NBBF Fixes October 15 For Elective Congress, Kida Rules Out 3rd-term Bid

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has fixed October 15, 2026 for its elective congress in Abuja, bringing the federation closer to the election of a new board for the 2026–2030 tenure.

The decision was reached at the federation’s Extraordinary Congress held at the City Green Hotel in Yola, Adamawa State, on Friday, with 39 of the 44 accredited delegates in attendance.

The congress also approved a seven-member Electoral Committee and a three-member Elections Appeals Committee to oversee the electoral process.

NBBF President, Engr Ahmadu Musa Kida, told the congress that he would not seek a third term in office, while assuring delegates that he would work towards ensuring a free, fair and transparent election.

Kida also dismissed reports suggesting that he was seeking to manipulate the federation’s constitution to secure another term, urging all aspirants interested in elective positions to come forward and contest.

He called on prospective candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns with dignity and avoid derogatory or defamatory remarks against one another.

The NBBF president said the federation had faced several challenges since 2017 but had consistently emerged stronger from the crises.

The congress subsequently approved the proposed electoral timetable, with elections into the technical representative, players’ representative and other affiliate bodies scheduled to take place in Abuja between October 7 and 14.

The main elective congress will then hold in Abuja on October 15 at 10am.

The seven-member Electoral Committee approved by the congress is chaired by Dr Lanre Glover, with Sr Femi Olugbile, Alhaji Sani Fema, Engr Priscilla Ngozi Iroaganachi, Major General David Lubo and Mallam Farouk Yarma as members, while Barrister Ichene Kalu will serve as secretary.

The three-member Elections Appeals Committee will be chaired by Barrister Emmanuel Okibe, with Ms Chichi Nwoko as member and Mr Emmanuel Zira as secretary.

The congress also approved the NBBF Secretary-General’s updated activities report, as well as the federation’s financial reports for 2024, 2025 and 2026.

In his opening remarks, Kida commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for, according to the communique signed by Mr Felix Awogu, chairman of the Communique Draft committee, fulfilling the commitments he made to the D’Tigress following their historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title.

He noted that the women’s national team had remained unbeaten on the African continent for more than eight years.

Kida also expressed appreciation to the Adamawa State Government, the Adamawa State Basketball Association, the state’s sports authorities and other stakeholders for hosting the extraordinary congress at short notice and providing logistical support.

He further commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, for its support for the federation.

With the electoral committees now constituted and the dates approved, attention will shift to the various elective positions and the candidates seeking places on the NBBF board for the 2026–2030 tenure.