NFF Polls: Group Urges Candidates To Shun Ethnic Politics, Court Battles
NFF Polls: Group Urges Candidates To Shun Ethnic Politics, Court Battles
PThe Civil Society Network for Good Governance (CSNGG) has called for a peaceful, transparent and credible Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Elective Congress, warning candidates and their supporters against ethnic campaigns, unverified endorsements and attempts to derail the September 27 election in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
In a statement signed by its National President, Kamaldeen Adefila, in Abuja on Thursday, the group said it was monitoring developments ahead of the election and would oppose actions capable of undermining the credibility of football administration in Nigeria.
CSNGG cautioned aspirants against exploiting the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ failure to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 tournament for personal or political purposes.
The organisation expressed concern over campaign strategies allegedly built around ethnic sentiments, unverified claims of presidential backing and accusations concerning NFF projects and finances.
It urged all candidates to campaign on their competence, records, ideas and vision rather than resorting to what it described as fear, propaganda and divisive narratives.
The group also warned against taking disputes over the election to court in an attempt to stop or overturn the congress, noting that such moves could expose Nigerian football to possible FIFA sanctions.
“ A federation election is not strengthened by fear, and Nigerian football does not need another self-inflicted wound,” the group said.
On allegations of corruption, CSNGG urged anyone with credible evidence of financial misconduct to submit such evidence to the appropriate anti-corruption agencies instead of using unsubstantiated allegations as campaign weapons.
It also acknowledged reports of planned protests around the congress but stressed that peaceful assembly remained a legitimate right, provided such activities did not intimidate delegates or disrupt the electoral process.
CSNGG commended the current NFF Executive Committee for what it described as a cordial working relationship and praised Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle for his efforts in improving the team's World Cup qualifying campaign.
The group maintained that Nigeria's football challenges were not due to a lack of talent, pointing to Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman as recent African Footballers of the Year.
“What Nigerian football needs from this Congress is stability, continuity of genuine reform, and a leadership contest fought and won on ideas,” it said.
The organisation further called on the National Sports Commission and security agencies to ensure a level playing field for all candidates. It urged the media and the public to verify claims before accepting them as facts.
CSNGG also advised aggrieved parties to rely on the dispute-resolution mechanisms provided under the NFF Statutes and the frameworks of CAF and FIFA.
PThe Civil Society Network for Good Governance (CSNGG) has called for a peaceful, transparent and credible Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Elective Congress, warning candidates and their supporters against ethnic campaigns, unverified endorsements and attempts to derail the September 27 election in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
In a statement signed by its National President, Kamaldeen Adefila, in Abuja on Thursday, the group said it was monitoring developments ahead of the election and would oppose actions capable of undermining the credibility of football administration in Nigeria.
CSNGG cautioned aspirants against exploiting the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ failure to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 tournament for personal or political purposes.
The organisation expressed concern over campaign strategies allegedly built around ethnic sentiments, unverified claims of presidential backing and accusations concerning NFF projects and finances.
It urged all candidates to campaign on their competence, records, ideas and vision rather than resorting to what it described as fear, propaganda and divisive narratives.
The group also warned against taking disputes over the election to court in an attempt to stop or overturn the congress, noting that such moves could expose Nigerian football to possible FIFA sanctions.
“ A federation election is not strengthened by fear, and Nigerian football does not need another self-inflicted wound,” the group said.
On allegations of corruption, CSNGG urged anyone with credible evidence of financial misconduct to submit such evidence to the appropriate anti-corruption agencies instead of using unsubstantiated allegations as campaign weapons.
It also acknowledged reports of planned protests around the congress but stressed that peaceful assembly remained a legitimate right, provided such activities did not intimidate delegates or disrupt the electoral process.
CSNGG commended the current NFF Executive Committee for what it described as a cordial working relationship and praised Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle for his efforts in improving the team's World Cup qualifying campaign.
The group maintained that Nigeria's football challenges were not due to a lack of talent, pointing to Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman as recent African Footballers of the Year.
“What Nigerian football needs from this Congress is stability, continuity of genuine reform, and a leadership contest fought and won on ideas,” it said.
The organisation further called on the National Sports Commission and security agencies to ensure a level playing field for all candidates. It urged the media and the public to verify claims before accepting them as facts.
CSNGG also advised aggrieved parties to rely on the dispute-resolution mechanisms provided under the NFF Statutes and the frameworks of CAF and FIFA.
