BBA founding fathers dismiss crisis rumours as election holds Nov 16

By Emma Njoku

The founding fathers of the Balogun Business Association (BBA), Trade Fair Complex, Lagos have dismissed reports alleging an impending election crisis in the association, describing the publication as false and misleading.

The founding fathers were reacting to an online media report entitled, “Fear Grips Balogun Association Traders, Customers Over Looming Election Crisis,” which alleged that traders and customers were apprehensive over a possible crisis, ahead of the association’s forthcoming election.

In a swift reaction, the Chairman, Founding Fathers of BBA, Chief Stephen Nwike, described the report as false and the handiwork of detractors bent on creating confusion within the Complex.

He accused those behind the publication of engaging bloggers out of desperation to spread falsehood about the association.

Similarly, the Chairman, BBA Electoral Committee, John Nwosu, reaffirmed that the election would hold on November 16, 2026, adding that all necessary arrangements had been concluded to ensure a hitch-free exercise. He assured members that the electoral committee was fully prepared to conduct a free, fair, and credible election.

Also lending his voice, the Chairman, BBA Transport Committee, Hon. Chief Oguegbu Ikenna, said the President, Chief Oscar Paul Odogwu, had acted in accordance with the association’s constitution by initiating a transition programme to guarantee a smooth electoral process.

He said with Chief Odogwu’s tenure scheduled to end on November 22, it was appropriate, in line with the BBA Constitution, to conduct the election on November 16, to allow the winner to be sworn in as President on November 22.

On the alleged reasons behind the publication, Chief Oguegbu claimed that some individuals, for selfish reasons, had called for an extension of the tenure of the present executive committee until February 2027 without consulting the appropriate board.

He alleged that President Odogwu rejected the proposal, describing it as unconstitutional, a development which, according to him, prompted those opposed to the decision to resort to what he termed the spread of falsehood through bloggers.

Chief Oguegbu appealed to BBA members and the general public to remain calm and continue with their businesses without fear, assuring them that the electoral committee, duly constituted by the association’s General Assembly, was ready to conduct a free and fair election on Monday, November 16, 2026.