NBBF Crisis Deepens as Presidential Candidates Petition Tinubu Over Alleged Election Manipulation

NBBF Crisis Deepens as Presidential Candidates Petition Tinubu Over Alleged Election Manipulation

By Raphael Ekpang

Abuja (Core Reporters) — Tensions are mounting within the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) as three presidential candidates have petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over alleged irregularities, constitutional breaches and manipulation of the federation’s forthcoming 2026–2030 elections.

In a petition dated October 12, 2026, and addressed to the President, the aggrieved stakeholders accused the outgoing NBBF President, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, of allegedly compromising the electoral process to favour his preferred candidate, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria.

The petition was also copied to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen; and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

The petition was jointly signed by three presidential aspirants: Mr. Igoche Mark, representing the North-Central zone; Mr. Olumide Oyedeji, representing the South-West; and Mr. Ejike Ugboaja, representing the South-East.

The candidates expressed concern over what they described as grave irregularities in the electoral process, warning that the alleged breaches could undermine the credibility of the elections and further deepen divisions within Nigerian basketball.

“We, the undersigned stakeholders and candidates in the forthcoming Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) elections for the 2026–2030 term, most respectfully wish to draw your attention to grave irregularities and constitutional breaches in the ongoing electoral process,” the petition stated.

The petitioners alleged that Kida, who also serves as Chairman of NNPC Limited, had compromised the process in favour of Abdullahi.

Alleged Removal of State Representatives

A major concern raised in the petition is the alleged arbitrary removal and replacement of legitimate state basketball association chairmen and delegates barely two weeks before the federation’s Extraordinary and Elective Congresses.

According to the candidates, more than 15 legitimate state chairmen and representatives had allegedly been removed and replaced with persons they described as unqualified, in an attempt to influence voting outcomes.

The states identified in the petition include Zamfara, Kaduna, Gombe, Benue, Kwara, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Niger, Edo and Taraba.

The petitioners further alleged that the changes were facilitated through financial inducements and abuse of influence, with the alleged support of some state governors.

They described the development as contrary to the principles of fairness, equity and adherence to the NBBF Constitution.

The candidates also alleged that some aspirants had been excluded from positions for which they had applied, raising further questions about the transparency and impartiality of the electoral committee.

However, the allegations contained in the petition have not been independently established.

Candidates Question DG’s Eligibility

The petitioners also questioned the suitability of Abdullahi, a serving head of a Federal Government agency, to lead the NBBF while retaining his current public office.

They cited provisions of the 2026 edition of the Public Service Rules, arguing that restrictions on outside commercial activities and engagements by full-time public servants could raise questions about his eligibility and capacity to discharge the responsibilities of the federation’s presidency.

“It is trite that under the Public Service Rules (PSR) on Part-Time Commercial Activity, under the Nigeria Public Service Rules (2026 Edition), a full-time public servant, especially the Chief Executive Officer and Accounting Officer of a government agency, is prohibited from engaging in any business, occupation or private running of organisations that will detract from their full-time official duties,” the petition stated.

The candidates argued that leading the NBBF requires considerable time and commitment, expressing concern that Abdullahi’s responsibilities as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria could affect his ability to effectively discharge the duties of the federation’s president.

The interpretation and applicability of the cited rules to Abdullahi’s candidacy would, however, require clarification from the relevant authorities.

Tinubu Urged to Halt Electoral Process

In their appeal, the aggrieved candidates called on President Tinubu to intervene urgently by directing the National Sports Commission (NSC) to suspend the electoral process pending an investigation into the alleged irregularities.

They said such intervention was necessary to protect the integrity of the elections, ensure compliance with the NBBF Constitution and restore confidence among stakeholders.

“In view of the foregoing, we humbly appeal to Your Excellency to kindly direct the National Sports Commission (NSC) to halt the process and investigate these breaches before any election takes place in exercise of its oversight functions, in order to ensure transparency, fairness and compliance with the Constitution and thus preserve the integrity of Nigerian basketball,” the petition concluded.

Concerns Over Nigerian Basketball’s Future

The unfolding dispute has renewed concerns about the administration of basketball in Nigeria and the direction of the federation under its outgoing leadership.

Core Reporters observes that the controversy comes amid longstanding concerns raised by basketball stakeholders over the state of domestic league competitions and the role of private stakeholders in sustaining the sport.

The allegations have placed the forthcoming elections under increased scrutiny, with the petitioners seeking intervention before the electoral process proceeds.

The credibility of the election, the composition of the delegates’ list and the resolution of complaints by aspirants are likely to be central to efforts to ensure a transparent and acceptable outcome.

As of the time of filing this report, the petitioners’ allegations had not been independently verified, and no response from Kida, Abdullahi or the NBBF electoral committee was included in the material available for this report.