By Ado Salisu
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to conduct a free, fair and transparent election on October 15, 2026, saying the credibility of the process is vital to strengthening basketball governance in the country.
SWAN President, Isaiah Benjamin, made the call in a statement signed by the association’s Secretary-General, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, stressing the need for an inclusive electoral process that complies with the NBBF constitution and established regulations.
Benjamin said the election should uphold fairness, accountability and equal opportunities for all eligible aspirants, noting that a credible process would provide a solid foundation for effective administration and sustainable basketball development.
He urged the federation to communicate electoral procedures clearly and ensure that all eligible stakeholders could participate in accordance with the applicable rules.
The SWAN president also called on all parties involved to demonstrate maturity, maintain peaceful engagement and respect one another before, during and after the election.
He said the collective interest of Nigerian basketball must take precedence over individual ambitions, adding that a transparent electoral process would strengthen stakeholders’ confidence in the federation.
“An election conducted in an atmosphere of fairness, transparency and accountability will strengthen confidence in the federation and reinforce the collective commitment of stakeholders to the growth of Nigerian basketball,” Benjamin said.
SWAN NBBF Elections: Association Seeks Stronger Media Partnership
Beyond the election, Benjamin expressed the association’s readiness to establish a stronger working relationship with the NBBF to improve media coverage, promote competitions and support the overall development of basketball in Nigeria.
He noted that constructive engagement between sports administrators and journalists was essential to communicating policies, publicising competitions and showcasing the achievements of Nigerian players, coaches and teams.
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To strengthen the relationship, SWAN proposed regular media briefings, timely access to credible information and collaborative initiatives to improve basketball coverage at grassroots, national and international levels.
Benjamin said a more structured partnership would enable journalists to report on the sport more effectively while helping the federation expand its reach and attract greater public and private-sector support.
“SWAN is committed to a professional and mutually beneficial relationship with the NBBF that recognises the strategic role of the media in sports development,” he said.
He added that open communication and constructive collaboration would help tell the Nigerian basketball story more effectively, celebrate athletes’ achievements and create more opportunities for the sport to grow.