16/07/2025
REJOINDER TO NAPS PRESIDENT'S PRESS STATEMENT OF JULY 14, 2025
By Comrade Usman Abdulazeem (D VOICE)
16th July, 2025
WHEN HONOUR IS ATTACKED AND TRUTH DISTORTED: A Rebuttal of Lies, a Defense of Character, and a Call for Accountability
Fellow Nigerians, respected members of the press, the Auchi Polytechnic community, and the entire Nigerian student body:
I write today not in defense of desperation, but in defense of dignity. Not to trade words with falsehood, but to set the record straight in the face of deliberate character assassination and brazen abuse of power. My name is Comrade Usman Abdulazeem (D VOICE), a committed student, aspirant in the recently disrupted SUG elections at Auchi Polytechnic, and a firm believer in democratic values and responsible student unionism.
Let it be made unequivocally clear:
I vehemently deny every single allegation leveled against me by the President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Comr. Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, in his July 14, 2025 press statement.
I consider the entire narrative as politically motivated, maliciously concocted, and fundamentally false.
A VESTED INTEREST, NOT NEUTRALITY
It is important for the public to know that the NAPS President is not a neutral observer in the Auchi Polytechnic SUG elections. He is, in fact, a known and open sponsor of my major opponent, and his actions, comments, and now fabricated press release are nothing but a desperate attempt to tilt public opinion and subvert the will of the students.
Rather than act in line with the neutrality and objectivity expected of his office, the NAPS President has used the platform to further personal interests, compromise electoral fairness, and sow division.
NO ROLE IN THE VIOLENCE – AND A CALL FOR INVESTIGATION
Let me state without ambiguity:
I had no hand whatsoever in the crisis that engulfed the election process.
I neither sponsored thugs, nor incited violence, nor disrupted any activity. My campaign has always been driven by ideas, service, and integrity — not intimidation or coercion.
I therefore join all concerned students and observers to call on the management of Auchi Polytechnic to launch a full, impartial investigation into the violence and electoral disruption — with evidence, not political statements, as the benchmark. Those responsible, regardless of camp or status, must be identified and held accountable.
CONDEMNATION OF ELECTORAL VIOLENCE
What happened on July 5th was a disgrace to campus democracy and a stain on our collective conscience. I strongly condemn in totality the violence, intimidation, and eventual breakdown of order. This was a betrayal of the students’ hopes and a hijack of their democratic right to freely choose their leaders.
Let us not allow any individual, no matter how highly placed, to weaponize chaos in order to justify manipulation or discredit others unjustly.
IN CONCLUSION
Truth does not struggle — it only waits to be revealed.
To those who traffic in falsehood for political gain, let it be known: the students are watching, and history remembers.
To my supporters and the student community: remain calm, resolute, and peaceful. Let us continue to demand justice, fairness, and accountability — not just for D Voice, but for the future of campus democracy.
Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta!
Signed:
Comrade Usman Abdulazeem (D VOICE)
Student Leader and Aspirant, Auchi Polytechnic
16th July, 2025
