As the elections for the board of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) remain clouded in uncertainty, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has received notable praise for its commitment to transparency, due process, and fair hearing amongst all stakeholders.
This commendation comes from Omowunmi Kafilat Olalere, a prominent figure in the gymnastics community and a presidential candidate for the GFN board elections.
“We can all see that the days of business as usual in federation elections are over; no one can unilaterally disenfranchise anyone for their own selfish interests anymore,” Olalere stated.
She further stated, “We must applaud the leadership of the NSC, led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade. They have established a new standard where elections must be conducted properly across the board, especially concerning the federation elections.”
Olalere emphasised the importance of strong leadership in Nigerian sports, remarking that, “It is evident to all that our sports are headed in the right direction under these two technocrats, who have prioritised the conduct of free and fair elections that are acceptable to all and free of litigation.”
“If we are to advance sports and ensure that competent individuals manage our federations, it is imperative that no stakeholder is disenfranchised,” she added.
Numerous stakeholders within the gymnastics community have submitted petitions to the sports commission, urging a restoration of sanity and due process in the GFN elections. Many have accused the former board of orchestrating a process that lacked transparency and inclusivity, with insufficient backing from the country’s apex sports regulatory body, the NSC.
Organizations such as the National Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance (NAPGER-SD), various paramilitary sports organisations, and other key stakeholders have strongly condemned the widely criticised board elections conducted by Prince Kelvin Erhunmunse on 6th September 2025. The NSC has assured all stakeholders that only a legitimate and proper process will be recognised moving forward.
