Revised Schedule for National Sports Federation Elections
The National Sports Federation elections have been rescheduled to take place in the first week of October in Abuja. This decision follows a revision of the initial timetable, which had set the polls for September. The change was made after a comprehensive meeting held at the National Sports Commission, where it was decided that all zonal elections would be conducted by the end of September across various zones before the general elections in the nation’s capital.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has emphasized that all elections will be conducted by the commission itself and not by external parties. This move aims to ensure a fair and transparent process, with full oversight from the NSC.
Previously, the National Sports Commission had announced the 2025 National Sports Federations Board Elections to be held from September 1 to 15 at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. However, the new schedule introduces a two-stage electoral process. Zonal elections will serve as preliminary rounds to identify candidates who will then proceed to the national elections in Abuja.
According to the NSC guidelines, the elections are designed to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria’s sports federations. These principles align with international best practices in sports administration. The process will be supervised by the NSC, with the Nigeria Olympic Committee acting as an independent observer to ensure credibility and transparency throughout the election period.
The electoral framework includes detailed procedures covering several key areas:
- Board composition: Clear guidelines on how boards will be structured.
- Eligibility criteria: Specific requirements for individuals seeking to run for positions.
- Electoral regulations: Rules governing the conduct of the elections.
- Petitions and appeals: Processes for addressing disputes or grievances during the election.
- Inauguration protocols: Procedures for officially welcoming newly elected board members.
The NSC has made it clear that only qualified, credible, and passionate individuals will be elected to serve on the National Sports Federations (NSF) boards. All participating stakeholders are required to strictly adhere to the outlined procedures and timelines.
To ensure a smooth and credible election process, the commission has urged all stakeholders to comply with the established guidelines. This includes sports federation members, local authorities, and any other entities involved in the election process.
The revised schedule is expected to provide a more structured and efficient approach to the elections, allowing sufficient time for preparation and ensuring that all necessary steps are followed without unnecessary delays. This step-by-step process is intended to build trust among participants and the public, reinforcing the integrity of the sports governance system in Nigeria.
With the focus on transparency and adherence to international standards, the NSC is taking proactive measures to ensure that the elections reflect the values of fairness, inclusivity, and professionalism. The involvement of the Nigeria Olympic Committee as an independent observer further strengthens the credibility of the process.
Overall, the updated timeline and procedures represent a significant step forward in the administration of sports federations in Nigeria. By prioritizing structure, accountability, and stakeholder engagement, the NSC is working towards a more effective and sustainable sports governance framework.