Oyedeji heads to Appeals Committee, seeks nullification of NBBF elections

By Maxwell Kumoye

 

Former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji has formally challenged the outcome of the 2026 Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) elections, asking the election Appeals Committee to nullify the entire process and order a fresh election.

Oyedeji, one of the candidates who contested for the NBBF presidency, submitted his appeal in a letter dated October 16, 2026, addressed to the committee’s chairman, Emmanuel Okibe, Esq.

The former national team captain raised several concerns over the conduct of the electoral process, alleging constitutional violations, bias and irregularities that he believes undermined the credibility of the elections.

A major issue highlighted in his appeal was the initial exclusion of his name from the list of candidates for the position of South-West Representative on the NBBF Board, despite his submission of a duly completed nomination form to the Electoral Committee.

According to Oyedeji, the belated inclusion of his name during the Elective Congress placed him at a disadvantage and contravene the provisions of the NBBF Constitution and electoral guidelines.

He also challenged the purported expulsion of himself and seven other former board members by the outgone NBBF president, arguing that the decision prevented them from participating in key discussions and decisions leading to the elections.

Oyedeji stated that the former president made decisions concerning the electoral process with only four board members, whom he described as a minority of the board.

He further argued that the nullification of the expulsion order two days before the Extraordinary Congress in Yola rendered decisions taken in the absence of the affected members invalid.

The appeal also questioned the legality of the Extraordinary Congress held in Yola, with Oyedeji citing breaches of constitutional requirements relating to the notice convening the congress, the stipulated notice period and the composition of the Electoral and Appeals Committees.

He further said that the inclusion of individuals with whom he had personal relationships in the committees raised concerns about possible bias in the process.

Another issue raised was the arbitrary removal of state basketball association chairmen and state representatives from the Extraordinary and Elective Congresses shortly before the meetings.

Oyedeji accused the former NBBF president and secretary of being involved in the actions, which he said affected the participation of stakeholders in the electoral process.

The former D’Tigers captain also challenged the emergence of Mustapha Abdullahi as NBBF president and Babatunde Ogunade as South-West Representative, arguing that both candidates benefited from the alleged irregularities.

Abdullahi won the presidential election with 40 votes, while Oyedeji secured eight votes and former D’Tigers player Ejike Ugboaja received none.

Despite the outcome, Oyedeji is seeking the cancellation of the election results and a restart of the entire electoral process, placing the dispute before the Election Appeals Committee for consideration.

The committee’s decision on the appeal could prove significant for the NBBF, as the controversy surrounding the elections continues to generate debate over electoral procedures, constitutional compliance and the administration of Nigerian basketball.