By Boluwatife Adedokun
The Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University (ACJOAU), has withdrawn from the live coverage of the ongoing 2024/2025 Students’ Union election, alleging persistent harassment, intimidation and obstruction of its reporters by electoral officials.
The decision was contained in a statement jointly signed by the President of the association, Esther Olatimehin, and the Public Relations Officer, Olanrewaju Lawal, on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
According to the statement, the association withdrew from providing live election updates and situation reports after its accredited members were allegedly denied access to several polling units while carrying out their legitimate duties.
It alleged that electoral officials, particularly in the Faculties of Arts, Agriculture, Basic Medical Sciences, Law and Social Sciences, prevented its reporters from accessing polling centres despite identifying themselves as accredited journalists.
The association further claimed that some of its members were manhandled, threatened and deliberately obstructed from documenting proceedings during the election.
According to the statement, the actions amounted to “a serious assault on press freedom and a direct attack on the peaceful, transparent and accountable process that ought to define every democratic election.”
ACJOAU said the alleged exclusion of its members from polling units had raised serious concerns about transparency and public confidence in the conduct of the election.
The association maintained that it has, for decades, upheld a reputation for ethical, impartial and responsible coverage of Students’ Union elections, with a commitment to providing accurate, fair and timely information to members of the university community.
It expressed concern that the circumstances created by those entrusted with conducting the election had disrupted what should have been a peaceful, fair and transparent process.
“In light of these developments, the Association has decided to withdraw from providing election updates and live coverage of the ongoing electoral process until the safety and unrestricted access of its members are ensured,” the statement read.
The association added that credible elections depend not only on votes cast but also on the ability of the press to freely observe, document and report proceedings without fear, intimidation or interference.
It warned that any attempt to silence journalists diminishes public trust in the democratic process and undermines the principles of transparency and accountability which the Electoral Commission is expected to uphold.
