The much-anticipated Western Zone elections of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) concluded yesterday, producing winners across key chapters while leaving the Apapa chapter in a state of uncertainty due to allegations of vote padding and election malpractice.
The election, which was scheduled to start earlier in the day, did not commence until about 3:45 pm and dragged on until about 11:20 pm late in the night stretching the patience of voters and officials alike.
In a landslide victory, Wale Cole emerged as the Chairman of the Tin Can chapter with 105 votes defeating Faturoti Seyi, who managed only 6 votes.
The election also saw Onome Monije securing the position of Public Relations Officer (PRO) with 72 votes while Nwegbe Frank Paul was elected Secretary with 66 votes against Ovien Michael’s 46 votes, Sunny Onochie emerged as the Vice Chairman defeating Innocent Odera who managed to pull 30 votes against 78votes
At the Seme border, the elections were unchallenged, with Wasiu Toyin Abioye emerging as Chairman alongside all other candidates who ran unopposed for various positions.
A significant shake-up occurred at the KLT (Kirirkiri Lighter Terminal) chapter, where Chibuzor Ogamba unexpectedly announced his decision to step down for Ahmed Bello as Chairman. However, his declaration that he would assume the Vice Chairmanship role instead sparked controversy, prompting Bello to acknowledge his withdrawal but clarify that the board would decide on the vice-chairmanship position.
The PTML chapter saw Sunday Nwarinze clinching the Chairman position with 45 votes, overcoming Waheed Adeboje, who secured 20 votes. Meanwhile, Suleiman Ayokunle won the Secretary position with 43 votes, defeating Chijioke Daniel, who garnered 21 votes. Babatunde Adekoya was elected as Vice Chairman, while Adeyemi Haastrup took the Treasurer role.
However, the Apapa chapter election descended into chaos following allegations of vote padding. The ANLCA electoral committee, ASECO, initially announced that 108 votersvwere accredited but later declared that 125 votes had been cast, sparking outrage and accusations of electoral fraud.
Attempts by ANLCA President; Sir Emenike Nwokeji and Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman; Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha to pacify the aggrieved members proved futile as the situation escalated into near-physical confrontations. Consequently, Mustapha declared the election inconclusive, promising that a fresh election would be scheduled at a later date.
The Apapa chairmanship race remains contested between Chukwumalu Emeka and Femi Olawoore, both of whom will have to await the rescheduled election to determine who leads the chapter.
With tensions still high in Apapa, the other chapters have largely settled their leadership disputes, setting the stage for the new executives to take charge in their respective zones.
