Students of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) have raised serious concerns over the integrity of the recently concluded Student Union Government (SUG) elections, accusing the school management of manipulating the process to favour preferred candidates.

According to multiple accounts from students, the election held on May 24, 2025, was allegedly compromised by delays, system glitches, and sudden changes to voting procedures.

Ajayi, a student, claimed that the electoral guidelines were ignored, allowing undue advantage to certain candidates.

“There was clear bias and injustice. Voting was scheduled to run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but due to technical delays, it didn’t start until 12:30 p.m. Around 5:00 p.m., when our presidential candidate was leading, the management announced an unexplained extension. It was later extended again from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.,” he said.

He added that during the extended period, the election portal became inaccessible, displaying “Error 504.”

“Even VPNs couldn’t help. With or without the extension, voting was supposed to end at 6:00 p.m.,” he added.

Another student, Ola, accused the university's ICT unit and top management of influencing results across various offices.

“They tampered with the process. Initially, an OTP was required to vote, but when our side was winning, they suddenly removed the OTP. It wasn't just the presidential vote — other positions were affected too,” he said, calling for a rerun and full adherence to electoral rules.

Remi, another student, alleged that the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences was sidelined and the final vote count was suspiciously altered.

“This is not the first time the school has interfered with elections. Voting was meant to run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but it began around noon. Just before the supposed end time of 6:00 p.m., voting was extended by another hour with no formal notice,” he explained.

He further stated that the OTP system posed major challenges.

“About 10 of us went to the situation room in Ado to complain about OTP delivery failures. They said it would be fixed. We even suggested removing OTP, but the CSO said the rules couldn't be changed midway. Strangely, the OTP was later removed without notice,” Remi added.

He claimed their candidate, Olaleye Temitope Oluwagbemiga, was ahead by 13 votes at 7:00 p.m. But minutes later, the portal went offline, and soon after, the opposing candidate was declared winner by a 19-vote margin.

Reacting to the allegations, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Wasiu Oyedoku-Ali, denied any wrongdoing by the university, though he acknowledged there were technical issues.

He explained that changes like the suspension of the OTP requirement were made after discussions with stakeholders.

“These claims are untrue. For the first time in years, the acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olubunmi Shittu, ensured that the election process remained transparent and tamper-free,” he stated.

He added that additional oversight measures were introduced, including a monitoring team and involvement of the academic staff union.

“There were technical challenges due to heavy traffic on the portal. Initially, the VC insisted on maintaining the OTP to safeguard student data. But as tensions rose, a meeting was held with candidates’ agents and key stakeholders. Out of 29 people present, only three opposed suspending the OTP,” he clarified.