FIBA okays Kida stay, blocks NBBF statutes amendments

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FIBA has confirmed that the current board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation led by Musa Kida will remain in office until October 2026, while rejecting proposed amendments to the federation’s statutes and setting a clear timeline for fresh elections, The PUNCH reports.

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In a letter signed by FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday, the world governing body outlined its position following weeks of disputes and petitions from stakeholders over the legitimacy of the current board and the timing of elections.

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FIBA explained that it had reviewed extensive correspondence from various parties and taken into account its previous involvement in governance issues affecting Nigerian basketball, which have historically intensified during electoral periods.

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“Over recent weeks, FIBA has received extensive correspondence from various stakeholders regarding the governance of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and the timing of its upcoming elections,” the letter, addressed to Kida and secretary general Olabisi Afolabi-Oluwayemi, read.

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“As you are well aware, since 2017 FIBA has closely monitored the governance issues of NBFB, which tend to become very contentious during the electoral year.”

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The governing body also referenced past sanctions imposed on Nigeria, including the withdrawal of the women’s national team from the World Cup and disciplinary measures taken before the situation was stabilised in 2022 through its intervention.

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After reviewing the situation, FIBA confirmed that the current board’s mandate remains valid until October 15, 2026, effectively dismissing calls from some stakeholders for an immediate dissolution of the leadership.

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“FIBA recognises the current NBFB Board’s mandate until 15 October 2026,” it stated.

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The organisation further directed that elections into the federation’s governing bodies must take place within a defined window later in the year, after the conclusion of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

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“Elections for the NBBF governing bodies must take place after the conclusion of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup (13 September 2026) and by no later than 15 October 2026. The newly elected NBBF Board shall start its mandate on 16 October 2026,” the letter added.

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In addition, FIBA ruled out any immediate changes to the federation’s governing framework, insisting that the electoral process must be conducted under existing statutes.

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“FIBA will not recognize any amendments to the NBBF statutes before the electoral process is completed. Therefore, the upcoming elections must be conducted under the current statutory framework and in compliance with the FIBA General Statutes and Internal Regulations,” it said.

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The decision follows a petition submitted in February by stakeholders, who had accused the NBBF leadership of exceeding its constitutional tenure and sought FIBA’s approval for fresh elections to be conducted before the end of March.

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The petition, signed by Maxwell Kumoye on behalf of concerned members, argued that allowing the current board to remain in office would legitimise what they described as constitutional violations.

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The stakeholders had urged FIBA to declare the board’s tenure expired and authorise the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Olympic Committee to organise elections for a new board covering the 2026 to 2030 cycle under the 2019 constitution.

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“Invoking Article 35 of the NBBF Constitution, which recognises FIBA as the supreme authority for global basketball, the congress members urged the world governing body to intervene by declaring that the outgone NBBF President and Board have exceeded their tenure and must vacate office,” the petition read.

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They also alleged that the current leadership had failed to convene statutory meetings, including annual congresses and quarterly board sessions, effectively rendering the federation inactive for extended periods.

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Tensions escalated further during a stakeholders’ meeting in January, where disagreements emerged over the interpretation of the board’s tenure, with some arguing it should run from the date of ministerial inauguration rather than election and swearing-in.

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However, FIBA’s latest directive appears to have settled the dispute by affirming the legality of the current board while imposing a firm electoral timetable and maintaining the existing constitutional framework.

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The letter, dated March 16, 2026, also noted that the decision remains subject to appeal before the FIBA Appeals Panel in accordance with its internal regulations.

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With the ruling, Nigerian basketball avoids the immediate risk of administrative sanctions, but attention is now expected to shift towards compliance with the outlined electoral process and preparations for a transition of leadership later in the year.

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