By Victor Okoye
Concerned stakeholders of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) on Tuesday confirmed that the tenure of the federation’s board expired on Jan. 31, in line with its constitution.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Musa Kida was re-elected as the President of NBBF on Jan. 31, 2022, in Benin City, amidst a leadership crisis and conflicting elections at the time.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja, retired Col. Sam Ahmedu, a member of the outgone board, said the 2019 NBBF Constitution clearly stipulates that the board’s tenure commenced on Jan. 31, 2022, and ended exactly four years after.
Ahmedu stated that the constitution provides that tenure begins immediately after election and swearing-in, which took place in Benin City on Jan. 31, 2022.
“There is no provision for any separate inauguration to determine when tenure begins. The board became operational from the day it was elected and sworn in,” he said.
He dismissed claims that the tenure runs until October 2026, describing such a position as unconstitutional and misleading.
“The constitution does not recognise inauguration by any ministry as the basis for tenure. Any attempt to shift the date lacks legal foundation,” Ahmedu said.
He noted that the world governing body, FIBA, congratulated the board in March 2022, while national teams participated in competitions from February 2022 under the same leadership.
According to him, internal communications of the board also acknowledged Jan. 31, 2026, as the terminal date.
On governance issues, Ahmedu alleged that Congress, the supreme organ of the federation, was not convened throughout the board’s four-year tenure.
“Article 20.1 makes Congress the highest authority. It must meet at least once yearly, including an elective congress. That was not done,” he said.
He alleged that quarterly board meetings, as required by the constitution, were not consistently held.
Ahmedu also raised concerns over financial management, including alleged non-operation of an official bank account and approval of reports without quorum.
“There were sponsorship arrangements and friendly match funds not transparently disclosed to the board. These are serious fiduciary issues,” he said.
He added that some elected board members were allegedly expelled without due process, contrary to constitutional provisions.
Ahmedu recalled that on Jan. 9, 2026, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) convened a stakeholders’ meeting with members of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).
He said the meeting unanimously resolved that the board’s tenure would end on Jan. 31, 2026, with a transition period up to March 31, 2026.
“The window was to allow statutory notices and ensure continuity for the women’s national team ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in France in March,” he said.
Ahmedu, however, lamented that no valid congress or constitutional transition process had been initiated since the resolution.
He disclosed that members of Congress had petitioned FIBA, seeking guidance to safeguard constitutional order and avoid allegations of external interference.
“A response from FIBA is being awaited. We believe due process must be followed to protect the integrity of Nigerian basketball,” he said.
Ahmedu maintained that as of Feb. 1, 2026, there was no constitutionally recognised NBBF board in office.
“Consequently, no individual has a lawful mandate to parade himself as president of the federation. Any meeting called in that capacity is null and void,” he said.
He called on the NSC to continue its supervisory role to prevent a constitutional vacuum within the federation.
“The NSC must exercise its supervisory powers to conduct a fresh, open and credible election for the NBBF,” Ahmedu said.
“Our constitution should be obeyed. Let us constitute a new board that is open, fair and allows every stakeholder to aspire freely,” he added.
Ahmedu emphasised that the issue was about institutional integrity, not personalities.
“Nigeria is governed by law. Our sports federations must operate within their constitutions. This is about transparency, accountability and the future of our basketball,” he said.
NAN reports that other members of the outgone board present at the news conference were Olumide Bamiduro, NAPHASD rep, retired Col. Sam Ahmedu, International rep., Prof. Florence Adeyanju, NAWIS rep., and Adamu Deshi, member rep of North Central Zone.
Others are Scott Nnaji, Technical rep, Prof. Florence Adeyanju, Adamu Deshi, Olumide Bamiduro, Suraj Yusuf and Olumide Oyedeji. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
