The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has elected a new national president, with John Ogbe of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) emerging victorious after a tense election that concluded in the early hours of Thursday.
According to newsbulletinng.com, the decisive win capped a tense national congress held in Jos, Plateau State, where delegates cast ballots well past midnight as the union charted its leadership direction for the next term.
The congress hall came alive as sealed ballot boxes were opened at dawn, revealing Ogbe’s sweeping mandate. Delegates erupted in applause, signalling the start of a new chapter for one of the aviation industry’s most influential unions.
Across several other tightly contested positions, the election delivered fresh faces and renewed confidence. Olarenwaju Isaac emerged as national financial secretary with 51 votes, while Zuberu Baba secured the national treasurer seat with 56 votes.
Gabriel Shofolahan was elected second national deputy president after polling 54 votes, and Onwuzurike Leonard claimed the first vice president position with 47 votes. Fadairo Babatunde clinched first national deputy president with 49 votes, while Wuyed Saul Samuel narrowly emerged as the first ex-officio with 47 votes.
Eight other offices were filled without contest as candidates stood unopposed. They include Victor Osemeilu, who becomes the second national vice president; Aliyu Bello, second national trustee; Adeniyi Kehinde Joshua, first national trustee; and Garba Hussein, third national trustee.
Also elected unopposed were Auwal Musa as second ex-officio, Amina Peter as first national auditor, and Akinkunmi Oluseyi as second national auditor.
Agbayekhai Irene was elected the new national women leader, adding a symbolic touch to the congress with her mandate to champion women’s representation and empowerment within the union.
With the new leadership in place, ATSSSAN now turns its attention to strengthening workers’ welfare, deepening engagement with aviation agencies, and navigating the industry’s complex labour landscape under Ogbe’s watch.
