The National Sports Commission has officially released the guidelines and full timetable for the 2025 National Sports Federations Elections, setting in motion a process designed to promote transparency, fairness, and accountability within the leadership structures of Nigerian sports bodies.
In a statement signed by the Director of Press at the NSC Kehinde Ajayi, the Commission outlined critical procedures for appeals, dispute resolution, and the inauguration of elected boards.
The NSC, says there will no place for individuals who have criticised, either constructively or not, the Commission, the concerned National Sports Federation and the Nigeria Olympic Committee on the board of the National Sports Federations.
The electoral process will culminate in the inauguration of new boards between September 1st and 15th, 2025.
One of the key components of the new framework is a detailed appeals mechanism. Any candidate dissatisfied with the ruling of the Elections Petitions Committee may file a written appeal within 48 hours, accompanied by a non-refundable fee of ₦1 million.
Appeals will be handled by a five-member Election Appeal Committee composed of individuals with “impeccable character, outstanding integrity, and experience in the sports sector,” whether as administrators or former athletes.
The NSC emphasised that all decisions of the Appeal Committee will be final and binding, and not subject to litigation in any court of law. If an election result is nullified, a bye-election will be held within 30 days.
To uphold integrity, members of the Electoral Committee will be prohibited from serving on the Petitions or Appeals Committees.
All elected National Sports Federation Boards are to be inaugurated immediately after the declaration of results, further streamlining the transition of power and continuity in sports governance.
In a notable move to reduce legal battles, the NSC declared that all disputes must be resolved through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods enshrined in the guidelines.
Final decisions from ADR will be binding and not subject to further appeal.
Participation in the elections is voluntary, and all participants are considered to have waived their right to pursue disputes in regular courts.
Key Election Dates Announced
The timeline for the 2025 National Sports Federations Elections is as follows:
• June 15, 2025: Deadline for Electoral Committee formation
• August 1-4, 2025: Release and submission of nomination forms
• August 9, 2025: Zonal Representative Elections
• September 1–15, 2025: National Elections and Inauguration of Boards
• September 16–26, 2025: Appeals from National Elections
• September 30, 2025: Bye-elections, if required
The elections will be held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, and will involve representatives from all constituencies, including zonal, athletes, and technical officials.
The NSC reaffirmed its commitment to upholding democratic principles in sports governance, ensuring that the electoral process reflects integrity, accountability, and inclusiveness across all federations.
