NFF Pledges ‘Credible, Transparent’ Elections as Committees Are Inaugurated
Alex- Joseph Konye
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has taken a major step toward its 2026 leadership transition with the inauguration of its Electoral Committee and Electoral Appeals Committee, tasked with overseeing the forthcoming elections into the federation’s Executive Committee.
The inauguration ceremony, held Thursday at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja, was presided over by NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who urged members of both committees to carry out their responsibilities with integrity, impartiality and professionalism.
Speaking on behalf of the committees, Matthew Burka’a assured stakeholders that the process would meet the highest standards of transparency and credibility, pledging an election that would set a new benchmark within Nigerian football administration.
“We are committed to delivering a free, fair and widely acceptable election,” Burka’a said. “We understand the level of scrutiny from both local and international football bodies, and we will ensure this process becomes a reference point for future elections.”
The Electoral Committee comprises Burka’a alongside Alhaji Babagoni Grema, Alhaji Bature Musa, Ayibaye Peter Great Temedie, and Hon. (Dr) Akogun Olugbenga Omole, with Arinze Azubuike Anughele and Abayomi Akin Omoyimi serving as alternate members.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Appeals Committee will be chaired by Hon. Justice C. J. Aneke, with Barr. Benjamin Sati and Professor Abdulmalik Awwal as members. FIFA Emmanuel Dada Obafemi and Ayi Ekpo Ukpayam will serve as alternates.
In line with NFF statutes, the federation’s General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, will function as secretary to both committees.
The elections into the NFF Executive Committee for the 2026–2030 term are scheduled to hold on September 26 in Lafia.
The event drew key figures in Nigeria’s sports administration, including Philip Shaibu, NFF First Vice President Felix Anyansi-Agwu, and Executive Committee members Silas Agara and George Aluo, alongside senior management and staff of the federation.
With the committees now in place, attention turns to the conduct of what officials say could become one of the most credible elections in the federation’s history.
