Following the controversial disqualification of Mr Babatunde Mukaila, a prominent candidate in the just-concluded Board of Trustees (BoT) election of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the association has announced an investigation into allegations of forgery involving the Chairman of the Association’s Electoral Committee (ASECO).
Mukaila, a former National Secretary of ANLCA, was disqualified just hours before the election, with a letter purportedly signed by Oluwatope Fatimehin, Secretary of ASECO.
Fatimehin has since denied signing the disqualification letter, raising suspicions of foul play. Fatimehin had stated that he did not sign the letter. In a chat with our correspondent over the weekend, Fatimehin informed our correspondent that “the association is currently investigating this issue, and I would prefer to remain silent until after the investigation is completed.”
The disqualification, which many observers believe was engineered to clear the path for the ANLCA Group of 9, has cast a shadow over the election. Despite the controversy, Mukaila has choosen not to challenge the results or initiate legal proceedings.
The election, held across three zones—West (Lagos), East (Port Harcourt), and North (Abuja)—was conducted via secret ballot. Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha emerged as the highest vote-getter with 334 votes, followed closely by Chief Ernest Elochukwu with 323 votes, while Chief Kingsley Offor and Chief Dennis Okafor secured 310 and 302 votes, respectively. Other members of the Group of 9 who were elected include Chief Sunday Momoh, Chief Dayo Azeez, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Utai, Tunde Awonuga, and Adeola Mummuney.
Despite the overwhelming victory for the Group of 9, the election has been marred by the controversy surrounding Mukaila’s last-minute disqualification. Allegations of forgery have intensified following Fatimehin’s denial of signing the document, adding fuel to speculations of internal sabotage.
Reacting to the election outcome, former Acting President of ANLCA, Dr. Kayode Farinto, who also contested in the election but lost, chose not to comment extensively on the controversy. “I wish to remain silent for now, but I congratulate the newly elected members and wish them success,” Farinto said.
The National President of ANLCA, Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji, expressed optimism despite the brewing controversy. He described the BoT election as a crucial step toward restoring peace and stability within the association after years of internal strife. “This election represents a new beginning for ANLCA. It is time to move past the disputes that have divided us and focus on building a stronger, united association,” Nwokeoji remarked.
Nwokeoji further urged members to remain calm and assured that the association would thoroughly investigate the forgery allegations. He added that maintaining transparency and fairness in the association’s electoral processes was paramount to rebuilding trust among members.
The Western zone, where the election was held at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, had the largest turnout of voters, with 370 participants. The Eastern zone (Port Harcourt) and Northern zone (Abuja) saw much lower participation, with 106 and fewer than 20 voters, respectively. Customs officials, police representatives, members of the media, and other stakeholders were present to observe the election.
