By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji has vowed to challenge the outcome of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) elective congress, alleging irregularities and claiming that the process amounted to a “selection” rather than a credible election.
Oyedeji, who contested for the South-West representative position and the presidency at the congress held at the ICC Centre in Abuja on Thursday, October 15, said his name was initially omitted from the list of candidates and was only included on the ballot after he protested.
Although he acknowledged his defeat, the former Nigerian international questioned the fairness and transparency of the process, alleging that the outcome had been predetermined.
“I am not saying there was no election, but there was a selection,” Oyedeji said in an interview, adding that events at the congress reflected concerns he had raised before the election.
He alleged that his name was excluded from the South-West candidates’ list while those of other aspirants, including Mustapha and Ugo, were included. He also claimed that some presidential aspirants and candidates from other zones experienced similar omissions.
Oyedeji, who is President of the Nigerian Olympians Association and Chairman of the Nigerian Athletes Commission, warned that the alleged irregularities could undermine confidence in sports administration and disadvantage athletes and former internationals seeking leadership positions.
“My primary concern is not winning the election but ensuring that the process is fair, transparent and properly conducted,” he said.
“All I wanted was justice. If I lose, I lose. I do not have to win. But the process must be fair, transparent and properly conducted. The right procedures must be followed, and the outcome must be declared with integrity.”
He vowed to pursue the matter, insisting that his concerns went beyond personal ambition and raised broader questions about integrity in Nigerian basketball administration.
“However, this will certainly not end here. I am determined to seek justice, and I will continue to pursue it. This is not integrity,” he declared.
Beyond the election dispute, Oyedeji defended the role of former athletes in sports administration, arguing that their experience must be complemented by appropriate management skills and professional knowledge.
He cited his roles in national and international sports administration, including his involvement with the Nigerian Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission, the World Anti-Doping Agency and the FIBA Players’ Commission.
“Being a former sportsperson does not automatically make you a good administrator. You must have the necessary knowledge and skills,” he said.
Oyedeji maintained that his administrative experience had equipped him to contribute to the development of Nigerian sports, stressing that fairness, transparency and due process must remain central to the leadership of Nigerian basketball.
