NBBF Elections: Committee clarifies eligibility of candidates

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By Wakawaka Sports

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) screening committee, led by Glover, has come under scrutiny for its interpretation of the federation’s 2019 statutes following reports that Ugo Udezue had been cleared to contest for two positions, while Olumide Oyedeji and Ejike Ugboaja had been cleared for presidency but not zonal representation positions.

The controversy has raised questions about the consistency of the screening process ahead of the October 15 NBBF elections, with stakeholders seeking clarification on the constitutional provisions governing the eligibility of candidates.

Under Article 21.2(c) of the 2019 NBBF Statutes, zonal representatives are elected by state associations within their respective geopolitical zones, while Article 13.1(c) links Council appointments to the zone or affiliation of a member.

Udezue, who chairs the Ebonyi State Basketball Association and represents the South East on the NBBF board of directors, has reportedly been cleared for both the zonal representative and vice president positions.

Article 21.8 provides for the re-election of incumbent members of the Council, while Article 23.4 requires that candidates for the position of Vice-President obtain the support of two member state associations.

Under the interpretation of the statutes advanced by those who question the screening process, Udezue met the relevant requirements for both positions.

However, the reported clearance of Oyedeji and Ugboaja as president, despite their disqualification from zonal representative positions, has generated further debate among basketball stakeholders.

Those who question the decision argue that neither candidate presides over a state basketball association, raising questions about their eligibility for zonal representation and the constitutional basis for their being allowed to run for president.

Constitutional interpretation
At the center of the controversy is Article 21.3.11, which reportedly provides an exemption for a sitting president or vice president from running without belonging to one of the constituencies listed in Article 21.2.

The interpretation put forward by critics is that the exemption applies specifically to sitting presidents and vice presidents, meaning that other candidates must demonstrate their eligibility through a recognized constituency.

These constituencies include geopolitical zones, coaches, the National Association of Women in Sports (NAWIS), the National Association for Physical Education, Health, Recreation, Sports and Dance (NAPHER-SD), the Players Union, FIBA ​​office holders, corporate and military sponsors.

Supporters of this interpretation argue that the requirement for approval under Article 23.4 does not automatically replace the need to meet the applicable constituency requirements.

They therefore invited the screening committee to explain how the relevant provisions were interpreted in authorizing candidates for the different positions.