Favour Ishember, Abuja
Journalists covering the FCT Minister have chosen a new leadership team that will run the Press Corps for the next three years, with current Chairman Hudu Yakubu of Voice of Nigeria (VON) returning for another term.
Yakubu went into the chairmanship race unopposed and clinched victory with the full 37 votes needed, according to results announced on Friday.
The poll, branded the FCT Minister’s Press Corps 2026 Election, capped weeks of buildup that included sale of interest forms, vetting of aspirants, campaign activities and manifesto presentations before members cast their ballots.
Eleven journalists jostled for the eight seats on the executive council.
Announcing the outcome, Head of the Electoral Committee, Usman Katun Umar, confirmed Yakubu’s win after he met the required majority.
In his post-election address, Umar congratulated the winners and called for calm across the Corps.
“Elections naturally stir strong feelings and different views. Now that it is over, I urge everyone to drop bitterness, rancour, triumphalism, pointless arguments and anything that can split us. No win should be used to shame a colleague, and no loss should turn into grudges. We are colleagues first, and any differences from the contest should stay within fair competition.”
He also asked victors to be humble in winning, and those who lost to accept the results in good faith.
“I encourage the winners to be magnanimous, while those who did not make it should be gracious in conceding. The true win should be the unity, professionalism and advancement of the FCT Minister’s Press Corps.”
Umar further urged members to hold on to journalistic values and shift focus from the contest to shared goals.
“Let us move past the election, extend fellowship to each other and work together for the collective good of the Corps.”
In his acceptance remarks, Yakubu praised the Electoral Committee for running what he called a credible process.
“The men and women on the committee distinguished themselves from the sale of forms, screening, campaigns and manifesto presentations, all the way to voting day.
“You have set a new standard for future Press Corps elections and shown that integrity, fairness and professionalism define us.”
He also thanked members for their conduct during the campaigns, noting that their cooperation made the exercise smooth.
Speaking directly to all contestants, Yakubu said the poll should not cause division.
“To every candidate who ran, I assure you there are no winners or losers here. The Press Corps is the winner. Whatever position we sought, the interest of the Corps must come first.”
The re-elected chairman promised to strengthen existing unity and run an inclusive administration.
“With the mandate you have given me for a second term as Chairman of the FCT Minister’s Press Corps, I pledge that we will build on the unity we have. We will run an open-door policy where members’ ideas, suggestions and advice will be received and considered in the best interest of the Corps.”
He also recommitted to member welfare and progress, and called for support for the incoming team.
The newly elected executives are:Chairman:Hudu Yakubu, Vice Chairman: Gbenga Omokhunu, Secretary: Omeiza Ajayi, Assistant Secretary: Favour Ishember, Welfare/PRO: Wisdom Acka, Treasurer: Sarah Negedu, Financial Secretary: Toyin Adebayo, and Auditor: Abdullahi Mohammed Tanimu.
The new executive will take their oath of office on August 31, 2026.
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