By Muhammad Adam, Kano
The NBBF election has come under scrutiny after three presidential aspirants in the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) accused outgoing president Ahmadu Musa Kida of alleged electoral manipulation and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene ahead of the 2026–2030 board elections.
Olumide Oyedeji, Igoche Mark and Ejike Ugboaja made the appeal in a petition dated October 12, accusing outgoing NBBF President Ahmadu Musa Kida of allegedly manipulating the process in favour of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria.
The aspirants urged Tinubu to direct the National Sports Commission (NSC) to suspend the elections and investigate their complaints before the exercise proceeds.
The petition, also copied to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, raised concerns over changes to state representation ahead of the Extraordinary and Elective Congresses.
NBBF Election Dispute Over State Representatives
According to the petitioners, more than 15 legitimate state representatives were removed and replaced with individuals they described as unqualified, alleging that the changes could influence voting outcomes.
The states listed in the petition include Zamfara, Kaduna, Gombe, Benue, Kwara, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Niger, Edo and Taraba.
The aspirants also alleged that financial inducements and political influence, including the involvement of some state governors, contributed to the changes. They argued that the alleged actions undermined the credibility of the process and raised questions about compliance with the NBBF Constitution.
They further accused the Electoral Committee of excluding some candidates from positions they had applied to contest.
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The petition also questioned Abdullahi’s eligibility to lead the federation while serving as head of a Federal Government agency, citing provisions of the Nigeria Public Service Rules on outside engagements by full-time public servants.
The candidates argued that the NBBF presidency requires substantial commitment and called for scrutiny of whether Abdullahi’s current responsibilities are compatible with the position.
Mark, who is also contesting for the North Central representative seat, signed the petition alongside Oyedeji, who is seeking the South West representative position, and Ugboaja, who is contesting for the South East seat.
The three aspirants urged the Federal Government to ensure that their complaints are investigated and that the elections proceed under transparent and fair conditions.
They warned that conducting the exercise without addressing the alleged irregularities could undermine confidence in the outcome and deepen divisions within Nigerian basketball.
The NSC’s response to the appeal, alongside the reactions of the NBBF leadership and Electoral Committee, is expected to shape the next steps in the dispute.