By Frank Ulom
The Niger Delta Students’ Union Government (NIDSUG) has commenced a new phase of constitutional leadership following the election of Comrade Achu James-Utibom of Cross River State as its 7th National President.
NIDSUG is the apex students’ body representing students of Niger Delta origin across the nine Niger Delta states — Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers — as well as students in the Diaspora.
The Union was conceived in 2009 and formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 10 January 2010, with facilitation from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Its establishment was aimed at providing coordinated leadership for Niger Delta students, protecting student welfare and promoting educational and regional development.
Early Leadership
The pioneer National President of NIDSUG was the late Comrade Genesis Jeremiah, who served from 2010 to 2012.
He was succeeded in 2012 by Comrade Tonbara Michael Yalah, while Comrade Akpomiemie Obada served as National President in 2014.
However, from 2015 to 2023, the Union experienced prolonged leadership crises, resulting in competing structures and challenges to its institutional cohesion.
Efforts to resolve the crisis culminated in a Unity Convention held in July 2023, which produced Comrade Scott Ogunseri as Unity National President.
Disputed 2025 Convention
The leadership crisis resurfaced following the NIDSUG Convention held in Port Harcourt on 20 December 2025.
The presidential election became disputed over allegations and concerns relating to electoral irregularities, constitutional compliance and competing declarations.
According to the account of the Union’s leadership restoration process, the constitutional electoral structure provided for 45 votes, but 54 votes were reportedly counted during the disputed election.
The development prevented the emergence of a universally accepted final result and deepened the leadership dispute.
The eligibility of some candidates also became a subject of constitutional contention, particularly regarding candidates from Abia State.
The existing NIDSUG Constitution reportedly restricted eligibility for the office of National President to candidates from the six Core Niger Delta States.
Legal and Constitutional Intervention
In January 2026, Comrade Elijah James commenced legal proceedings over the disputed election.
The situation subsequently led to constitutional intervention within the Union.
In February 2026, outgoing Senate President Senator Victor Bassey exercised the constitutional powers of the Senate Presidency, including provisions under Article 24(vi) and Article 46(b), to dissolve the existing Central Planning Committee (CPC) and Electoral Committee (ELECO).
The action paved the way for a fresh electoral process aimed at resolving the leadership impasse and restoring constitutional order.
Achu Emerges 7th National President
Following the intervention, a presidential by-election was conducted in Port Harcourt on 28 March 2026.
Comrade Achu James-Utibom of Cross River State emerged as the winner and was subsequently recognised as the 7th National President of NIDSUG.
His emergence brought a new phase to the Union after years of competing leadership structures and disputes over its electoral and constitutional processes.
The restoration process is expected to strengthen constitutional governance, institutional stability and unified representation within NIDSUG.
The Union said it remains committed to advancing student welfare, educational development, leadership development, unity, peaceful engagement and innovation.
NIDSUG also seeks to strengthen the representation of Niger Delta students at home and in the Diaspora while providing a coordinated platform for addressing issues affecting its members.
The Union’s motto is “Education a Right, Not a Privilege,” while its slogan is “Great NIDSUG, Together We Stand.”
