The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engineer Ahmadu Musa Kida, has stated that he will not seek a third term in office. He made this declaration at the NBBF Extra-Ordinary Congress held at City Green Hotel, Yola, Adamawa State, where 39 of the 44 accredited delegates participated. Kida assured stakeholders that he will work towards ensuring a free, fair and transparent election to produce the federation's next board.
Kida's statement comes amid speculation surrounding the federation's forthcoming elections and allegations that he was seeking to influence the process to remain in office. He told the congress that he has never been part of subverting the NBBF approved constitution in seeking a third term. His intention is to ensure a credible transition to the next board for the 2026-2030 tenure. This effectively shifts the focus of the forthcoming election to the candidates seeking to succeed the current administration.
The NBBF president appealed to all those interested in elective positions to participate freely in the contest. He urged candidates and their supporters to maintain decorum throughout the electoral process. Kida called on aspirants to conduct their campaigns with honour and dignity and avoid derogatory or defamatory comments against one another. This sets the tone for a peaceful and respectful election process.
The congress approved the electoral timetable and structures that will oversee the process leading to the emergence of the next board. October 15, 2026, has been fixed for the NBBF Elective Congress in Abuja, with proceedings scheduled for 10am. Elections involving technical representatives, players' representatives and other affiliate bodies are to take place between October 7 and 14, also in Abuja.
A seven-member Electoral Committee has been approved to oversee the exercise, headed by Dr Lanre Glover. Other members are Sister Femi Olugbile, Alhaji Sani Fema, Engineer Priscilla Ngozi Iroaganachi, Major General David Lubo and Mallam Farouk Yarma, while Barrister Ichene Kalu will serve as secretary. A three-member Elections Appeals Committee was also approved, comprising Barrister Emmanuel Okibe as chairman.
The congress considered the federation's financial and administrative reports, including financial reports covering 2024, 2025 and 2026, which were presented to the delegates and approved. An updated activities report from the Secretary-General was also considered and approved. The approval of the reports comes as the federation prepares for a change in leadership.
Kida expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling commitments made to Nigeria's senior women's basketball team, D'Tigress, following their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women's AfroBasket. He also commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission and the Adamawa State Government for their support. The focus now shifts to the October 15 Elective Congress, which will determine the board that will oversee the federation from 2026 to 2030.
Key points
- NBBF President Engineer Ahmadu Musa Kida rules out seeking a third term in office.
- The NBBF Elective Congress is scheduled for October 15, 2026, in Abuja.
- A seven-member Electoral Committee has been set up to oversee the election process.
