Chukwu: Victor Okorie should have been disqualified from AFN Elections for Bankruptcy!
South-East AFN zonal election sparks controversy as AFN entertains Okorie's disputed petition
A fresh controversy has erupted within Nigeria’s athletics community following the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN)’s decision to entertain a petition challenging the outcome of the South-East Zonal Representative election. The move has drawn criticism from prominent stakeholders, including Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medalist Clement Chukwu, who argues that the process undermines transparency and fairness.
The election, which took place peacefully, saw respected athletics administrator Innocent Iheme defeat Victor Okorie in a well-documented contest. However, Okorie later submitted a petition contesting the results, a move that Chukwu and other South-East delegates find troubling.
Chukwu, who had previously lodged a petition citing violations of electoral guidelines—including the questionable eligibility of Okorie—expressed frustration that his concerns were ignored, while Okorie’s complaint was swiftly acknowledged.
‘I submitted a petition pointing out clear violations of the guidelines well before the election, but no one deemed it worthy of a response. Yet, the Federation is quick to entertain a complaint from someone who lost in what everyone who was present agreed was a peaceful and transparent election. It’s unjust and deeply concerning,’ Chukwu, a former African and NCAA 400m champion told Dynamic Athletics.
At the heart of the controversy is Okorie’s eligibility. Chukwu’s petition, submitted on May 25, 2025, cited Okorie’s bankruptcy status in the United States, arguing that it directly violated Article 9 of the AFN Constitution, which disqualifies individuals declared bankrupt from contesting elections. Despite presenting certified court documents, Chukwu’s concerns were overlooked, leading to speculation about procedural inconsistencies within the AFN Electoral Committee.
Adding to the concerns, many athletics stakeholders have expressed surprise at the National Sports Commission’s silence in the face of these alleged constitutional violations. Critics claim the Commission’s inaction suggests tacit approval of efforts to secure Okorie—a strong supporter of AFN President Tonobok Okowa—a return to the Federation’s board.
Following growing pressure from stakeholders, the AFN Tribunal has scheduled a virtual hearing for June 7, 2025, to address disputes from the South-East and North-West zones. Chukwu and several South-East delegates have vowed to participate while standing firmly by the election outcome.
‘We will honor the panel because we have nothing to hide. Our Representative is Innocent Iheme. He won fair and square. This move to destabilize our peaceful election must not stand,’Chukwu asserted.
