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…Calls for Peace, Unity, and Support for Oyowe
Comrade Kenneth Onojomena Obieh, candidate of the STAND-UP TEAM in the just-concluded Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council election, has expressed appreciation to his supporters following his loss by 17 votes, while calling for unity and support for the re-elected chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe.
In a statement issued after the election held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, Obieh thanked members of his campaign team, chapel chairmen, union leaders, women journalists, delegates, friends, and well-wishers for their sacrifices, commitment, and support throughout the electoral process.
He also expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the successful conduct of the election, describing the process as peaceful and credible.
Obieh, who contested under the STAND-UP TEAM platform, said the support he received from colleagues across the Council remained a source of encouragement, noting that many supporters committed their time, resources, energy, and prayers to the campaign.
He particularly acknowledged members of the STAND-UP TEAM, the UNITED VOICES, loyalists, elders, and other journalists who believed in his vision for the Council.
According to him, the support was not merely for an individual candidate but for a collective vision of building a stronger, more united, transparent, accountable, and responsive NUJ Delta State Council.
Loss by 17 Votes Not a Defeat, Says Obieh
Reacting to the outcome of the election, Obieh said he did not consider the narrow margin of 17 votes a defeat, but rather an indication that every vote counts and that the desire for positive change remains alive among members of the union.
He maintained that although his team did not emerge victorious at the polls, the campaign had helped strengthen the call for improved leadership and a more responsive Council.
Obieh urged his supporters not to lose hope, stressing that the ideals that informed the STAND-UP TEAM’s campaign should remain relevant beyond the election.
He identified stability, transparency, accountability, new ideas, dignity, unity, and prosperity as the core values that should continue to guide the affairs of the Council.
Calls for Peace, Unity and Support for Oyowe
In a demonstration of sportsmanship, Obieh appealed to members of his campaign team and supporters across the Council’s 18 chapels to remain calm, united, and law-abiding following the outcome of the election.
He also urged them to rally behind the re-elected chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, and his executive team to ensure the continued growth and development of the union.
“The election has come and gone. The NUJ family remains one, and I hold no bitterness. When the Council succeeds, we all succeed,” Obieh stated.
He congratulated Oyowe and other candidates who emerged victorious in the election, while commending all contestants for participating in the electoral process with courage and conviction.
Obieh also thanked all delegates who exercised their voting rights, describing their participation as an important contribution to strengthening internal democracy within the union.
Reaffirms Commitment to a Better NUJ Delta Council
The former candidate assured his supporters that the vision behind the STAND-UP TEAM would not end with the conclusion of the election.
He encouraged them to remain committed to the principles of responsible leadership, accountability, unity, and the advancement of journalists’ welfare and professional interests.
Obieh concluded by praying for God’s blessings upon his supporters, asking that their sacrifices be rewarded and that the NUJ Delta State Council continue to experience peace, unity, and progress.
He reiterated his appreciation to all those who stood by him throughout the campaign, assuring them that their support and solidarity would remain deeply valued.
