'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The ongoing tussle within the Abuja chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) is a striking mirror of the systemic dysfunction that characterizes not only unions but also political parties in Nigeria. The struggle for control within the NUJ FCT Council reflects the broader malaise in the nation's political sphere, particularly the ineptitude that often defines pre-election processes in Nigeria’s political parties. This imbroglio, much like the chaotic primaries and internal disputes in political parties, demonstrates a glaring disregard for due process and the rule of law.
Violation of constitutional provisions
At the heart of this conflict is the alleged breach of the NUJ Constitution by the embattled Chairman, Comrade Patrick Osaretin Osadebamwen. The Congress, in its statement, accused the Chairman of handpicking members of the Credentials Committee in clear contravention of Article 5(9d), which mandates the Congress to nominate members, subject to the approval of the National Secretariat. This unilateral action is a perfect parallel to the frequent manipulation of party primaries in Nigeria, where political godfathers and party leaders often impose candidates, undermining internal democracy. Just as the Chairman disregarded the constitutional provisions of the NUJ, political parties in Nigeria often sidestep their constitutions to pave the way for the emergence of predetermined candidates.
The aftermath is predictable: a breakdown of trust, rising tensions, and eventual conflict. Much like political parties embroiled in pre-election crises, the NUJ FCT Council has become a battleground where loyalty, ambition, and power plays trump adherence to established rules. The Congress’ vote of no confidence and subsequent impeachment of the Chairman is reminiscent of party factions passing no-confidence votes against leaders or candidates that fail to toe the line, often leading to parallel congresses and bitter court battles.
Resistance to accountability
On the other side of the divide, the impeached Chairman, Osaretin Osadebamwen, and his executives have denied the legitimacy of their removal, likening the situation to the infamous January 6th, 2021, insurrection in the U.S. This rejection of the impeachment echoes the manner in which political elites in Nigeria reject outcomes that do not favour them. In many cases, leaders refuse to vacate their positions even when clear legal and procedural grounds exist for their removal, further muddying the waters of accountability.
Just as the Chairman insists that due process was not followed and that the impeachment is a coup against legitimate leadership, so too do political candidates in Nigeria cry foul when ousted in party primaries, often claiming foul play and resorting to courts to challenge the outcome. The insistence of Osadebamwen’s camp on remaining in power, despite the Congress’ decision, mirrors the broader societal pattern where political leaders cling to power, even when public opinion or legal mechanisms indicate they should step down.
Pre-election parallels in Nigeria’s political parties
The pre-election imbroglio within the NUJ FCT Council offers a microcosm of the deeper problems that afflict political party primaries and the nomination process in Nigeria. Much like the infighting and factionalism within the NUJ, political parties in Nigeria are often beset by parallel congresses, court injunctions, and leadership disputes as elections draw near. The absence of transparency, coupled with the desire for power, leads to a collapse of internal democracy, resulting in the imposition of candidates and alienation of the party base.
In the same way the NUJ crisis exposes a lack of cohesion and respect for institutional structures, political parties in Nigeria routinely sidestep established guidelines, creating an environment where loyalty to individuals supersedes loyalty to the institution. The result is often the disintegration of party unity, with factions splintering off to form new parties or support rival candidates.
The ease with which the NUJ FCT Council’s leadership crisis has escalated into a public dispute is indicative of the fragile nature of organizational integrity in Nigeria. Whether in unions or political parties, the inability to handle internal disputes in a transparent and democratic manner often leads to protracted crises, which in turn erodes public trust in these institutions.
Conclusion: A need for institutional strengthening
The ongoing macabre dance within the NUJ FCT Council is not an isolated incident but a reflection of the larger societal malaise. The same lack of adherence to constitutional provisions, the same power tussles, and the same resistance to accountability that characterize political party primaries in Nigeria are playing out within the NUJ. Both in the NUJ and in political parties, there is an urgent need for institutional strengthening. Organizations must enforce their constitutions, promote internal democracy, and uphold transparency if they are to avoid descending into chaos.
The NUJ National Secretariat must take urgent steps to avoid the path of infamy in the forthcoming elective Congress in Imo State, which has so far been shrouded in secrecy. Transparency and adherence to constitutional guidelines are essential to maintaining the union's credibility and integrity. The recent developments in the FCT Council should serve as a warning against manipulations and backdoor dealings that often plague elective processes. The NUJ National must ensure that the Imo elective Congress is free from the same flaws that have beset the FCT Council—namely, handpicking committees and sidelining due process. A transparent, fair, and inclusive election in Imo is critical to restoring confidence in the union's leadership and avoiding further factionalism that could tarnish its reputation at both state and national levels.
Ultimately, the FCT NUJ crisis serves as a cautionary tale for Nigeria’s broader political and organizational systems. The failure to follow due process and the subsequent power struggle mirrors the endemic problems of political party primaries, where candidate imposition and factionalism often pave the way for election disputes. Only through a commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles can both the NUJ and Nigeria’s political parties chart a more stable and accountable path forward.
• 'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Editor-in-chief of Daily Courier Newspaper, a member of the FCT NUJ Council can be contacted via email: pstseuncid@gmail.com
