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By John Ogunsemore
Comrade Ridwan Ajayi has emerged Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Lagos State Chapter, following a decisive tie-breaker at the just concluded state convention.
According to a communiqué of the convention sent to SunOnline on Monday, Ajayi’s emergence followed a tightly contested and dramatic electoral process.
The communiqué was jointly signed by Comrade Sanni Sulaimon, Convention Chairman; Comrade Akinyanmi Abraham, Clerk of the Convention; Comrade Timileyin, Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee; and Comrade AbdulRaheem AbdulQuadri, the outgoing Chairman of NANS JCC Lagos State.
Ajayi initially polled five votes, tied with top contender, Comrade Quadri Odewunmi, while Comrade Basit Ashade trailed behind in the keenly contested race.
The deadlock was eventually resolved through a casting vote exercised by the Convention Chairman, in line with constitutional provisions.
The convention, held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos, drew participation from ten accredited Student Union Government (SUG) Presidents representing tertiary institutions across the state.
The institutions present included the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Saint Augustine College of Education, Lagos State College of Health Technology, Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, and Lagos State College of Nursing.
According to the communiqué, proceedings commenced at 2:56 p.m, following the accreditation and seating of the ten SUG Presidents inside the convention hall.
Earlier, the convention began with the election of a Convention Chairman to oversee the process.
After nominations from participating institutions, Comrade
Sulaimon Sanni emerged with four votes, defeating Comrade Olamilekan Alimi and Comrade Gbolahan Awoyinfa, who both secured three votes each.
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Upon his emergence, Sulaimon assumed leadership of the proceedings and, in line with established convention procedures, dissolved the Convention Planning Committee (CPC) as well as the outgoing administration led by Comrade AbdulRaheem AbdulQuadri.
He subsequently appointed Comrade Abraham Akinyanmi as Clerk of the Convention to coordinate and document proceedings.
The main election for the office of Chairman of NANS JCC Lagos State then commenced, with three candidates nominated by the SUG Presidents.
After a closely monitored voting process, the results produced a stalemate, with Ajayi and Odewunmi polling five votes each, thereby creating a deadlock.
Invoking Article 7, Sub-section 5(c) of the NANS Constitution, which empowers the Convention Chairman to resolve a tie through a casting vote, Sanni exercised this authority in favour of Ajayi, thereby declaring him the duly elected Chairman.
The communique reads, “The decision marked a defining moment in the convention, as stakeholders commended the adherence to constitutional provisions, which ensured a peaceful resolution of what could have escalated into a leadership dispute.
“Security presence remained strong throughout the exercise, with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Army maintaining order and ensuring a smooth electoral process.
“Other executive positions were, however, deferred to a later Senate sitting, bringing the convention proceedings to a close at approximately 6:15 p.m.
“Participants and observers described the convention as peaceful, transparent, and reflective of democratic principles, while expressing optimism that the emergence of Ajayi would usher in a new era of proactive student leadership in Lagos State.”
With the emergence of the new leadership, attention now shifts to the expectations of students across Lagos, as stakeholders anticipate decisive actions on student welfare, institutional engagement, and strengthened representation within the state.
