Nigeria’s basketball federation will elect new leaders in Abuja on October 15, with preliminary polls from October 7 to 14, after president Musa Kida ruled out a third term.
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has settled on a date for its elective congress. The vote will take place in Abuja on October 15, 2026, with preliminary elections from October 7 to October 14.
The date was fixed by the federation’s Extraordinary Congress. It comes after years of court cases, factional disputes and power struggles that have overshadowed the sport.
The incumbent NBBF president, Engineer Musa Kida, has said he will not run again. He also told the congress that he would encourage free and transparent polls.
His decision opens the race for a new leader and a new board.
Several well-known names are either contesting or linked to leadership roles in the election.
Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director-General of the Energy Commission, has promised to identify grassroots talent, upgrade facilities and look after player welfare.
Olumide Oyedeji, a former NBA player, Olympian and D’Tigers captain, is expected to bring international connections and global governance standards.
Ejike Ugboaja, another former D’Tigers star, is calling for a level playing field and transparency. He has also promised to rebuild pathways for young athletes.
Igoche Mark, a leading basketball promoter, founded the Mark D Ball tournament and has set up clubs to empower young people. He has tried to lead the federation before.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has welcomed the agreement on the October 15 date. Its Director-General, Bukola Olopade, described it as a victory.
Commentators now say the way the election is run will decide whether peace returns to the federation. They have urged delegates to follow the 2019 NBBF constitution strictly.
They also want every eligible state representative, coach and player to have a voice. In addition, they are calling for an end to late-night changes to the voter list and arbitrary exclusions, which marred past elections.
Another call is for unity after the vote. Observers say the winners should bring defeated camps into sub-committees, technical roles and marketing work, so that the federation does not spend the next four years in court.
