NBBF elections: ‘Justice must come first,’ former D’ Tigers coach Bakare tells peace advocates

Comets Basketball Club president and former D’Tigers coach Ayodele Bakare has rejected calls for peace following the 2026 Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) council elections, insisting that justice and fair play should not be sacrificed for the sake of maintaining peace.

Bakare, reacting to the controversy surrounding the recently concluded elections, argued that those seeking accountability in the electoral process should not be condemned or forced to abandon the search for justice.

In a strongly worded statement titled “You shouldn’t stop rape victims from seeking justice, should you?”, the seasoned basketball administrator and former national team coach used a sensitive analogy to underline his position that victims of injustice should be free to challenge what they perceive as wrongdoing, even when it attracts public attention.

“Not everyone wants peace at the expense of justice and fair play,” Bakare said, making clear that calls for reconciliation should not stop stakeholders from demanding accountability over the electoral process.

He argued that some people may prefer to avoid public confrontations to preserve peace and convenience, but others may choose to challenge what they see as injustice to ensure that similar situations do not become accepted practices in the future.

According to Bakare, the pursuit of justice should not be interpreted as a reluctance to embrace peace, arguing that stakeholders who disagree with those seeking compensation have no right to vilify or condemn them.

“If you believe that injustice should be tolerated only in the pursuit of peace or convenience, that is your prerogative. However, that does not give you the right to denigrate or condemn those who think differently,” he said.

The Comets Basketball Club president also urged those who support an end to protests and other challenges to the election outcome to allow aggrieved stakeholders to pursue their grievances through avenues they deem appropriate.

Bakare strengthened his argument with an ancient Chinese proverb. “Those who say it can’t be done, should not disturb those who are trying to do it!”

His speech adds to the growing debate over the NBBF elections, which produced Dr Mustapha Abdullahi as the federation’s new president after securing 40 votes after other candidates withdrew from the race.

The elections were accompanied by controversies over the electoral process, with concerns raised by some stakeholders about the conduct of the polls and compliance with the federation’s constitution. As a result, calls for accountability and reconciliation have emerged as competing themes in discussions about the future of Nigerian basketball.

Bakare concluded his speech with the statement: “The Oracle has spoken,” signaling his firm position that the call for justice should not be silenced in the name of peace.

His comments highlight a key issue facing Nigerian basketball in the aftermath of the election. Is it possible to achieve true unity without first addressing the complaints of stakeholders who believe the process requires scrutiny?