Nigeria Basketball Federation President Musa Kida has called for an open and orderly electoral process as Nigerian basketball prepares for a potentially significant leadership transition, insisting that everyone qualified and interested in serving the federation should be allowed to contest.
Kida’s appeal follows the NBBF Congress’ unanimous approval of October 15, 2026, for the federation’s Elective Congress in Abuja, where a new board is expected to emerge.
“Everybody who is interested should be free to participate in the election,” Kida said, while calling on aspirants and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the process.
The October 15 election will be preceded by a series of constituency elections in Abuja. Representatives of technical officials, players and other recognised affiliate bodies are expected to emerge between October 7 and 14, completing the electoral college ahead of the main congress.
The coming election has already attracted significant interest.
Former D’Tigers international Ejike Ugboaja has declared his intention to contest for the presidency, promising longer domestic leagues, stronger grassroots development and broader stakeholder participation.
Basketball investor and federation presidential aspirant Mark Igoche has also expressed his desire to lead the NBBF, pointing to his years of investment in the domestic game as evidence of his commitment.
Against that backdrop, Kida believes maintaining decorum will be crucial as different interests compete for positions within the federation.
The outgoing leadership has operated through a turbulent period in Nigerian basketball, including the long-running administrative disputes that previously produced rival factions and threatened the stability of the sport.
With another election approaching, attention will therefore extend beyond who eventually wins.
For Nigerian basketball, the manner in which the process is conducted could be equally important.
Kida’s message to aspirants is consequently straightforward: present your case, participate freely and allow the ballot, rather than another administrative battle to determine who leads Nigerian basketball into its next chapter.
