Following the just-concluded poll in Ebonyi State, the national leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has condemned the process, declaring it illegal, null, and void. National President of the association, Comrade Isaiah Benjamin, voiced his disapproval on Friday, stressing that the election, which produced Ndubuisi Nwogha as Chairman, was conducted unlawfully.
Benjamin emphasized that justice must prevail, stating, “Whatever they have done is illegality, and it cannot work.” He also noted that he was not supporting any candidate, but was committed to ensuring fairness in the process. He mentioned that he had informed the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development about the postponement of the election due to inconsistencies in the procedure.
The election, initially scheduled for December 6, 2024, was postponed indefinitely by the National President’s office due to issues such as non-compliance with the status of qualified voters, unresolved petitions, and concerns over non-practicing journalists and sports writers. Despite this, Electoral Committee Chairman Chukwuemeka Opara, along with National Vice President, South East, Ikemefuna Asika, proceeded with the election, gathering individuals from the streets as the purported voters.
Many SWAN members in the state have condemned the actions of Opara and Asika, labeling them as gross insubordination that should not go unpunished to prevent further embarrassment to the association
