopposed Positions
The secretary position was another closely watched race featuring Mrs. Iyegha Grace and Fregene Orighomisan. Delegates cast 85 votes in favour of Mrs. Grace, while Orighomisan received 77 votes. The result placed Grace as the duly elected Secretary of the Sapele NUT branch.
Positions such as Treasurer, Deputy Chairman, Vice Chairmen, Assistant Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Financial Secretary, Social Secretary, and Examiners of Accounts were filled unopposed. Candidates in these roles were returned elected after meeting constitutional requirements.
Across the branch, the elected officers include:
- Branch Chairman: Emoefe Onome
- Secretary: Iyegha Grace
- Treasurer: Ojigbo Timothy
- Deputy Chairman: Ewharekuko Veronica
- 1st Vice Chairman: Erabor Emmanuel
- 2nd Vice Chairman: Otuburu Christiana
- 3rd Vice Chairman: Iyonu Philo
- Assistant Secretary: Walker Philomena Akpojotor
- Financial Secretary: Aerhuan Gladys
- Publicity Secretary: Akioya Juliana
- Social Secretary: Ugbuwe Augustina
- 1st Examiner of Accounts: Odebala Michael
- 2nd Examiner of Accounts: Unoku Ufuoma
These officers now constitute the Sapele NUT leadership team for the new administrative cycle.
Certificate of Return and Acceptance Remarks
Shortly after the final vote tally, Comrade Onome was issued the Certificate of Return as the lawfully elected chairman of the Sapele NUT. Accepting his mandate, he assured delegates that he would pursue initiatives aimed at strengthening the welfare, unity, and professional development of teachers across the local government area.
Onome stated that his leadership would prioritise fairness, accountability, and advocacy for improved teaching conditions. He expressed gratitude to the delegates for entrusting him with the responsibility to steer the branch and reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the union’s operational efficiency.
Mrs. Maureen, his opponent in the election, formally conceded defeat and congratulated the new chairman. Her gesture was widely acknowledged by delegates as an important demonstration of unity and respect for the electoral outcome.
Reaction From Stakeholders
Reactions from teachers and stakeholders across Sapele expressed satisfaction with the conduct and outcome of the election. Many educators described the process as free from irregularities and commended the electoral committee for ensuring a transparent system that allowed every valid vote to count.
Mr. Efeakpor Fredrick, one of the vocal stakeholders present at the venue, stated that the exercise was credible. He emphasised that Comrade Onome’s victory reflected the choice of the majority of teachers despite attempts by some interest groups to raise concerns over his eligibility linked to his parental background.
According to Fredrick, the delegates’ decision reaffirmed the principle that leadership within the union should be based on competence, dedication, and trust rather than local political sentiments. He highlighted that Onome’s long-standing involvement in union matters strengthened his candidacy and ultimately influenced the confidence of members.
Teachers’ Reactions and General Atmosphere
After the declaration of results, many teachers were seen celebrating and expressing optimism about the future direction of the Sapele branch under the new leadership. Delegates, both young and experienced, indicated that the election outcome represented a renewed mandate for stability and progress within the union.
Teachers noted that the successful completion of the election showed the union’s commitment to democratic governance, which they described as essential for protecting the interest of educators in Sapele. The jubilant atmosphere reflected a broad sense of unity and expectations for improved engagement between the union leadership and its members.
Reinforcing Credibility in Union Elections
The transparent process underscored the importance of internal democracy within professional organisations such as the NUT. Observers described the Sapele election as an example of how orderly, peaceful, and well-supervised elections can strengthen confidence in leadership structures.
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Delegates emphasized that effective union leadership begins with credible elections capable of producing legitimate and widely accepted officers. The Sapele branch’s adherence to this principle was highlighted by the orderly conduct of participants and the absence of disruptions throughout the process.
The Mandate Ahead for the New Leaders
The newly elected officers now face the responsibility of managing the affairs of the NUT Sapele branch, including:
- Strengthening welfare programmes for teachers
- Advocating improved remuneration and working conditions
- Enhancing collaboration with government agencies
- Promoting continuous professional development
- Ensuring transparent union administration
- Encouraging active member participation
Teachers expressed hope that the strategic direction of the new leadership would focus on issues such as classroom infrastructure, staff motivation, training opportunities, and stronger representation during policy engagements.
The Sapele NUT branch is expected to continue participating actively in state-wide union activities while championing local initiatives in collaboration with school administrators, traditional institutions, and community groups.
