In the wake of the controversial Association of Nigerian Authors Presidential election held on November 4, 2023, Hajia Farida Mohammed, a prominent candidate who contested against Dr Usman Akanbi, has stepped forward to denounce the election as riddled with irregularities.
As the former Vice President of ANA, Hajia Farida Mohammed asserted that the election was neither free, fair, nor credible.
In a statement released recently, Mohammed expressed her initial reluctance to speak out, citing a desire to protect the association’s image and a commitment to a smooth handover. However, she emphasized that the gravity of the situation has compelled her to share her perspective on the election proceedings.
Mohammed contended that the election displayed signs of impropriety, with a notable increase in security presence, including armed police and Department of State Security (DSS) personnel, which is unprecedented in ANA elections. She asserted that while ANA elections might have occasional hitches, the militarization witnessed during this election, orchestrated by Camillus Ukah, went beyond the norm.
The former Vice President highlighted instances of voter disenfranchisement, citing cases where individuals were barred from voting under questionable circumstances. Mohammed claimed that Ukah, the incumbent president, manipulated the electoral process, barred foreign writers from observing, and resorted to violence against certain ANA members.
Moreover, Mohammed alleged that Ukah tampered with the list of ANA trustees, removing names without proper authority. She demanded the immediate reversal of these actions and emphasizes the need for transparency and fairness within the organization.
In light of these concerns, Mohammed proposed a thorough review of the ANA constitution, especially in areas related to electoral matters and membership. She also called for the reinstatement of ousted trustees and advocated for the cancellation of the 2023 election, urging a re-run overseen by an independent body to ensure legitimacy.
While expressing faith in the Trustees and the global community of writers to seek justice, Mohammed revealed ongoing consultations with legal counsel and fellow ANA members to address the election irregularities. She extended her sympathies to supporters who faced challenges during the election and remains committed to the ideals of ANA and the collective pursuit of literary excellence.
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