The road to the 2026-2030 Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership cycle officially began on Thursday in Abuja.
At a ceremony held at the NFF Secretariat, President Ibrahim Musa Gusau inaugurated the Electoral and Electoral Appeals Committees, the two bodies tasked with managing and adjudicating the upcoming polls.
Addressing the newly appointed members, Gusau didn’t mince words. He charged both committees to operate with total independence, urging them to carry out their duties creditably and without showing any “fear or favour” to any candidate vying for a seat on the Executive Committee.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Barr. Matthew Burka’a, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), made a bold commitment to the nation.
He emphasized that the committees are well aware of the weight of their responsibility and the eyes watching from beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“We will approach this task with the seriousness it deserves. On behalf of all the members, I assure the NFF, football-loving Nigerians and the world at large that we are going to conduct a free, fair, credible and acceptable election,” Burka’a stated.
He further noted that the team is ready to set a new standard for sports administration in the country.
“We are aware of the attention of the entire world, FIFA, CAF and the Nigeria Football family on the task we have been saddled with. There is nothing to fear. We will work assiduously towards this election being the best-ever in the history of the Nigeria Football Federation,” he pledged.
The Electoral Committee will be led by Burka’a, alongside Alhaji Babagoni Grema, Alhaji Bature Musa, Ayibaye Peter Great Temedie, and Hon. (Dr) Akogun Olugbenga Omole.
Arinze Azubuike Anughele and Abayomi Akin Omoyimi will serve as alternate members.
On the other hand, the Electoral Appeals Committee consists of Hon. Justice C. J. Aneke, Barr. Benjamin Sati, and Professor Abdulmalik Awwal, with FIFA Emmanuel Dada Obafemi and Ayi Ekpo Ukpayam as alternates.
As per the NFF Statutes, General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi will act as the secretary for both groups. Everything is now building toward Saturday, September 26th, when the football fraternity will descend on Lafia, Nasarawa State, to cast their votes and decide the future of the Nigerian game.
