NFF Electoral Committee Assures Credible Polls, Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency and Reform
…as NFF President inaugurates committees
By Raphael Ekpang
The Electoral Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to delivering a free, fair, credible, and transparent electoral process in the forthcoming Federation elections.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Matthew Burka’a (SAN), expressed profound appreciation for the confidence reposed in members, emphasizing that the responsibility entrusted to them will not be taken lightly. He pledged that both the Electoral and Appeals Committees would approach their assignment with utmost diligence and professionalism, setting a benchmark for future elections within Nigerian football and beyond.
Burka’a gave the assurance on Thursday, April 2, during the inauguration of the NFF Electoral and Appeals Committees at the Federation’s secretariat in Abuja.
“We recognize the significance of this assignment, not just for Nigerian football, but for the integrity of institutional governance.
“We are fully committed to conducting an election that reflects the true will of stakeholders and upholds the highest standards of fairness and accountability,” he said.
The committee assured all contestants of a level playing field, stressing that due process would be strictly adhered to throughout the exercise. It also noted that both the nation and the global football community would be closely observing the process, underscoring the importance of credibility and transparency.
In his remarks, NFF President, Engr. Ibrahim Musa Gusau, while inaugurating the committees, emphasized the need for reform, inclusivity, and strong institutional frameworks. He called for unity, transparency, and collective responsibility in advancing Nigerian football and governance structures.
He charged members of the committees to discharge their duties with integrity and without fear or favour. Meanwhile, the committees are saddled with the conduct, and adjudication on complaints, petitions and appeals, of the elections into the NFF Executive Committee for the period of four years.
According to him, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance representation and operational efficiency, a structured committee system has been adopted. The framework comprises 27 elected representatives forming the core body, supported by an additional seven members. Each committee will consist of five members—three principal members and two alternates—to ensure continuity and stability.
Members of the Electoral Committee include Matthew Burka’a (SAN), Alhaji Babagoni Grema, Alhaji Bature Musa, Ayibaye Peter Great Temedie, Esq, and Hon. (Dr) Akogun Olugbenga Omole, with Arinze Azubuike Anughele, Esq, and Abayomi Akin Omoyimi, Esq, serving as alternate members.
The Electoral Appeals Committee comprises Hon. Justice C. J. Aneke, Barr. Benjamin Sati, and Professor Abdulmalik Awwal, with Emmanuel Dada Obafemi (FIFA) and Ayi Ekpo Ukpayam as alternates.
Gusau also announced that, in accordance with the provisions of the NFF Statutes, the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, MON, will serve as Secretary to both committees.
This year’s elections into the NFF Executive Committee will take place in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Saturday, September 26.
Dignitaries present at the inauguration included the Director General of the National Institute for Sports, His Excellency Comrade Philip Shaibu; NFF First Vice President, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu; NFF Executive Committee members His Excellency Silas Agara and Chief George Aluo; as well as the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, among other management staff.
