NBBF Election: Oyedeji demands fresh polls over irregularities

Olumide Oyedeji has appealed the process and outcome of the recently concluded Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) board elections, asking the Electoral Appeals Committee to nullify the exercise and order a fresh election.

‎In his appeal addressed to the committee chaired by Emmanuel Okibe, Esq., the former D’Tigers captain raised concerns over alleged constitutional violations and irregularities which, he argued, undermined the credibility of the electoral process.

‎Oyedeji said his protest went beyond the election results or his candidacy, but the need to set a judicial precedent, protect the NBBF constitution and safeguard the game against external interests.

‎Among the issues raised by the founder of Hoops and Read Men’s Basketball Club of Lagos was his initial exclusion from the list of candidates for the position of South-West Representative, despite fulfilling all requirements. He noted that his late inclusion, following a widely publicised exclusion by the Dr Lanre Glover-led Electoral Committee, placed him at a disadvantage and contravened the NBBF constitution and electoral guidelines.

‎‎Oyedeji also challenged the expulsion of eight board members by the Musa Kida-led NBBF board, describing the decision as unconstitutional. He argued that their removal prevented duly elected members from participating in the processes leading to the Extraordinary Congress and Elective Congress, in violation of the federation’s constitution.

The former national team captain protested the emergence of Mustapha Abdullahi as NBBF president and Babatunde Ogunade as South-West Representative. He said both candidates benefited from electoral irregularities. He accused the former NBBF president and secretary of circumventing the electoral process.

‎As part of his appeal, Oyedeji raised concerns over the arbitrary removal of state basketball association chairmen and the accreditation of individuals who did not meet the requirements stipulated in the NBBF constitution.

‎He is seeking the nullification of the electoral process and a fresh election, arguing that the issues raised must be addressed to protect the integrity of the federation’s constitution and future elections.