NSC Steps In, Overseeing AFN Electoral Process Amid Governance Debate
As Southeast and Northwest Zonal Elections Conclude in Abuja
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has taken an active role in the electoral affairs of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), raising concerns about governance and autonomy. This intervention includes the establishment of an appeals committee, seemingly superseding the authority of the AFN Electoral Committee.
A re-run election for the Southeast and Northwest zones was conducted on Wednesday in Abuja, overseen by NSC Director General Bukola Olopade. Victor Okorie and Abubakar Ladan Zurmi emerged victorious in the disputed elections, which were ordered by the newly formed committee.
However, Article 11.1.5 of the AFN Constitution (2023, as amended) explicitly grants the AFN Electoral Committee the power to settle disputes related to election protests, stating: “The Electoral Committee may be called upon to decide on protests relating to any electoral process.”
Despite the controversy, Olopade praised the elections for their transparency and credibility. “Athletics is one of our major sports, and it is therefore very important to get it right with the election processes because that will be the foundation of everything that will be achieved in the next four years,” he remarked.
He emphasized that the success of Nigerian sports is tied to the federations, noting, “The AFN is one federation we cannot afford to toy with.”
Olopade further urged unity among stakeholders, encouraging collaboration beyond election outcomes. “We know everybody cannot be on the board at the same time, but we all belong to the same sports family, working for the overall interest of Nigerian sports. We therefore appeal to every stakeholder to seek peace and reconciliation at all times, to de-escalate tensions—especially concerning election matters,” he stated.
With the elections now concluded, questions remain about whether the process adhered to AFN’s constitutional guidelines. Some observers fear that government involvement in AFN affairs could attract scrutiny from World Athletics, which has previously penalized federations for excessive interference.
