FCT Unveils Guidelines For Elections Into 32 Sports Associations

The FCT Sports Council has announced comprehensive guidelines to facilitate elections into the 32 sports associations within the Federal Capital Territory, in a move aimed at restoring structured governance and accelerating sports development.

Speaking to journalists yesterday at the Cyprian Ekwensi Cultural Centre, the FCT Director of Sports, Luka Istifanus, disclosed that the electoral process will commence in April, with nomination forms available to interested candidates.

According to Istifanus, aspirants are expected to collect nomination forms from the council’s office in Area 3, Abuja, between 1 and 30 April to formally express their interest in contesting for positions across the various associations.

“The nomination form is free of charge,” he explained, “but only individuals residing within Abuja are eligible to obtain and complete the forms.”

He further stated that the minimum qualification required to contest for any position is possession of an O-Level certificate, specifically the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Istifanus emphasised that the initiative forms part of the council’s broader efforts to reposition sports administration in the nation’s capital, following several years of operating under caretaker committees.

“For the past three years, sports in the FCT have been run on a caretaker basis, which is not ideal for sustainable development,” he said. “We are doing everything possible to return the FCT to the top level of sports performance in Nigeria.”

Reflecting on past achievements, the Director recalled a period when FCT sports enjoyed notable success, expressing satisfaction with recent performances by FCT athletes in competitions such as the National Youth Games, zonal championships and invitational tournaments.

He noted that the next step is to consolidate these gains by establishing effective leadership across all associations.

“What remains is to build on the progress recorded so far by creating the right environment for newly elected boards to thrive. This means putting competent and committed individuals in charge of each association,” he added.

Istifanus reiterated the council’s ambition to surpass previous milestones, including matching or improving on the FCT’s eighth-place finish at the 2002 National Sports Festival.

“The right atmosphere has been created, and all hands are on deck to ensure that the FCT achieves even greater