NSC Inaugurates Electoral Committee for Sports Federation Elections

By Ikemefuna Asika

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially inaugurated the Electoral Committee responsible for conducting the upcoming elections into the boards of 20 National Sports Federations.

The newly inaugurated committee is tasked with ensuring a transparent, credible, and hitch-free electoral process across various federations, including Aquatics, Chess, Handball, Golf, Karate, Darts, Fives, and Tennis.

Other federations listed are Wrestling, Wushu Kung Fu, Scrabble, Hockey, Badminton, Boxing, Taekwondo, Squash Rackets, Traditional Sports, Rugby, Kickboxing, and Deaf Sports.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, expressed confidence in the committee’s competence and commitment to delivering a successful and transparent electoral process.

“We have succeeded in assembling a balanced and compact team for this assignment because we aim to set a new standard in how federation elections are conducted—with the utmost integrity and transparency,” he stated.

He stated that his administration, along with that of the Director General (DG), was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to reform sports administration in the country.

“Myself and my brother, the DG, were appointed by President Tinubu to change the way sports are managed in Nigeria—to bring in professionalism and accountability. Everything we do must reflect this mandate,” he said.

Dikko further stressed that the Commission holds no partisan interest in the elections.

“The DG and I have no personal interest other than ensuring that those elected share our vision of building a sustainable sports economy in line with the President’s mandate. We will not interfere in the process but will provide guidance to ensure alignment with our vision,” he concluded.

In his remarks, NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, reiterated the Commission’s careful selection of the committee and echoed the chairman’s confidence in its capacity to deliver.

“We are very intentional in our approach at the Commission, and constituting this robust team for the elections is a reflection of that. We wanted a competent, experienced team that can withstand the challenges of an election of this magnitude—and that is exactly what we have with this committee,” he stated.

The committee is chaired by Dr. Simon Ebhojiaye, a seasoned sports administrator and technocrat. Other members include Vice Chairman Barr. Samson Ebomhe, Lawal Waheed, Hon. Tunde Popoola, Barr. Maryam Orotope Paul, Farouk Yelima, and Secretary Rita Mosindi.

Dr. Ebhojiaye, in his response, assured the Commission of the committee’s readiness and commitment to executing its mandate with diligence and professionalism.

“I have no doubt that the NSC’s decision to bring this group together will produce the expected outcome a hitch-free and credible election. We will strictly adhere to the Commission’s guidelines and work tirelessly to deliver results that both the Commission and Nigerians can be proud of,” he assured.