James-Utibom emerged from a presidential by-election held in Port Harcourt on 28 March 2026
By Frank Ulom
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Published on September 18, 2026
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3 min read
The Niger Delta Students’ Union Government (NIDSUG) has resolved its prolonged leadership crisis with the election of Comrade Achu James-Utibom of Cross River State as its 7th National President.
James-Utibom emerged from a presidential by-election held in Port Harcourt on 28 March 2026, following the dissolution of the existing Central Planning Committee (CPC) and Electoral Committee (ELECO) and the commencement of a fresh electoral process.
NIDSUG is the apex students’ body representing students of Niger Delta origin across Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers states, as well as students in the Diaspora.
The Union was conceived in 2009 and formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding on 10 January 2010, facilitated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Its stated objectives include coordinating student leadership, protecting the welfare of Niger Delta students and promoting educational and regional development.
Leadership Crisis
NIDSUG experienced leadership challenges and competing structures between 2015 and 2023, after the early administrations led by the late Comrade Genesis Jeremiah, Comrade Tonbara Michael Yalah and Comrade Akpomiemie Obada.
Jeremiah served as pioneer National President from 2010 to 2012, Yalah assumed office in 2012, while Obada served as National President in 2014.
A Unity Convention held in July 2023 produced Comrade Scott Ogunseri as Unity National President in an effort to address the competing leadership structures.
However, the leadership dispute resurfaced at the Union’s convention in Port Harcourt on 20 December 2025.
The presidential election was disputed over electoral procedures, constitutional compliance and competing declarations.
According to the Union’s account, the constitutional structure provided for 45 votes, but 54 votes were reportedly counted, leaving the outcome without universal acceptance.
The eligibility of candidates from Abia State was also questioned on constitutional grounds, as the existing Constitution restricted eligibility for National President to candidates from the six Core Niger Delta States.
Fresh Electoral Process
In January 2026, Comrade Elijah James commenced legal proceedings over the disputed election.
The dispute was followed by an intervention by the Senate Presidency.
In February 2026, outgoing Senate President Senator Victor Bassey invoked provisions including Article 24(vi) and Article 46(b) of the NIDSUG Constitution to dissolve the existing CPC and ELECO and commence a fresh electoral process.
The process culminated in the 28 March presidential by-election in Port Harcourt, where James-Utibom emerged as National President.
His election has provided a new constitutional leadership structure for the Union following years of disputes and competing administrations.
Under the restored structure, NIDSUG said it would focus on student welfare, educational advancement, leadership development, unity, peaceful engagement, innovation and stronger representation of Niger Delta students.
The Union’s motto is “Education a Right, Not a Privilege,” while its slogan is “Great NIDSUG, Together We Stand.”
