Federation Elections to hold September, as NSC releases guidelines
National Sports Commission has announced that elections into the various Federations will hold from September 1-15 at the MKO National Stadium, Abuja even as the Commission has released guidelines for the elections.
According to a statement issued by the Commission and signed by Dr. ( Mrs ) Kehinde Ajayi FCAI,ANIPR
Director Press of the Commission, it explained that the election of members into National Sports Federations (NSF) Boards is a critical process that impacts the governance, performance, and development of sports within a nation stressing that In Nigeria the need for a robust, transparent, and credible election guideline is vital to the growth and repositioning of the Sports Sector in line with International best practices.
The election guideline according to the statement, outlines comprehensive details for the conduct of elections into the respective NSFs Boards recognized by the National Sports Commission (NSC) ensuring that only qualified, credible, and passionate individuals are elected to serve.
The guideline spells out the composition of the respective NSF Boards, Eligibility of Membership, Election Regulations, Electoral Committees, Elections Petition Committee, Electoral Appeals Committee, Inauguration, etc.
It noted that the elections shall be conducted using these election guidelines, under the supervision of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) acting as election observer.
OBJECTIVES
To ensure transparency and fairness in the election process.
To guarantee that only qualified and credible individuals are elected to serve in leadership positions within the National Sports Federations.
To promote inclusivity by ensuring representation from all geopolitical zones and relevant stakeholder groups.
To strengthen the governance and operational capacity of National Sports Federations through the election of competent officials.
3.0 THE BOARD
Each Board shall comprise of 13 members namely;
The President;
Vice President; and
11 other Members or as provided for in their relevant constitution or statute.
A Secretary General who is the secretary of the Board but not an elected member of the Board.
4.0 CONSTITUENCIES
The Membership of each Board shall be drawn from the following constituencies:
Six (6) Zonal Representatives (each representing a Geo-Political zone in the country);
One (1) Athletes’ Representative of the Sport;
One (1) Coach Representative or Officiating Official (Technical Bodies of the Sport).
One (1) Representative of Military/Para-Military Sports.
One (1) Representative of International Sports body of the Sport.
Where there are more than two Nigerians serving in such International sports bodies, the highest ranked Nigerian shall be nominated to fill the slot.
Where two or more persons are on the same level at international sports bodies, the one with highest number of years of membership of such body shall be nominated into the Board of the National Sports Federation;
One (1) Representative of the National Association of Women in Sports (NAWIS);
One (1) Representative of National Association of Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance (NAPHER-SD);
One (1) Philanthropist or an Ex-officio member or Sponsor;
5.0. ELIGIBILITY
General Requirements:
5.1 For a candidate to be eligible for membership of the Board of a National Sports Federation, he/she shall:
Be a citizen of Nigeria.
Hold an educational qualification not below Secondary School Certificate (SSCE/WAEC) or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
not be less than twenty-five (25) years except in the case of Athletes’ Representative who may be below 25 but not less than 18 years of age as at the time of the election.
Such athlete must have retired and have also represented Nigeria in at least two major international competitions and with no drug related violation.
Candidates must not have any criminal record, or conviction, sanction or fine by any court of law or any competent authority or investigative panel.
He/She must be of good ethical character and has not been involved in any media campaign to disparage the National Sports Commission, Nigeria Olympic Committee, its officials or the Federation in which he is vying for an elective office.
Have a clear understanding of the Federation’s responsibilities, values and norms;
Be endorsed by two Sports Administrators of not less than the rank of a serving Director of Sports or Chairmen of two state associations, or two renowned stakeholders/sponsor involved in the particular sports or a combination of any two of the above.
Must have proven resource development/fundraising skills.
a person seeking for elective position must show physical evidence of his/her presence within the particular sports in the last six (6) months prior to the election;
Have a verifiable source of taxable income.
provide 3 years income tax payment receipt.
not be a member of any other Federation other than the one they are vying for
It is advisable for candidates to submit a document detailing their mission and vision when he/she is elected into office.
5.2 Specific Qualifications
5.2.1 President/Vice President:
For a candidate to be eligible for the position of President/Vice President of the Board of a National Sports Federation, he/she shall:
Shall not have served for more than three (3) terms as President of the National Sports Federation.
Without prejudice to article 5.2.1(a) Nigerians who are Presidents of International/Continental Sports bodies as well as Presidents of NSFs who have served for three (3) terms are eligible to be on the Boards of National Sports Federations.
Must have served in a top leadership/managerial position in either the private or public sector.
Technical:
Candidates for technical positions (Technical Representatives) must possess;
Relevant certifications and have significant experience in sports coaching, officiating, training or technical management of the highest graded level in the International Federation; and
Produced elite athletes that have won medals at the International/Continental Championships; or
Have officiated at International/Continental Championships.
5.2.3 Sponsor:
Must have a lawfully operational business in the private sector or senior public service engagement.
Provide proof of a reliable source of income.
Must have interest and passion in the particular sport or verifiable contribution for the sport.
Zonal Representatives:
The Zonal Representative should meet all of the following criteria;
have a minimum of 3 years of experience in sports administration, coaching, officiating at a national or regional level.have demonstrated leadership roles in sports within their zone or nationally.
have organized Zonal Championships/Competitions within their zone with a proof of sponsorship.
be a member of the State Association in the Zone they are representing.
have verifiable ties to the zone, such as prior roles within local sports associations or community contributions.
have a track record of successful sports development initiatives or projects within the zone.
Evidence of contributions to sports infrastructure, youth development, or athlete development programs in their zone.
Military/Para-Military
Representatives:
Candidates for Military/Para-Military Reps shall;
Must be an active member of a recognized military or paramilitary organization (e.g., Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Nigeria Customs, Nigeria Immigration, NSCDC) with a rank of at least Senior Officer Level or equivalent.
Should have experience in sports administration, coaching, or organizing sports activities within their institution.
Must have held a leadership position in sports or related activities within their institution, such as overseeing sports programs or organizing sports events, managing teams, coordinating training programs, or supervising physical education initiatives.
Must uphold high ethical standards and discipline, with a clean service record and no history of misconduct or disciplinary actions.
Must demonstrate a willingness and availability to attend board meetings and actively participate in federation committees, programs, and events.
NAPHER-SD:
Candidates from NAPHER-SD shall;
Must be an active member of NAPHER-SD, with at least 3 years of experience in physical education, sports and recreation.
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Human Kinetics, Sports Science or a related field.
Evidence of contributions to grassroots sports development, school or community-based physical education, or recreational programs.
Must adhere to high ethical standards, with no history of professional or personal misconduct.
Must not have unresolved disciplinary actions, financial misconduct, or mismanagement cases related to sports or education
NAWIS:
Candidates from NAWIS shall;
Must be an active member of NAWIS with at least 3 years of experience in sports administration, coaching, officiating, or sports advocacy focused on women’s sports.
Proven track record in advocating for the development and visibility of women’s sports, either through programs, policies, or community involvement.
Evidence of initiatives, programs, or contributions that support women’s empowerment and increased participation in sports.
Must adhere to high ethical standards, with no history of disciplinary actions or violations of professional conduct.
Familiarity with NAWIS’s objectives, the structure of sports federations, and the ability to promote policies that support female athletes and administrators.
6.0. ELECTIONS PROCESS AND PROCEDURES
6.1. Campaign Process:
The campaign period shall commence upon the release of the election guidelines and end 24 hours before the election day.
Candidates must conduct their campaigns with integrity, focusing on their vision and plans for the Federation. Negative campaigning, bribery, and any form of electoral malpractice are strictly prohibited.
Candidates whose Federation have debate as part of its electoral process are advised to attend.
6.2 Nomination:
The Federation’s Election Committee shall issue a call for nominations in line with the electoral guidelines.
7.0 ELECTORAL COMMITTEES
The NSC is to set up the Electoral Committee for NSFs that do not have approved constitutions by their International Federations, to monitor and supervise the all NSFs elections.
The NSC Zonal Offices shall conduct all elections in their respective zones for all NSFs.
7.1 Functions of the Electoral Committee
The Electoral Committees shall:
Screen all candidates to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. A list of eligible candidates will be published before the election.
Conduct oral interview prior to the election for President/Vice President positions.
Supervise all elections in line with the Election Guidelines;
Announce/declare results immediately after the elections; and
Reserve the right to postpone any election/s if there is proof of violation of any part of the Electoral Guidelines during the electioneering process.
8.0 CONDUCT OF ELECTION
All voting shall be by secret ballot;
There shall be no voting by proxy at any of the elections (Zonal and National).
No candidate shall be voted for in absentia except if he/she provides acceptable evidence of force majeure
Zonal elections to elect the Zonal representatives into the Boards for National Sports Federations shall take place at the six (6) Geo-political Zones on the same day at the Zonal Headquarters.
The Chairman, Secretary, Athlete, Coaches, Referees and Women rep from each state associations (6 in number) shall constitute the electorate for the zonal elections in their respective sport.
The National elections to elect the Presidents and Vice Presidents of the National Sports Federations shall take place after the conclusion of the Zonal Elections;
The Representatives of all the 13 Constituencies shall form the electorate at the National elections to be held in Abuja.
For a National Election to be valid, not less than 9 constituent members must be present and vote.
Winners shall be decided by a simple majority of the votes cast.
In the case of a tie (draw), there shall immediately be another round of voting until a winner emerges;
Members shall be nominated for any position and must be seconded by another Member of the Electorate to be eligible.
All 13 representatives for the National Elections shall be eligible to contest for the position of President or Vice if they meet the eligibility criteria.
9.0. DECLARATION OF RESULT
9.1 The Chairman of the Electoral Committee shall announce the result immediately after the conclusion of the elections.
9.2 Hard and soft copies of the results of the elections shall be communicated to the NSC and NOC after the conclusion of the elections.
10.0 PETITIONS
10.1 In case a contestant is dissatisfied with any aspect of the conduct and/or results of the elections from the Zones and/or the National Election, such a candidate may seek redress by submitting a written Petition to the Elections Petition Committee set up by the NSC within 48 hours after the conduct of the elections with a non-refundable sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) only.
10.2 The Elections Petition Committee shall comprise of five (5) Members including the Chairman and Secretary who must be people of impeccable character, outstanding integrity with wealth of experience in the Sports sector either as former athletes and/or Sports administrators.
11.0 APPEALS
11.1 ln the case of dissatisfaction with the decisions of the Elections Petition Committee, a candidate may further seek redress by submitting a written Appeal within 48 hours after the decision of the Election & Petition Committee he/she is appealing against to the Election Appeal Committee duly constituted by the NSC, to hear appeals arising from the Elections Petitions decisions with a non-refundable sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000) only.
11.2 The Appeal Committee shall comprise of five (5) members including the Chairman and Secretary who must be people of impeccable character, outstanding integrity.
The decision of the Appeals committee shall be final, and not subject to contest in any court of law;
In the event of the nullification of an election result arising from the decision(s) of the Election Petitions Committee and Elections Appeal Committee, there shall be a bye election within thirty(30) days of the decision.
11.5 In the principle of fairness and transparency, the Chairman and members of the Electoral Committee shall not serve on either the Election Petitions Committee or Election Appeal Committees as the case may be.
12.0 INAUGURATION
12.1 All elected Boards of the National Sports Federations shall be inaugurated immediately after the declaration of results by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission.
13.0 DISPUTE
13.1 All dispute arising from these guidelines or any election matter therein shall be resolved through the alternative dispute mechanism enshrined in this guideline as prescribed in Article 10 and 11.
13.2 The final decision obtained through such alternative dispute resolution shall be final and binding and not subject to further appeal
13.3 Participation in the electoral process and activities of National Sports Federation being VOLUNTARY its member and all participants shall be deemed to have waived their right to take any internal dispute of the Federation or arising from the elections to regular courts of law.
PROPOSED 2025 NATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS’ ELECTION TIMELINES
S/N
ACTIVITIES
DATE
1.Deadline for setting up of Electoral Committees by National Sports Federations
15th June, 2025
2.Release of Nomination Forms
1st August, 2025
3.Deadline for Submission of Nomination Forms
4th August, 2025
4 Submission of Names of Representatives of all Constituencies except Zonal Representatives
7th August, 2025
5.Verification of the Names of Representatives of all Constituencies except Zonal Representatives
8th August, 2025
6.Zonal Representatives Elections ( Zonal HQs)
9th August, 2025
7.Hearing of Petitions and Appeal arising from Zonal Elections
12th August, 2025
8.Bye-Elections arising from Petitions Zonal Elections
14th August, 2025
9.National Elections (MKO National Stadium)
1st – 15th September, 2025
10 Inauguration of National Sports Federation Board
1st – 15th September, 2025
11. Hearing of Petitions and Appeal arising from National Elections
16th – 26th September, 2025
12 Bye-Elections arising from Petitions on National Elections(If any)
30th September, 2025
