The Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, has said that claims made by former presidential candidate Peter Obi about two students dying during the school’s recent student election are not true.
Peter Obi had earlier taken to his X (formerly Twitter) account to say that two students were killed and many others injured after violence broke out during the Student Union Government (SUG) election held last Saturday at the institution.
But in a statement released on Tuesday, the school management said Obi’s claims were wrong and not based on facts. According to the polytechnic, the reports of students dying during the election were completely false.
Reports earlier noted that there was violence during the student union election, with some students getting injured in the process.
A video also went viral on social media on Sunday showing students climbing the school’s fence while sounds of gunshots could be heard in the background. Smoke could also be seen, and some youths were seen with knives chasing others.
Responding to Obi’s claims, the institution’s Director of Public Relations, Angela Egele, said security agents were fully present during the election.
She stated, “The attention of the management of Auchi Polytechnic has been drawn to a statement credited to Mr. Peter Obi, wherein he alleged that the recently held Student Union Government (SUG) elections at the institution resulted in the death of two students and injuries to several others due to gunfire.”
Obi had written, “I watched the heartbreaking video that showed students in Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State running for their lives as they WERE BEING SHOT AT during their student election yesterday, which left 2 students dead and several injured…”
Egele responded firmly to the allegation, saying: “The Management categorically states that these claims are false, misleading, and completely unfounded.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no student was shot, injured, or killed during the electoral process, which was subsequently declared inconclusive due to observed irregularities.”
She further explained that security agencies like the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Civil Defence Corps, Mobile Police, and a local vigilante group were all present to make sure the election was safe.
The school has now asked the public not to believe Obi’s post.
“Subsequently, we urge the general public, stakeholders, and members of the press to disregard this misinformation.
“Auchi Polytechnic remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students and staff,” the statement added.
