Ahead of this weekend’s National Sports Federations board elections, candidates vying for the presidency of various federations have commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) electoral committee for its seamless and transparent process leading up to the elections.
The aspirants, in separate interviews with journalists following their manifesto presentations before the committee led by Dr. Simon Ebhojiaye, praised the fair and innovative approach that allowed candidates to articulate their visions for the sports they aim to oversee.
The Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service and a candidate for the presidency of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, described the manifesto presentation initiative as a positive development. He remarked, “I am truly impressed with what the sports commission has implemented in the lead-up to this election. Unlike in previous years, this has been a very peaceful process, providing an opportunity for all candidates to engage thoughtfully with the sports commission and the general public about their visions for sport.”
In a similar vein, Muhammad Shettima, a presidential aspirant for the Shooting Federation, stated, “The idea of sharing our manifestos is a welcome initiative. Anyone seeking an elective position should be able to enlighten others on their intentions. This is a significant advancement, and I hope it will be sustained.”
Margaret Elizabeth Binga, who is aiming to reclaim the presidency of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), expressed her confidence in the NSC and the electoral committee’s ability to conduct free and transparent elections. “Taekwondo is a part of me; it has shaped who I am today—I am an athlete, an international referee, and an administrator. My achievements speak for themselves, and my records are available for all to see. I am a leader and a fighter, and I have complete faith in the committee to do what is right. The preparations for the elections have been impressive so far, and I hope this momentum continues,” Binga stated.
Dr. Simon Ebhojiaye, the chairman of the electoral committee, emphasised that the purpose of the manifesto presentations is to ensure that only suitable individuals with the requisite passion are elected to lead the sports federations. “Appointing the right people to leadership positions within these federations is crucial. This is why the NSC is taking this manifesto exercise, which is unprecedented, very seriously—to confirm that those who aspire to run the federations possess the capability to do so,” Ebhojiaye concluded.
