By Emmanuel Fateman and Destiny Jemiriayegbe
BAPASRIPI urges relevant authorities to ensure due process, fairness and credibility in the forthcoming Nigeria Basketball Federation election
The Basketball Players and Stakeholders Rights Protection Initiative (BAPASRIPI), Abuja, has called for transparency, fairness and strict adherence to the applicable rules in the forthcoming Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) election.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the group said concerns had been raised by some players, contestants and stakeholders regarding the process of delegate accreditation and representation by State Basketball Associations ahead of the election.
BAPASRIPI said it was important that all such concerns be appropriately reviewed by the relevant authorities to ensure that the electoral process commands the confidence of contestants, delegates and the wider basketball community.
The organisation therefore called on the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, FIBA, relevant sports authorities and other competent institutions to ensure that the NBBF electoral process is conducted in accordance with the federation’s governing statutes, applicable regulations and established principles of fairness.
According to the group, particular attention should be given to the process through which State Basketball Association representatives are recognised and accredited for the election. It urged the relevant State Governments, sports councils and basketball associations to authenticate the representatives entitled to participate in the electoral process.
BAPASRIPI said any dispute concerning the status of a State Basketball Association chairman or delegate should be resolved through the appropriate administrative and legal procedures, rather than through unilateral action or decisions that could create uncertainty among stakeholders.
The organisation also called for clarity regarding reports and public discussions concerning the various individuals interested in contesting or supporting candidates in the NBBF election. It stressed that every qualified candidate should be allowed to participate in accordance with the rules governing the election.
BAPASRIPI noted that public discussion surrounding prospective candidates should not be allowed to undermine their rights or reputation, adding that any allegation concerning an individual should be properly verified by the appropriate authority before being presented as established fact.
The organisation specifically urged stakeholders to avoid prejudging any candidate on the basis of unproven allegations or ongoing inquiries. It maintained that questions relating to any individual’s eligibility, suitability or conduct should be determined through due process and by the institutions legally empowered to make such determinations.
On the role of outgoing NBBF leadership, BAPASRIPI said the federation’s officials and other stakeholders should maintain transparency and respect the integrity of the electoral process. It added that all participants in the election should be treated fairly, regardless of their preferred candidate or professional background.
The group further stated that eligibility to contest or participate in the election should be determined strictly by the NBBF statutes and applicable FIBA regulations. It said personal opinions, affiliations or professional backgrounds should not replace the established rules governing eligibility.
BAPASRIPI’s central demand is that the electoral process should be transparent from the accreditation of delegates to the conclusion of voting. It called for the proper verification of delegates, publication or communication of the accredited electoral college in accordance with the applicable rules, equal treatment of qualified contestants and transparent counting of votes.
The organisation also urged all stakeholders to use the appropriate channels to resolve disagreements that may arise during the electoral process, stressing that Nigerian basketball would benefit from an election conducted peacefully and in accordance with established procedures.
According to BAPASRIPI, the forthcoming election represents an opportunity for stakeholders to strengthen confidence in the administration of basketball in Nigeria and promote greater unity within the sport.
It therefore appealed to the relevant authorities to ensure that the process is conducted without intimidation, discrimination or undue interference, while also encouraging contestants and their supporters to respect the rules and decisions of the authorised electoral bodies.
“Let the process be transparent. Let eligible delegates participate. Let qualified contestants enjoy equal opportunity. Let the votes of accredited delegates determine the outcome,” the organisation stated.
BAPASRIPI said the October 2026 NBBF election should ultimately be about the development and future of Nigerian basketball, rather than personal differences among individuals or groups.
It called on all stakeholders to place the interests of players, coaches, officials, clubs, State Basketball Associations and the broader basketball community above individual interests.
The organisation concluded by urging all parties to support a credible, peaceful and transparent electoral process capable of producing an outcome accepted by the basketball community and consistent with the applicable rules.