Youtube/Oxford Union
COMPASSION WINS
No Confidence in the Incoming President whose instinctive reaction to the shooting a father he had recently met and debated was to celebrate and laugh
The Union Membership votes 70% in favour of the No Confidence Motion
The result was announced on the morning 21 October 2025 following days of the Abaraonye team behaving disruptively during the count, attempting to disenfranchise Alumni voters, and making allegations that were not founded. Current Union Officers were heroic in their steadfast commitment to following the rules and their bravery in the face of sustained hostility.
Thank you to all Union members who delivered this historic victory for reason, free speech and the orderly functioning of the Oxford Union Society
Background
On 10 September 2025, as news of Charlie Kirk's shooting spread across the globe, George Abaraonye, the President Elect of the Oxford Union, celebrated his assassination in vile written messages. Mr Kirk had recently met Mr Abaraonye and debated with him at the Union.
Mr Abaraonye has since offered a conditional apology, widely described as mealy-mouthed, saying "my reaction was shaped by the context of Mr. Kirk’s own rhetoric" and that "my words were no less insensitive than his – arguably less so; the difference is that I had the humility to recognize when I strayed from my core values".
Widespread global condemnation has followed, with negative publicity being attracted to the Oxford Union and numerous high-profile speakers committing not to attend the Union due to Mr Abaraonye leadership of it.
Because Mr Abaraonye's heinous behavior is unbefitting a Union President and due to its adverse impact on the Union and its members, a disciplinary process has been instigated to oust him. To date this has not been successful, which has led to the No Confidence Vote.