NBBF Election: Group Demands Transparent, Inclusive, Credible Process

NBBF Election: Group Demands Transparent, Inclusive, Credible Process

Ahead of the October 15, 2026 elective congress of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), the Concerned Youth for the Promotion of Peace and Unity Initiative has called for a transparent, inclusive and credible electoral process capable of producing a leadership that enjoys the confidence of basketball stakeholders and recognition from relevant international authorities.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the group’s president, Muhammed Salihu Ummaya, expressed concern over reports surrounding the NBBF Congress held in Yola, Adamawa State, which, according to the group, was the first congress conducted under the leadership of Ahmadu Kida.

The group alleged that the Yola congress violated provisions of the NBBF Constitution requiring at least one congress to be held before an elective congress.

It also questioned the manner in which the federation’s financial statements were reportedly presented and ratified at the congress.

“In fact, the most disturbing event at the Yola congress was the speed with which the disputed financial statements were accepted and consequently ratified by the NBBF Congress,” the group said.

“It is indeed a terrible oxymoron that those who are supposed to champion transparency and good governance are the same people championing impunity and disregard for due process of law.”

The group also raised questions about the candidacy of Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, who is seeking the NBBF presidency.

While acknowledging Abdullahi’s constitutional right to contest the election, the group called for clarification on the outcome of an alleged Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigation involving him over claims concerning N500 billion.

The group said it had petitioned the EFCC seeking clarification on the outcome of the alleged investigation.

“NBBF deserves a president whose antecedents, integrity and reputation are unquestionable. Otherwise, not only will the image of the NBBF be dragged into the mud, but by extension, the image of the country,” it said.

The group, however, stressed that its intervention was not aimed at supporting any particular candidate.

“Our intervention today is not motivated by support for any individual candidate. Our concern is the integrity of the process through which the next leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation will emerge and the antecedents of those aspiring to lead the federation,” it said.

The organisation said its campaign was focused on due process, constitutionalism, transparency, inclusiveness and accountability.

“Let us make our position clear from the outset: This is not a campaign for any individual, candidate, faction or interest group. It is a campaign for due process, constitutionalism, transparency, inclusiveness, accountability and respect for the rule of law,” it added.

The group maintained that Nigerian basketball should involve all legitimate stakeholders, including players, coaches, referees, club owners, state associations, athletes, administrators, technical officials, sponsors and supporters.

“Nigerian basketball belongs to Nigerians. It belongs to the players, coaches, referees, club owners, state associations, athletes, administrators, technical officials, sponsors, supporters and every stakeholder who has contributed to the growth of the game.

“Therefore, the transition process of the NBBF must reflect the collective will of legitimate basketball stakeholders and must not become the exclusive preserve of a few individuals.”

The group further disclosed that some aggrieved NBBF stakeholders who alleged exclusion, marginalisation and disregard for due process had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja for judicial intervention over the ongoing transition process.

“We are aware that some aggrieved stakeholders of the NBBF, who have complained of exclusion, flagrant disregard for due process, marginalisation and denial of meaningful participation in the affairs and transition process of the federation, have approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking judicial intervention in the circumstances surrounding the controversial ongoing transition process,” the group said.

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