The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially advised the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to postpone its board elections, which were initially slated to begin at the zonal level on Wednesday, citing the need to ensure fairness, transparency, and proper timing.
In a letter addressed to the outgoing president of the AFN, Tonobok Okowa, and signed by the NSC’s Director General, Bukola Olopade, the Commission stated that the postponement is necessary to allow the finalisation of a comprehensive set of election guidelines. These guidelines, it said, are aimed at making the process credible, inclusive, and in line with global best practices.
The NSC also raised concerns over the timing of the elections, noting that they clash with preparations for the upcoming National Sports Festival, scheduled to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State. “With the National Sports Festival fast approaching, the Commission’s attention and resources are fully committed to ensuring a successful outing,” the letter stated.
Given the potential conflict, the Commission formally advised that all election activities, including zonal elections, be deferred until mid-June 2025.
The current board of the AFN is due to complete its four-year term on June 15, 2025. According to Article 31 of the AFN Constitution, the board must be dissolved by the Congress at the end of its tenure before new elections are held.
However, if Congress fails to act, the Constitution empowers the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development—under which the NSC operates—to dissolve the board.
This development underscores the critical role of the NSC in overseeing the integrity of electoral processes within national sports federations, while ensuring coordination with other major sporting events.
