IJF Orders Nigeria Judo Federation to Hold Fresh Elections Over Alleged Malpractices

The International Judo Federation (IJF) has directed the Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF) to conduct fresh elections following concerns about alleged electoral malpractices and governance irregularities.

In a letter dated June 10 and addressed to NJF President Musa Oshodi, the IJF expressed doubts about the transparency of the most recent electoral process, noting that it may not have complied with procedural requirements set out in IJF regulations.

The IJF specifically raised concerns about accessibility for all eligible stakeholders, stressing its responsibility to ensure member federations uphold principles of good governance, transparency, and inclusiveness.

The IJF further questioned whether the NJF Statutes, transmitted on September 30, 2025, had been formally approved by the General Assembly, emphasizing that statutes must be duly adopted before serving as the legal basis for any electoral process.

‘Based on the information available to us, it appears that the conditions for a fully transparent and inclusive election may not yet have been met,’ the IJF stated, inviting the NJF to organize a new election within three months in full compliance with IJF regulations and national requirements.

Until such a process is completed, the IJF confirmed it will not formally recognize the current NJF leadership for official representation or participation in IJF activities.

The federation also drew attention to Article 3.2 of its statutes, which empowers the IJF president to appoint a representative to investigate dysfunctions within member federations.

‘We sincerely hope that it will not be necessary to engage this mechanism, and we are confident that the NJF will take the appropriate steps to address the situation,’ the IJF added.