A resident of Awo Hall, University of Ibadan, has alleged that she was threatened with denial of accommodation for the next academic session due to her perceived support for a candidate not endorsed by the hall in the ongoing University of Ibadan Students’ Union (UISU) elections.
The student, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity, claimed she was warned that her room allocation could be affected because she was allegedly backing a different candidate. She, however, dismissed the allegation against her as a misunderstanding, explaining that her support is based solely on personal familiarity, and electoral freewill.
“I am supporting my own candidate because the only UISU aspirant I know from my hall is Adebimpe, a resident of Awo Hall. I do not know the other aspirants personally, and I can canvas for anyone I am pleased with” she stated.
The allegation has generated concerns among students over possible voter coercion and the politicisation of accommodation allocation within halls of residence.
Reacting to the development, the Awo hall chairman, speaking during an interview with our correspondent, dismissed claims that accommodation could be used as a tool for political intimidation. She emphasised that hall accommodation systems are independent of electoral processes and are guided by established procedures.
“People are saying they are being threatened regarding accommodation, but what I can guarantee is that our accommodation system is one of the most transparent,” she said. “It is not in the hands of any electoral body or individuals involved in elections.”
She further clarified that accommodation is not automatically guaranteed for all students. According to her, only freshers and finalists are assured of rooms, while returning students are subject to availability and established allocation procedures such as first-come-first-served systems.
“Anybody who is supposed to get a room will get a room,” she added. “Nobody knows who you voted for, and nobody will ask you to show who you voted for before giving you accommodation.”
While acknowledging that students may have personal experiences, the hall official stressed that any individual making such threats is not acting on behalf of the hall. “Whoever is saying that is not speaking for the hall, and that kind of individual should be reported” she said, reiterating the hall’s commitment to transparency
