By Muhammad Iliyasu Garba
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has called on all aspirants contesting the chairmanship election of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nasarawa State Council, to conduct themselves peacefully and remain united before, during, and after the July 20, 2026 election.
The governor made the appeal while addressing journalists at the NUJ Nasarawa State Council Chairmanship Manifesto Programme held at the NUJ Press Centre in Lafia.
Represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibrahim Addra, Governor Sule urged the contestants to shun actions capable of causing unrest, stressing that the election should not be treated as a do-or-die affair but as an opportunity to offer selfless leadership and contribute to the development of the journalism profession and society.
He said whoever emerges victorious should enjoy the support and cooperation of other contestants, while those who may not succeed at the polls should accept the outcome as the will of God, congratulate the winner, and work together for the advancement of the union.
Governor Sule also assured the contestants that his administration would continue to maintain a cordial working relationship with the new executive that would emerge from the election.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Ibrahim Tanko, described leadership as a divine responsibility and urged both contestants and members of the union to accept the outcome of the election in good faith for the sake of unity and progress.
Tanko also advised eligible voters to conduct themselves peacefully and comply with the guidelines established by the Electoral Committee to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.
The commissioner commended the outgoing NUJ Chairman in the state, Mr. Salihu Muhammad Alkali, for fostering unity among members throughout his tenure and urged the incoming leadership to sustain the achievements recorded under his administration.
Earlier in his welcome address, the outgoing chairman, Mr. Salihu Muhammad Alkali, appreciated Governor Sule for his consistent support to the NUJ throughout his administration and appealed for the continued partnership.
Alkali emphasized that peace remains the foundation for the growth and success of the union, urging members to avoid actions capable of creating divisions after the election.
In her goodwill message, the General Manager of the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS), Lafia, Mrs. Patricia Akawu, encouraged whoever emerges victorious to build on Alkali’s legacy by promoting transparency, accountability, and prudent management of the council’s resources.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Credentials Committee, Dr. Kalu Idika, announced that all necessary arrangements had been concluded for the election, assuring members that the exercise would be peaceful, transparent, and conducted strictly in line with the NUJ Constitution.
The three chairmanship aspirants, Mr. Sunday John of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mrs. Juliana Ose Ofoku of the Information Chapel, and Mr. Samson Jonah of the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS), Lafia—used the manifesto programme to present their plans and pledged to provide purposeful, inclusive, and accountable leadership if elected to lead the NUJ Nasarawa State Council.
