What happened on Thursday, 25th July 2024 at ATBU, can be best described as a flawless victory. A flawless victory wherein competency and excellence humiliated propaganda and sentiments.

The race for the apex position of SUEC at ATBU has been nothing short of a drama filled with suspense. Through campaigns and other initiatives, the three top candidates showcased their passion for leadership and effective representation.

However, passion passes passion.

Citizen Fahad Abdullahi convinced students with his unparalleled leadership and interpersonal skills coupled with beautiful antecedents while serving as the Nigeria University Engineering Students Association's (NUESA), ATBU chapter president.

KBJ appears to have convinced students with sentiments, leveraging on the precious gift of being an indigene of the state where ATBU is sited. Apart from this, I'm not sure if KBJ had other trump cards. An indigene vying for the apex position in the sentimental setting of our country is indeed synonymous with a first born laying claim to his parents wealth. So, being an indigene was indeed enough strength for KBJ. But then, he failed utterly at providing antecedents and convincing Students about his competency.

Mansur Sariki was the insignificant one who later became a powerful force just a week to elections. Through sudden philanthropy and charity, Mansur rose to fame and his name echoed on the lips of beneficiaries. These beneficiaries were so large that the Balewites metaspace was filled up with Mansur's fliers and manifestos for two days. Apart from this, unlike KBJ, Mansur had realistic goals, was coherent and clear in communicating his visions and competency with students.

Read Part 2…