Students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, in Edo State, have threatened to shut down the Edo State Government House on Wednesday morning in protest over alleged interference by the Department of State Services (DSS) in the school’s Students’ Union Government (SUG) elections.
Tension has been building on campus following the sudden disqualification of some leading candidates barely 24 hours to the election, despite earlier clearance by the university’s electoral committee.
At the centre of the controversy are allegations that a DSS officer, identified by students as “Mr. Alex,” allegedly influenced the disqualification of certain candidates after they had already been cleared to contest.
Sources within the university claim the officer, reportedly attached to the DSS office in Benin City as a student desk officer, communicated directives that led to the reversal of earlier approvals by the electoral committee.
The affected candidates include two front-runners in the presidential race, Edugie Ikponmwosa Wisdom and Osariemen N. Emmanuel, popularly known as Emmylight, as well as a welfare aspirant, Airebamen John Edeakhe.
The disqualified candidates were initially cleared after screening but were later informed of their removal during an emergency meeting, sparking outrage among students.
Speaking on the development, Edugie Ikponmwosa Wisdom described the process as confusing and unjustified, saying no reason was officially provided for his removal.
“We went through DSS screening on April 15, and by April 23, we were cleared. I even topped the list,” he said.
“After my manifesto, I was suddenly told I had been disqualified based on a secret letter. No explanation was given. I have never been involved in anything illegal. I am not a cultist. This makes no sense.”
Another aspirant, Emmylight, also rejected the decision, insisting he had followed all due process before being disqualified without formal communication.
“I passed all screening stages and was cleared to contest,” he said.
“But just a day before the election, I was told I had been disqualified based on an alleged DSS directive. Up till now, I have not seen any letter or evidence. I was not allowed to defend myself.”
Some students allege that the disqualification may be linked to political concerns outside the university, claiming the affected candidates had previously criticised insecurity and killings in Ekpoma, which may have unsettled certain interests.
There are also unverified claims that senior university officials and political actors may have played a role in the decision, though no official confirmation has been given.
The growing tension has triggered fears of unrest, with students now threatening a protest march to the Edo State Government House if the issue is not urgently addressed.
However, the university management has defended the process, describing security screening as a standard part of student election procedures.
Speaking through the Principal Assistant Registrar, Mike Aladenika, the institution said external security agencies are sometimes involved in vetting candidates.
He explained that being cleared by the school’s electoral body does not automatically guarantee eligibility, adding that security reports can influence final decisions.
Meanwhile, the controversy has left the campus atmosphere tense, with students demanding transparency, reinstatement of disqualified candidates, and full clarification on the role of security agencies in the electoral process.
