Spotlight on Okowa as World Athletics Opens Council Nominations

All eyes are on Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President Tonobok Okowa as World Athletics opens nominations for its Council elections.

The question is whether Okowa will follow in the footsteps of his predecessors, Solomon Ogba and Ibrahim Shehu Gusau, by contesting for a seat on the 13-member Council.

The nomination process for the 2027 World Athletics Council elections has officially begun ahead of the Elective Congress scheduled for Beijing, China, in September 2027.

The Congress will take place just before the World Athletics Championships and will elect the President, four Vice Presidents, and 13 Council Members for the 2027–2031 term, in line with the organisation’s constitution and regulations.

Campaigning begins on March 1, 2026, with nominations closing on June 1, 2027. Candidates must first apply to the Vetting Panel by March 31, 2027, and be declared eligible before their Member Federation can nominate them.

The election process will be overseen by the independent Election Oversight Panel (EOP) and Vetting Panel to ensure transparency, integrity, and fairness. Candidates will have opportunities to present their vision and engage with member federations during the campaign.

Both Gusau and Ogba previously failed to secure enough votes to become Council members, raising questions about whether Okowa can succeed where they fell short.

Rumours also suggest he may be eyeing the Confederation of African Athletics presidency, though his management of the AFN has drawn scrutiny.