The National Sports Commission (NSC) has halted the zonal elections into the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), initially scheduled to begin on Wednesday, citing irregularities and violations of the federation’s constitution.
In an urgent message sent early Tuesday morning by AFN Secretary General Israel Inwang to stakeholders, including delegates, contestants, and observers, the NSC instructed all participants to suspend travel plans for the elections pending further directives.
“I am directed to inform all Delegates, Contestants, Observers etc for the 2025 Zonal Elections not to travel to their Zones yet. Please wait for further directives from the NSC before we proceed with the Zonal Elections,” the statement read.
Though no official reason was provided for the suspension, sources within the NSC hinted at procedural lapses in the AFN’s preparations for the elections. Chief among the issues is the alleged violation of the AFN’s constitution regarding the composition of the electoral committee.
According to the federation’s governing document (as amended in 2017 and 2023), the electoral committee should comprise three members. However, at a recent AFN Congress held in Bayelsa, a seven-man electoral committee was controversially appointed, prompting concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process.
The NSC’s decision underscores a growing concern over governance and due process within Nigeria’s sports federations, particularly as they prepare for leadership transitions ahead of upcoming international competitions.
As stakeholders await clarity and new instructions from the NSC, the delay adds uncertainty to an already contentious election process. The AFN has yet to release an official response.
