The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has declared the recent election of Henry Okorie as Athletes’ Representative null and void, citing procedural violations and unauthorised conduct, while announcing a new timeline for a constitutionally compliant vote.
The move has sparked allegations of internal power plays aimed at sidelining certain candidates.
On May 19, Okorie, a former Nigeria 400m hurdles champion and 2015 African Games finalist polled 151 votes to defeat his two rivals, Patience Okon George who polled 72 votes and Nicholas Imhoaperamhe who polled 103 votes.
In a formal letter issued on May 28, 2025 (Ref: AFN/CORR/ELEC/ATH/071), AFN Secretary General Israel Inwang announced the annulment of the election, stating that it was conducted “without authorisation, supervision, or oversight from the Nigeria Athletes Commission, Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Nigeria Olympic Committee and National Sports Commission.”
The AFN emphasised that such an act constitutes a “serious breach of established protocols and flagrant disregard for the hierarchical structure of sports administration in Nigeria, particularly showing disrespect to the NSC as the highest regulatory authority for sports in Nigeria.”
The Federation disclosed that elections were originally slated to begin on May 14, 2025, but were postponed following a directive from the NSC on May 13, 2025, advising all federations to suspend electoral processes pending further guidance. Despite this, an unsanctioned election reportedly went ahead.
“In line with the above, I am directed to inform you that the purported Athletes Representative election conducted without proper authorization is null and void,” the letter read.
As a corrective measure, the AFN has scheduled a new and official Athletes Representative election to take place during the AFN National Trials from July 31 to August 2, 2025, under mandatory supervision by representatives from the NAC, AFN, NOC, and NSC.
“All stakeholders must participate in this officially sanctioned election, and recognition of the previous unauthorised election will be considered insubordination to constituted sports authorities,” the AFN warned.
While the AFN insists it is acting in the interest of credibility and transparency, critics argue that the timing and tone of the decision reflect a calculated political strategy to scheme out undesired candidates, including Okorie.
“The AFN remains committed to ensuring proper athlete representation through credible, transparent, and constitutionally compliant electoral processes scheduled for the next major National Championship which is the National Trials as stipulated in the 2023 AFN Constitution,” the statement concluded.
The AFN’s decision comes amid growing scrutiny over governance within Nigerian sports and could have implications for team cohesion ahead of major international meets later this year.
Observers are watching closely to see whether Okorie and his supporters will challenge the ruling, and how the federation will manage potential fallout among athletes and stakeholders.
