Achu James-Utibom Emerges NIDSUG President After Landslide Victory in Port Harcourt By-Election
Achu James-Utibom of Cross River State has emerged as the new National President of the Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG) following a decisive victory in the presidential by-election held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The election, conducted on Saturday, March 28, 2026, saw Achu defeat his opponent, Elijah James Akpan-Itungoh of Akwa Ibom State, in what stakeholders described as a transparent and consensus-driven process.
PulseNets reported that the by-election was conducted using a delegate-based voting system, with one representative drawn from each of the nine Niger Delta states. However, only eight delegates were accredited and participated in the exercise, as the Rivers State delegate was absent.
At the conclusion of voting, Achu James-Utibom secured a commanding 7 votes, while Elijah James Akpan-Itungoh polled just 1 vote, confirming a clear mandate from the participating states.
PulseNets learned that the Electoral Committee (ELECO) had earlier been restructured ahead of the election, following agreements reached among stakeholders, student leaders, and delegates to ensure credibility and transparency.
The adopted voting method, stakeholders noted, aligns with the precedent established during the 2023 NIDSUG by-election, due to the absence of clear constitutional provisions guiding such processes.
Following the announcement of results, Achu James-Utibom was formally declared winner and returned elected as NIDSUG National President.
Further developments indicate that all previously conducted elections for other national offices remain valid, with the Electoral Committee mandated to issue Certificates of Return to all duly elected officials.
On unresolved positions, PulseNets obtained that vacant offices, including Financial Secretary, Public Relations Officer, and Director of Welfare, will be filled through presidential appointments before inauguration, in line with constitutional practices.
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In addition, it was resolved that the newly elected president and other officials will assume duties immediately upon receiving their Certificates of Return, while their full administrative tenure will officially commence after inauguration.
The outcome marks a significant leadership transition within NIDSUG, with expectations high among stakeholders for a more unified and effective student representation across the Niger Delta region.
