Delta NUJ: Obieh Thanks Supporters, Congratulates Oyowe, Says 17-Vote Loss Not Defeat

Comrade Kenneth Onojomena Obieh, candidate of the STAND-UP TEAM in the just-concluded Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council election, has thanked his supporters for their commitment to his campaign, insisting that his 17-vote loss does not amount to defeat.

Obieh, in a thank-you message to his colleagues, supporters and the entire NUJ Delta State Council family, expressed gratitude for their sacrifices, prayers and solidarity throughout the election held on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

He returned all glory to Almighty God for the peaceful conduct of the election and appreciated members of his STAND-UP TEAM, the UNITED VOICES, chapel chairmen, elders, leaders, women journalists, friends, well-wishers and other journalists who supported his aspiration.

According to him, many of his supporters committed their time, resources and energy to the campaign, with some travelling long distances and making personal sacrifices to advance the team’s vision.

He said their support went beyond backing an individual candidate, describing it as a collective commitment to building a better, stronger, united, respected and responsive NUJ Delta State Council.

“Though we lost this election by 17 votes, I do not regard this outcome as a defeat. It is a clear statement that every vote matters and every effort counts. It is a victory of courage, a victory of consciousness, and a victory that has proven that change is possible,” Obieh said.

He added that although the team did not win the election, it had won the hearts of many and planted a seed that would germinate in due time.

Obieh also thanked all delegates who participated in the election for exercising their franchise and contributing to the strengthening of internal democracy within the union.

In the spirit of sportsmanship and comradeship, he called on members of the STAND-UP TEAM and their supporters across the 18 chapels to remain calm, united and law-abiding, while rallying behind the re-elected chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, and his executive.

“The election has come and gone. The NUJ family remains one, and I hold no bitterness. When the Council succeeds, we all succeed,” he said.

ALSO READ: History Made As Oasis Magazine Chapel Votes In NUJ Delta Elections, Umukoro, Abuza React

Obieh congratulated Oyowe and the other successful candidates, while commending all contestants who participated in the election.

He urged his supporters not to lose hope, stressing that the ideals behind the STAND-UP TEAM’s campaign should remain alive beyond the election.

He listed the team’s core values as stability, transparency, accountability, new ideas, dignity, unity and prosperous leadership, adding that the campaign’s mission should continue to inspire efforts towards improving the union.

Obieh concluded by praying for God’s blessings upon his supporters, asking that their sacrifices be rewarded and that the NUJ Delta State Council enjoy greater unity, peace and progress.