NBBF ELECTION:nStakeholders raise alarm over alleged plot to manipulate Congress

NBBF ELECTION:nStakeholders raise alarm over alleged plot to manipulate Congress

The battle for the presidency of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) is gathering momentum, with stakeholders raising the alarm over what they describe as a coordinated attempt to manipulate the federation’s electoral process ahead of the 2026–2030 board elections.

With basketball stakeholders awaiting the announcement of the date for the Extra-Ordinary General Assembly and the release of the election timetable and guidelines, allegations have emerged of behind-the-scenes moves to alter the leadership of some State Basketball Associations in favour of preferred candidates.

According to stakeholders who spoke to our reporter, the alleged strategy involves using political and government influence to replace sitting State Basketball Association chairmen with individuals considered sympathetic to particular candidates ahead of the NBBF Elective Congress.

At the centre of the controversy is an unnamed Director-General of a federal parastatal who, according to the stakeholders, is being promoted by outgoing NBBF President Engr. Musa Kida and a senior National Sports Commission (NSC) official as a preferred successor.

The stakeholders further alleged that the Director-General, who became chairman of his State Basketball Association only about a year ago, has been making calls to State Directors of Sports and, in some instances, State Governors, allegedly seeking the replacement of existing basketball association chairmen with individuals who would support his candidacy.

The allegations are particularly explosive because the individual being touted for the NBBF presidency is also being accused by his critics of having an unresolved corruption-related history involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Stakeholders also allege that the individual has largely been absent from his official duties while efforts are simultaneously being made to market him within basketball circles abroad, including, according to the claims, presenting him to members of the basketball community in Germany as the next NBBF president, even though the Nigerian federation has yet to conduct its election.

The claims raise a fundamental question: who exactly is determining the next NBBF president the basketball congress or political and administrative power brokers?

Speaking to our reporter, FIBA-certified statistician and basketball stakeholder Biola Shomala condemned what he described as an emerging culture of desperation and manipulation in Nigerian basketball elections.

“What is this desperation about? Why would someone who had no pedigree and who became a State Association Chairman just under a year ago, without proper basketball and sports administration experience, be forced on the Nigerian basketball family on account of the belief that he has money?”

Shomala questioned whether financial influence was gradually becoming the determining factor in who controls Nigerian basketball.

“So is Nigerian basketball now for sale? Why would the current chairmen who have represented their States all these years not be left alone to vote for capable candidates at the election?”

He also questioned the alleged involvement of the outgoing NBBF leadership in promoting a particular successor.

“Again, why would an outgoing President, NBBF, be campaigning for such a candidate? So what is Engr. Musa Kida afraid of that he wants to influence the outcome of an election to favour his preferred candidate?”

The allegations come at a sensitive moment for Nigerian basketball. FIBA has indicated that the current NBBF board’s tenure runs until 16th of October 2026, with elections expected within the stipulated electoral window.

Shomala called on the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Olympic Committee to intervene before alleged attempts to alter the composition of State basketball associations compromise the credibility of the national election.

“The National Sports Commission and the NOC must not sit and allow this abuse of our electoral process.”

He argued that the basketball community knows the legitimate representatives of the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory and should not be subjected to what he described as last-minute changes designed to influence the electoral college.

“Basketball stakeholders should be allowed to vote in candidates of their choice who have a track record in the game and not overnight or emergency stakeholders.”

The allegations are especially significant given that the NSC itself has publicly called on basketball stakeholders to put the interest of the game first and adhere to due process ahead of the NBBF elections.

The stakeholders also pointed to recent changes in the leadership of basketball associations in Taraba and Imo States as examples of developments requiring scrutiny.

In Taraba, the former chairman reportedly wrote an open letter to Kida urging him not to pursue a tenure-elongation agenda.

In Imo, stakeholders alleged that a former business associate of the head of the NBBF Marketing Committee, who is also reportedly seeking the South-East representative position, was appointed chairman of the State association.

These developments, according to the stakeholders, have fuelled suspicions that the composition of the NBBF electoral college is being deliberately altered ahead of the congress.

The NBBF election is therefore shaping up as more than a contest for office. It is increasingly becoming a test of whether Nigerian basketball can conduct a transparent, credible and stakeholder-driven transition or whether the federation's next leadership will be determined before delegates even enter the congress hall.

For a sport that has enjoyed remarkable success on the court, particularly through D’Tigresses, the stakeholders insist that its administrative leadership must not be decided through backroom deals, political pressure or alleged manipulation of State associations.

The question now confronting the NSC, NOC and the Nigerian basketball family is not complicated at all, will the 2026 NBBF election be allowed to reflect the genuine choice of basketball stakeholders?

SIGNED

Media Team,

Nigeria Basketball Network

06/09/2026