NBBF Polls: Mustapha Vows Transparency, Unity, 3 Yesrs Development Plan

Dr Abdullahi Mustapha, a candidate in the October 15 Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) presidential election, has promised to introduce transparent administration, measurable performance targets and a structured development plan if elected to lead the federation.

Mustapha said his administration would prioritise accountability in contract awards, sponsorship agreements and appointments, insisting that decisions affecting Nigerian basketball would be made openly and subjected to public scrutiny.

Speaking during an interview ahead of Thursday’s election, the candidate said he would ensure that the federation adopted clear criteria for awarding contracts and making appointments, with the media playing a central role in monitoring its activities.

“We are going to be very transparent. People will see the criteria clearly and understand what we are doing behind the scenes. We are not going to sign contracts at night. We are signing during the day,” he said.

Mustapha maintained that integrity would be central to his proposed administration, adding that openness in the federation’s dealings would help restore confidence among stakeholders.

He also acknowledged the need to strengthen the federation’s financial base and improve its commercial operations, noting that sustainable development would depend on funding and the availability of resources.

On the federation’s development structure, the candidate said he would introduce clear timelines and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress, with specific targets set for different stages of his proposed programme.

He explained that his plan would include short-term objectives to be pursued within three months, alongside milestones covering six months, one year and longer-term periods.

According to him, the approach would enable the federation to assess its progress, identify shortcomings and hold those responsible for implementation accountable.

“We are going to put those KPIs in place very clearly, with targets and timelines. We will also ensure that we have a team to implement the things we plan to do,” Mustapha said.

He stressed that his proposed reforms would not be limited to promises, insisting that the federation must establish practical mechanisms for measuring results and ensuring that its plans were implemented.

Mustapha also identified persistent divisions within Nigerian basketball as a major challenge, arguing that the sport needed reconciliation and a unified approach to move forward.

He said the recurring disputes among stakeholders had become a structural problem that required deliberate efforts to bring opposing interests together.

“One key thing we are going to do is unification. We will bring all those factions together to sit as one team,” he said.

The candidate called on stakeholders to put their differences aside and work collectively towards rebuilding the sport, adding that the federation should provide an inclusive platform for those willing to contribute to its development.

He argued that Nigerian basketball could not make meaningful progress if disagreements and factional interests continued to dominate its administration.

Mustapha also questioned the role of individuals who criticised the leadership of organisations in which they had served, saying those involved in administration should take responsibility for their contributions.

He maintained that his candidacy was focused on consolidating the sport and addressing its challenges rather than engaging in criticism of rival interests.

On funding and sponsorship, Mustapha acknowledged that the federation needed a more sustainable financial structure to support its programmes and make Nigerian basketball more attractive to potential partners.

He said any development plan would have to take account of available resources while establishing a realistic framework for implementing reforms.

The NBBF presidential election is scheduled for October 15, with the outcome expected to shape the federation’s leadership and direction in the coming years.

Mustapha’s campaign has centred on transparency, accountability, measurable development targets and reconciliation among stakeholders, which he considers essential to addressing the divisions affecting Nigerian basketball.

He said his priority, if elected, would be to build a more unified federation capable of developing the game through collective responsibility and clearly defined objectives.