South-East basketball stakeholders have raised strong concerns over what they describe as growing political manoeuvring within Nigerian basketball, particularly regarding the alleged campaign activities of FIBA Africa Zone 3 President, Col. Sam Ahmedu, on behalf of former national team captain, Olumide Oyedeji.
The stakeholders insist that if Oyedeji truly believes he is qualified to lead Nigerian basketball, he should openly declare his ambition and present his vision directly to the basketball community rather than allegedly operating through proxies.
According to them, leadership must be built on clarity, courage, and accountability — not backroom negotiations or political godfatherism.
“We want openness and direct engagement with stakeholders. Anyone seeking leadership should come out and speak for himself,” said “Chinedu Okafor, a basketball stakeholder from Enugu.”
The group expressed concern over Ahmedu’s reported campaign activities in the South-East, noting that the zone already has a duly elected representative on the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) board. They argued that such actions raise questions about external influence and political engineering within the federation.
“This is not about stabilising basketball. It appears to be about power, influence, and positioning,” noted “Emeka Nwosu, a club administrator in Anambra State.”
The stakeholders maintained that if Oyedeji has a genuine leadership agenda, he should present it publicly and allow stakeholders to evaluate it on merit.
“If Oyedeji has a vision, let him present it. If he has a plan, let him defend it publicly. Stakeholders deserve to see a clear roadmap for Nigerian basketball,” said “Ifeanyi Ugwu, a youth basketball development coach in Abia State.”
They further criticised what they described as increasing attacks and propaganda targeting the current NBBF leadership, warning that criticism without workable alternatives cannot drive development.
Casting their attention on the current administration, the stakeholders commended the leadership of NBBF President, Engr. Musa Kida, describing the board as one of the most impactful in the history of Nigerian basketball.
They noted that despite numerous challenges and opposition from some quarters, the Kida-led administration has maintained stability and recorded measurable progress in the sport.
“The current board has ensured continuity and development despite distractions. That progress should be acknowledged,” Ugwu added.
The stakeholders also dismissed a recently circulated document allegedly aimed at discrediting the present leadership, stating that the document lacks authenticity and necessary official endorsements to be considered legitimate.
Beyond political concerns, the stakeholders challenged Oyedeji and any other aspirant to present concrete development strategies that address key areas of Nigerian basketball growth.
They listed critical expectations including a long-term development blueprint, sustainable funding strategies, league reform models, grassroots and youth development pipelines, and structured improvements in coaching, officiating, and governance.
“Transparency is simple,” one stakeholder stated. “Show us your development plan. Show us your funding model. Show us your strategy for grassroots basketball. Then stakeholders will listen, debate, and decide.”
They warned against what they described as shadow campaigns, proxy politics, and attempts to pressure stakeholders through influence rather than ideas.
“The South-East is not ignorant. Nigerian basketball stakeholders understand what is happening. If anyone wants our support, they must earn it through competence, integrity, and clear vision,” Okafor added.
Reaffirming their position on the federation’s current leadership structure, the stakeholders stated that the Musa Kida-led board remains the duly inaugurated and legitimate authority of the NBBF and should be allowed to complete its constitutional tenure, which runs until October.
They concluded by calling for unity, transparency, and issue-based engagement across the basketball community, stressing that Nigerian basketball needs genuine leadership, clear ideas, and collective progress rather than political theatrics.
“If you want to lead, come forward with your agenda. Nigerian basketball deserves honesty and courage,” the stakeholders stated.
