The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has declared the recent election of Henry Okorie as the athletes’ representative on its board “null and void,” citing procedural violations and lack of proper supervision.
Okorie, a former 400m hurdles champion, was re-elected during the athletes’ Games Village at the 22nd National Sports Festival held at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. He polled 151 votes, defeating Nicholas Imhoaperamhe (103 votes) and Patience Okon George (72 votes).
However, in a letter dated May 28, 2025, and signed by AFN Secretary General Israel Inwang, the federation invalidated the process, stating that it lacked authorisation from key regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Athletes Commission (NAC), Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), and the National Sports Commission (NSC). According to the AFN, the election also violated the NSC’s directive issued on May 13, 2025, suspending all sports elections pending further notice.
An emergency AFN Congress convened on May 27 approved a new timeline, scheduling the official athletes’ representative election for July 31 to August 2, 2025, during the AFN National Trials. The event is expected to be supervised by all relevant bodies to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines.
“This election must be conducted in line with due process,” the AFN warned that recognising the earlier exercise would be tantamount to insubordination.
Meanwhile, a source from Okorie’s camp argue that the federation’s move is politically motivated, aimed at pre-determining leadership through “backdoor arrangements.”
He stated that the election was held lawfully under Article 11.3.4 of the 2023 AFN Constitution, which permits such polls during a major national competition, citing the ongoing National Sports Festival as the only window before the board’s term ends on June 15.
“The AFN Secretary General was duly informed and top NSC officials were copied before the election. So why the sudden U-turn?” the source questioned.
With the situation escalating, all eyes now turn to the other AFN association elections that will usher in representatives into the AFN board and the upcoming National Trials, where a fresh, officially sanctioned election is set to determine the athletes’ voice on the AFN board.
