By Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) Cooperative Society, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, has ushered in a new era of leadership following the successful conduct of its corporate election held on Wednesday, January 29, 2026. The exercise, widely adjudged as transparent, peaceful and credible, culminated in the emergence of Dr. Tony Oge Osuji as the new President of the Cooperative Society.
The election recorded an impressive turnout of eligible voters and was conducted in an atmosphere of orderliness and mutual respect, with contestants displaying commendable maturity and sportsmanship that reinforced confidence in the democratic ethos of the Cooperative. Proceedings began with a brief introduction and presentation of manifestos by the contestants, after which accreditation and voting were seamlessly carried out.
In a symbolic demonstration of institutional support for due process, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Mrs. Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, in her capacity as Chief Executive, cast the first vote, followed by other principal officers and accredited delegates. Key stakeholders present included the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr. Obinna Iwueke, members of the electoral committee, directors, union executives and cooperative members.
At the close of voting, a total of 174 votes were cast, with Dr. Tony Oge Osuji polling 110 votes, Dr. Igbokwe scoring 62 votes, while two votes were declared void. Dr. Osuji was accordingly declared winner.
In his acceptance remarks, he expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in him and graciously congratulated his opponent for a keenly contested, issue-based election.
In furtherance of institutional harmony and cooperation, the newly elected executive members, led by Dr. Osuji and accompanied by the Immediate Past President, Mr. Ibe Cyril, paid a courtesy visit to the Rector on Monday, February 2, 2026.
While presenting the new leadership, Mr. Ibe Cyril thanked the Polytechnic management for its support during the election and highlighted achievements recorded during his tenure, particularly the successful issuance of allocation papers to members and the securing of private partnerships to advance plot development. He also drew attention to outstanding indebtedness allegedly owed to the Cooperative by the previous administration and appealed for a revived repayment framework.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Osuji, an immediate past Head of Department of Social Sciences, renowned scholar and philanthropist, appreciated the Rector for granting audience to the delegation at short notice and for her visible presence during the election.
He reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating the core objectives of the Cooperative, outlining a vision focused on strengthening members’ welfare schemes, deepening investment opportunities, ensuring transparency and accountability in cooperative management, sustaining strategic partnerships for housing and asset development, and positioning the Cooperative as a dependable platform for retirement and financial security.
Members of the newly elected executive include Dr. Tony Ogechi Osuji as President; Dr. (Mrs.) Josephine Nwachukwu as Vice President; Mr. Sunday Prince Udoh as Secretary General; Dr. Okechukwu B. I. Udedibie as Assistant Secretary General; Mr. Ijioma Ndubueze as Financial Secretary; Engr. Gaven Dipnap Vennim as Treasurer; Engr. Dele Ogunkunle and Mr. Dako Emmanuel Okhatie as Committee Members; and Mr. Ibe Cyril as Ex-Officio.
In her response, Dr. Mrs. Igbokwe congratulated the new leadership on a successful electoral process and commended the outgoing President for his dedication, particularly in facilitating plot allocations and fostering private sector collaboration.
On the issue of alleged indebtedness, the Rector noted that her administration had not been formally briefed on such liabilities and advised the Cooperative to submit an official claim for verification and appropriate review.
She further charged the new President and his executive to uphold integrity and remain result-oriented in service, ensure the timely release and judicious utilization of the first tranche of partnership funds to commence site development within the first quarter, encourage plot owners to complete necessary documentation to qualify for subsequent tranches, foster strong team spirit and harmonious working relationships, and demonstrate unwavering commitment to the sustainable growth of the Cooperative through prudent financial management, innovation and member-focused service delivery.
The Rector reaffirmed her administration’s unwavering commitment to staff welfare, strategic investment and robust retirement planning, noting that a vibrant Cooperative Society remains a critical partner in achieving these goals. The visit ended on a cordial note, with renewed assurances of collaboration between the Polytechnic Management and the ASUP Cooperative, signalling a promising chapter of progress, accountability and shared prosperity for members.
