Hall of Residence Constituencies and Their Roles in Advancing Solidarity for Elections

 

By Oludare Olufunmilola. 

Queenites have long been politically engaged and active within the University of Ibadan, with a proud tradition of running for various posts. In the past, Queenites have consistently demonstrated their commitment to student leadership, running for positions such as President of faculties, General Secretary, and other influential roles in the politics of the university community. 

However, in recent times, there has been a noticeable decline in this activity, even in in-house hall elections. The zeal that once characterised Queenites’ participation in these contests seems to have waned, leading one to wonder whether this energy shift is reflected in broader student politics. We recall the 2023 UI’SU election, a candidate from Queens Hall ran for the position of President. While she faced significant challenges, including being the only female among the four candidates who joined the race quite late, her candidacy was a worthy step. Many believed that her chances were slim, given these factors and the timing of her campaign. As expected, she did not win, nor was she close to victory, but her decision to step up and contest for the position was quite thrilling. Her boldness to take on such a demanding role, despite the odds, set a powerful precedent for future Queenites. Putting herself forward, she showed that courage and conviction can, in themselves, be a win. She has paved the way for other Queenites to follow suit, encouraging them to challenge the status quo and pursue leadership roles with confidence, regardless.

This year, the excitement around elections for positions in the Students’ Union (SU), faculties, and departments is of utmost concern. This period of heightened activity is traditionally marked by fierce competition, with candidates vying for SU positions through campaigns involving flyers, slogans, and personal appeals. The stakes are undeniably high, as the outcome of these elections determines who will take the future and the fort of leadership.

The role of the halls of residence in supporting its candidates cannot be overemphasised. Halls have historically been seen as the foundation of a candidate’s support base. The backing of one’s hall can provide an unfair advantage, creating a united front that advances the chances of success. Ideally, students should rally behind their candidates, offering them the necessary support to secure victory. However, this expectation has often not been met within Queens Hall. Despite the apparent advantage of a shared hall identity, Queenites do not always extend their support to candidates from their residences. 

This lack of solidarity stems from various factors, including personal biases, affiliations with other religious, social, or political groups, and a tendency to prioritise individual interests over collective ones. Consequently, the notion that Queenites would inherently support their candidates is not always realised. This reality is in rude contrast to the expected unity that other halls such as Zik, Indy and Idia portray during election seasons.

Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge the resilience of candidates from Queen's Hall who continue to step forward and contest for political offices, despite this poor support from their fellow hallmates. Their perseverance says a lot about their determination to serve and contribute to the university’s political system. Their repeated emergence as candidates, year after year, is a pointer to their unwavering commitment to representation, even when faced with the challenge of securing the support they deserve from within their communities which are often too small to win an election.

As we approach another election season, expectations are once again high. A Queenite has once again taken the step to run for the position of SU Vice President. We hope that this time, she will get the much-needed support from her fellow Queenites and other members of the university community. While hall-based support is not guaranteed, it remains an important factor in student politics, and we can only hope that this year, history will not repeat itself.