NFF General Assembly Approves September 26 Electoral Congress in Lafia
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) General Assembly has officially set the date for its electoral congress to be held on September 26, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State. This decision was made during an extraordinary congress convened in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where the assembly also granted express approval for amendments to the federation's statutes, electoral code, and standing orders.
Unanimous Support for Executive Committee
The approvals were passed unanimously by the General Assembly, which includes chairmen from all 36 state football associations and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alongside members of the NFF executive committee and management. In a show of solidarity, the assembly issued a vote of confidence in the NFF Executive Committee, led by President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, praising their efforts in advancing football development across Nigeria.
Appointment of Electoral Committees
Following the congress, the NFF released a communiqué detailing the appointment of 12 individuals to serve on the electoral committee and the NFF Electoral Appeals Committee. These appointments were based on proposals from leaders of Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. The nominees are:
- North Central: Matthew Burkala and Emmanuel Dada Obafemi
- North East: Alhaji Babagoni Grema and Benjamin Sak
- North West: Bature Musa and Prof. Abdulmalik Awwal
- South East: Justice C. J. Aneke and Arinze Azubuike Anughere
- South West: Dr Akogun Olugbenga Omole and Abayomi Akin Omoyimi
- South South: Ayibaye Peter Great Temedie and Ayi Ekpo Ukpayang
The appointed members are scheduled to be inaugurated in Abuja, where they will select their chairmen. According to the NFF Electoral Code, the Electoral Committee will consist of five full members with two alternates, while the Electoral Appeals Committee will have three full members and two alternates.
Criticism from Reform Advocates
Despite the assembly's actions, the congress has faced sharp criticism from reform advocates. Harrison Jalla, chairman of the Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reform Concepts, labeled the proceedings as "an exercise in futility" and accused the NFF of desperation to maintain power illegally. Jalla highlighted a pending court case, Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1376/202, which challenges the federation's undemocratic structure and electoral process since 2021, with a hearing set for March 31.
Jalla questioned the urgency behind fixing the electoral congress and amending statutes while legal challenges are ongoing, stating, "Anything they did in Yenagoa is an exercise in futility because it is a congress for only FA chairmen." He argued that the current structure lacks legitimacy and that the congress's outcomes are invalid due to the unresolved court proceedings.
This development underscores ongoing tensions within Nigerian football governance, as the NFF moves forward with electoral plans amid legal and reformist opposition, setting the stage for potential conflicts in the lead-up to the September congress.
