A Presidential Aspirant in the National Association of Nigerian Students has formally demanded the suspension of a proposed online accreditation process ahead of the association's 2026 national convention, warning that the current framework could undermine the legitimacy of the election.

Comrade Aminu Haruna Maipampo raised the concerns in a formal letter obtained by The Nigeria Education News, targeting an initiative recently announced by the National Assistant Secretary General. He argued that the system lacks sufficient consultation, transparency, and independent oversight at a period already marked by intense electioneering within the student body.

Maipampo noted that the online accreditation system was previously tested in 2022 and later discontinued, and expressed concern that its reintroduction had occurred without adequate explanation or stakeholder engagement.

Central to his objections is the use of centrally controlled access codes for accreditation. He warned that the absence of clarity around how these codes would be generated and distributed opens the door to manipulation, selective access, and the possible exclusion of eligible participants.

"Without clear safeguards to ensure equal access for all Student Union Government presidents, the process risks disenfranchising legitimate senators and undermining the credibility of the convention," he stated in the letter.

The aspirant cautioned that proceeding under the current framework could trigger disputes among stakeholders, erode confidence in the convention's transparency, and raise broader questions about the legitimacy of whoever emerges as elected leadership.

He urged NANS leadership to suspend the online accreditation process pending wider consultation and the development of a more transparent, inclusive, and verifiable alternative.

Maipampo reiterated his commitment to a peaceful and credible convention, stressing that the processes leading to the election must reflect fairness, equity, and collective trust among Nigerian students.

The Nigeria Education News understands that the letter was copied to key stakeholders within the association, including zonal leaders, Student Union Government presidents, and members of the convention planning committee.