As the countdown to the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Triennial Delegates Conference, scheduled for November 27, 2024, in Owerri, Imo State, gathers pace, the A+A Campaign Council has strongly defended the wave of endorsements for its presidential candidate, Alhaji Comrade Alhassan Yahya, and his running mate, Mrs. Abimbola Oyetunde.
In a statement signed by the Secretary-General of the A+A Campaign Council, Comrade Kenneth Ofoma, the team dismissed criticisms of these endorsements as baseless and driven by envy. The council described opponents of the endorsements as “bitter souls” who are attempting, albeit unsuccessfully, to tarnish the legitimacy of these endorsements.
“The campaign of calumny, evident in disjointed write-ups by our detractors under pseudonyms like ‘SAVE-NUJ-NOW!’ Movement, reflects their frustration with the growing popularity of the A+A team,” Ofoma stated.
Endorsements as a Reflection of Competence
The council lauded the endorsements as a testament to the competence and integrity of Alhassan Yahya and Abimbola Oyetunde, emphasizing that such support flows voluntarily from members impressed by the candidates’ vision and manifesto.
“We see these endorsements as votes of confidence. Delegates across various state councils and zones have witnessed Alhassan Yahya present his manifesto and engage directly with their concerns before offering their support. This demonstrates the authenticity of their choices,” the statement noted.
The A+A Campaign Council also highlighted that endorsements are a legitimate and democratic aspect of any electoral process, as seen in comparable instances, including the elections of professional bodies like the Nigerian Bar Association and political campaigns globally.
Commitment to Reform and Development
Outlining Alhassan Yahya’s manifesto, the council reiterated key commitments, including:
Reintroducing health insurance schemes and weigh-in allowances for journalists.
Restructuring the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ).
Launching NUJ Online Radio and improving infrastructure at the NUJ Secretariat.
Advocating for capacity building, press freedom, and financial interventions from the Federal Government to support the media sector.
Sponsoring a new salary structure bill for media practitioners.
Yahya’s decision to choose a female running mate was described as a deliberate move to promote gender inclusivity. He affirmed that Mrs. Oyetunde would play an active role in the administration, fostering collaboration and inclusivity.
Defiance Against Critics
Responding to claims that pre-election endorsements undermine democracy within the union, the council dismissed such arguments as either misinformed or malicious. “Endorsements do not foreclose elections but rather reflect delegates’ preferences. This is a natural part of any vibrant democratic system,” the statement added.
The council criticized attempts to discredit the endorsement process as a sign of “envy and hopelessness in the face of inevitable defeat.” It also underscored that forming a cohesive team like the A+A Campaign promotes unity and shared vision, which are essential for effective post-election governance.
A Call for More Support
The A+A Campaign Council expressed gratitude to councils and zonal caucuses that have endorsed their candidates and invited others to join what they described as a “moving train.”
“Forward together, we will build a greater union,” Ofoma declared.
As the NUJ Triennial Delegates Conference approaches, the A+A Campaign Council remains confident of victory, describing their candidates as a team whose time has come.
