Former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji has filed an appeal challenging the outcome of the 2026 Nigeria Basketball Federation elections. Dated October 16, 2026 and addressed to the committee's chairman Emmanuel Okibe, Esq., the petition seeks the nullification of the entire process and a fresh election.
Oyedeji, who contested the NBBF presidency, cited constitutional violations, bias and irregularities. He complained that his name was initially excluded from the list of candidates for the South-West Representative seat even though he had submitted a duly completed nomination form, arguing that his late inclusion placed him at a disadvantage.
He also contested his purported expulsion along with seven other former board members by the outgone NBBF president, claiming that the decision barred them from participating in key discussions ahead of the elections. Oyedeji argued that decisions taken with only four board members were invalid, and that the nullification of the expulsion order two days before the Extraordinary Congress in Yola failed to repair the damage. He further questioned the legality of the Yola congress itself, citing breaches in the notice period and committee composition, and challenged the removal of state basketball association chairmen shortly before the meetings.
In the presidential vote, Mustapha Abdullahi won with 40 votes, Oyedeji secured 8 votes and former D’Tigers player Ejike Ugboaja received none. Oyedeji has asked the Election Appeals Committee to void the results and restart the process, with the dispute set to shape the next phase of Nigerian basketball administration.
