Abdullahi Mustapha has been elected president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, defeating former D'Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji 40 votes to eight at the federation's elective congress in Abuja. The vote followed a turbulent build-up marked by allegations of irregularities and two withdrawals from the race.
Presidential candidate Mark Igoche stepped down on the eve of the election, citing alleged irregularities in the process. Former Nigerian international Ejike Ugboaja also pulled out shortly after voting began, deepening the sense of disquiet in the hall.
National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade voiced frustration during the proceedings, particularly over the omission of a FIBA representative from the board. Stakeholders from across Nigerian basketball watched the drama unfold at the International Conference Centre before the result was announced.
In his post-election remarks, Mustapha set out his vision for Nigerian basketball, built around his DCIU programme. Attention now turns to how he will translate that agenda into reforms, restore confidence among stakeholders and strengthen the domestic game.
