As the race for the leadership of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) gathers momentum, a frontline group within the union, known as the Divine Mandate Team, has formally signaled its readiness for the contest with the early submission of its nomination forms to the Electoral Committee ahead of the December 2025 polls.
The team, made up of journalists drawn from various chapels across the state, submitted its forms at the NUJ Secretariat in Ibadan well ahead of the stipulated deadline a move analysts describe as a demonstration of organization, unity, and commitment to due process.
The Divine Mandate Team is fielding candidates for all major positions in the election. They include:
Comrade Raji Adebayo (Correspondents’ Chapel) – Chairmanship Candidate;
Comrade Adebayo Abdur-Rofih (BCOS Chapel) – Vice Chairmanship Candidate;
Comrade Olamide Adeniji (Information Chapel) – Secretary;
Comrade Moses Morenikeji (FRCN Chapel) – Treasurer;
Comrade Nurudeen Alimi (Tribune Chapel) – Auditor;
Comrade Akinjola Olubode (BCOS Chapel) – Assistant Secretary.
Observers note that the team’s cross-chapel representation underscores its commitment to inclusiveness and collective leadership within the union.
Speaking shortly after submitting the forms, the team’s Chairmanship candidate, Comrade Raji Adebayo, described the event as a “major milestone” in their campaign journey, expressing optimism about the team’s prospects at the polls.
“By submitting our forms ahead of time, we have shown our seriousness and readiness for the task ahead. We believe that with God on our side and the support of our colleagues, victory is certain,” Adebayo said.
He assured members that the Divine Mandate Team would adhere strictly to the Electoral Committee’s guidelines and conduct an issue-based, transparent, and rancour-free campaign.
“We appeal to our supporters to remain calm, disciplined, and prayerful. This election is not a battle but a democratic process to move our union forward,” he added.
The Oyo NUJ election, slated for December 2025, is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with various teams and individuals intensifying consultations across the state.
Political watchers within the union believe the Divine Mandate Team’s early organization, diversity, and visible unity could give it a strategic edge as the campaign heats up in the coming weeks.
