NBBF Crisis: Presidential candidates petition Tinubu over alleged manipulation

Concerned stakeholders and presidential candidates in the upcoming Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) elections have formally petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding alleged severe irregularities and breaches of the constitution in the electoral process. The petition, dated October 12, 2026, was signed by presidential candidates Mr. Igoche Mark, Mr. Olumide Oyedeji, and Mr. Ejike Ugboaja, all seeking the NBBF presidency for the 2026-2030 term.

The group expressed deep concerns over the alleged compromise of the process by the outgoing NBBF President, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, who also holds a position at NNPC Ltd. The petition highlighted the arbitrary removal of legitimate state chairmen and delegates by the NBBF leadership, specifically targeting 15 state basketball associations, including Zamfara, Kaduna, Gombe, Benue, Kwara, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Niger, Edo, and Taraba.

These states claim to have been adversely affected by the removal of their state chairmen and delegates with unqualified replacements to support Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria. This move was alleged to be financially incentivized and supported by some State Governors. The petition questioned Dr. Abdullahi's eligibility to lead the federation due to his role as a CEO of a federal agency.

They stated that under the Nigeria Public Service Rules, a full-time public servant, particularly a CEO, is prohibited from engaging in any business that could distract from their official duties, suggesting that Dr. Abdullahi may not be fully committed to the NBBF leadership responsibilities. The petitioners appealed to President Tinubu to take immediate action to address the situation and ensure the integrity of the basketball federation.