FIBA Supports Kida-led NBBF Board Sets October 2026 Election Timeline

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By Silvernews

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has moved to resolve the ongoing leadership dispute within the Nigeria Basketball Federation by officially recognizing the Ahmadu Musa Kida-led council and outlining a clear timetable for fresh elections.

In a letter dated March 16, 2026, signed by FIBA ​​General Secretary Andreas Zagklis, the world basketball body said the current NBBF board will remain in place until October 15, 2026. It stipulated that elections must be conducted after the conclusion of the 2026 FIBA ​​Women’s Basketball World Cup and no later than that date, with a new board expected to take office on October 16, 2026.

FIBA further stated that no changes to the NBBF statute will be recognized before the completion of the electoral process.

He insisted that elections must take place within the existing legal framework and in line with its statutes.
The decision follows months of disagreement among stakeholders over the mandate of the current board.

While the Kida-led leadership claims that his mandate will extend until October 2026 based on the inauguration date, opposing parties argue that the mandate expired in January 2026, four years after the last elections.

The dispute had led to numerous petitions being filed with FIBA, with critics accusing the board of overstaying its mandate and calling for immediate elections.

FIBA’s directive effectively resolves the question of legitimacy for now, reaffirming the authority of the current leadership while imposing a structured timetable for the transition.

The intervention also serves as a warning against parallel electoral processes or attempts to alter government statutes outside of due process.

With this ruling, tensions within the Nigerian basketball administration are expected to ease, although strict compliance will be necessary to avoid sanctions, including the risk of suspension from international competitions.