The Presidents of the Judo Federation of Nigeria (JFN) and the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) have called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what they describe as the “electoral interference” of the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade.
Speaking to sports journalists in Abuja, Judo Federation President Musa Oshodi and Gymnastics Federation President Kelvin Erhunmwunse accused Olopade of meddling in the internal affairs and election processes of their respective federations.
Oshodi expressed grave concern over what he described as the deteriorating state of sports administration in the country.
“From what I’m seeing at the moment, I must say I am deeply concerned — and I believe that would also be the feeling of any well-meaning Nigerian who desires positive national transformation,” he said.
“The way the recent federation elections are being managed is worrisome. The National Sports Commission is not expected to interfere in the political structure or internal affairs of any federation.”
He urged President Tinubu to take immediate action to safeguard the autonomy of sports federations.
“I therefore call on Mr President to urgently look into this matter and take appropriate action to save Nigerian sports,” Oshodi added.
Erhunmwunse echoed the concerns, alleging that elements within the NSC were behind the growing confusion surrounding recent sports federation elections.
“What you’re seeing now — all the confusion and misinformation — is the handiwork of these same agents,” he said.
“The President’s initiative to establish a strong and independent Sports Commission is a wonderful idea, but unfortunately, someone who was appointed to lead this effort has shown disrespect for constituted authority.”
Their outcry follows a series of controversial interventions by the NSC, including the suspension of the Nigeria Boxing Federation’s elections in August after stakeholders protested a restrictive timetable that gave aspirants less than 48 hours to submit nomination forms and undergo screening.
The federation heads say such interference undermines the independence of sporting bodies and threatens the integrity of Nigeria’s sports governance.
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