By our reporter 28.9.2026
With only a few weeks to the much-anticipated Nigeria Basketball Federation elections, a group Concerned Youth for the Promotion of Peace and Unity Initiative, has called for transparency and a level playing field for all contestants.
Speaking Monday in Abuja, Mohammed Salihu Ummaya who the group’s president said it has concerns with moves to anoint a particular candidate in the election billed for October 12, and also calling for clarifications of the ambiguities noticed in the financial statements submitted by outgoing NBBF president Musa Kida.
According to Comrade Ummaya the on-going electoral process has been marred by controversies and alleged disregards for rules governing the sport. He pointed out that the only congress of the NBBF ever held throughout the tenure of Mr. Kida was that which recently passed by in Yola, Adamawa State.
He also expressed concern over the open support Kida was giving to one of the aspirant Mustapha Abdullahi, to take over from him.
Mr. Abdullahi who is the Energy Commission of Nigeria director-general courted controversy when he was questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged N500 billion money laundering case. However, that case has died a natural death.
But according to the Concerned Youth for the Promotion of Peace and Unity Initiative president, they have petitioned the EFCC to throw more light on the outcome of the case.
“Nigerian basketball belongs to Nigerians. It belongs to the players, coaches, referees, club owners, state associations, athletes, administrators, technical officials, sponsors, supporters and every stakeholder who has contributed to the growth of the game,” Ummaya said.
“The outgoing president should not personally determine who succeeds him. The outgoing board should facilitate a process in which eligible delegates freely exercise their constitutional rights.
“Let the rules speak. Let the delegates decide. Let Nigerian basketball move forward.”
He disclosed that some NBBF stakeholders are already in court over the disregard for due process ahead of the election.