By Silvernews
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has moved to resolve the ongoing leadership dispute within the Nigeria Basketball Federation by officially recognising the board led by Ahmadu Musa Kida and outlining a clear timetable for fresh elections.
In a letter dated March 16, 2026, signed by FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, the global basketball body affirmed that the current NBBF board will remain in office until October 15, 2026. It directed that elections must be conducted after the conclusion of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and no later than that date, with a new board expected to assume office on October 16, 2026.
FIBA further stated that no amendments to the NBBF statutes will be recognised before the electoral process is completed.
It insisted that the elections must be carried out under the existing legal framework and in line with its statutes.
The decision follows months of disagreement among stakeholders over the tenure of the current board.
While the Kida-led leadership maintained that its mandate extends to October 2026 based on its inauguration date, opposing parties argued that the tenure expired in January 2026, four years after the last elections.
The dispute had led to multiple petitions being submitted to FIBA, with critics accusing the board of overstaying its tenure and calling for immediate elections.
FIBA’s directive effectively settles the question of legitimacy for now, reaffirming the authority of the current leadership while imposing a structured timeline for transition.
The intervention also serves as a warning against parallel electoral processes or attempts to alter governing statutes outside due process.
With this ruling, tensions within Nigerian basketball administration are expected to ease, although strict compliance will be required to avoid sanctions, including the risk of suspension from international competitions.
