English Language Teachers Association of Nigeria (ELTAN) has issued a firm rebuttal to a public notice circulated by Comrade Philip Ndife, describing his claims as misleading, unconstitutional, and capable of undermining the integrity of the association.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement released on Friday, February 27, 2026 by ELTAN President, Dr. Kennedy Edegbe, and Acting National Secretary, Mrs. Iyabo Akintola, the association clarified its constitutional position, leadership structure, and recent developments in the Anambra State chapter.
According to ELTAN, the association is a single, nationally registered professional body with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC/IT/NO 26956), governed by a unified national constitution. The statement emphasized that all state chapters operate strictly under the authority and supervision of the national executive and are not autonomous entities.
“Any suggestion that a state chapter can function independently of the national body is inconsistent with the constitutional framework of ELTAN,” the association stated.
The leadership further explained that the 6th National Executive Committee was lawfully elected during the 2023 National Conference held in Anambra State and completed its two-year tenure. In line with constitutional provisions, fresh elections were conducted at the 2025 National Conference in Asaba, Delta State, leading to the emergence of the 7th National Executive Committee. ELTAN noted that these processes are publicly documented and verifiable on its official website.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the Anambra State chapter, ELTAN disclosed that Dr. Fidelia Ogili was formally suspended from leadership on January 20, 2025, for breaching the association’s constitution. The suspension was jointly endorsed by the National President, National Secretary, and the Chairperson of the Anambra Peace Committee.
The association stated that the prolonged failure of the Anambra State Executive Committee to conduct constitutionally mandated elections after the expiration of its tenure necessitated national intervention. Consequently, a properly supervised election was conducted on February 20, 2026, which produced a new executive committee for the state chapter.
The newly elected officers include Dr. Ifeanyi Nzekwu as Chairperson, Mrs. Pauline Onyemaobi as Vice Chairperson, and Mrs. Evelyn Morah as Secretary, alongside other executive members.
ELTAN described the election as lawful, transparent, and fully aligned with constitutional guidelines, adding that the leadership now in place enjoys full recognition from the national body.
The association also warned that any attempt to disrupt constitutional order or undermine national authority would attract appropriate disciplinary measures, stressing its commitment to democratic governance, institutional stability, and professional integrity.
ELTAN urged members of the public and stakeholders to disregard unauthorized claims and rely solely on official communications issued by the national secretariat.
