By Wakawaka Sports
The Glover-led Screening Committee of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has come under scrutiny over its interpretation of the federation’s 2019 Statutes following reports that Ugo Udezue was cleared to contest for two positions, while Olumide Oyedeji and Ejike Ugboaja were cleared for the presidency but not for zonal representative positions.
The controversy has raised questions about the consistency of the screening process ahead of the October 15 NBBF elections, with stakeholders seeking clarification on the constitutional provisions governing candidates’ eligibility.
Under Article 21.2(c) of the 2019 NBBF Statutes, zonal representatives are elected by State Associations within their respective geopolitical zones, while Article 13.1(c) links Board nominations to a member’s zone or affiliation.
Udezue, who chairs the Ebonyi State Basketball Association and serves as the South-East representative on the NBBF Board, was reportedly cleared for both the zonal representative and vice-presidential positions.
Article 21.8 provides for the re-election of serving Board members, while Article 23.4 requires candidates for the vice-presidential position to obtain endorsements from two member State Associations.
According to the interpretation of the statutes advanced by those questioning the screening process, Udezue satisfied the relevant requirements for both positions.
However, the reported clearance of Oyedeji and Ugboaja for the presidency, despite their disqualification from zonal representative positions, has generated further debate among basketball stakeholders.
Those questioning the decision argue that neither candidate chairs a State Basketball Association, raising questions about their eligibility for zonal representation and the constitutional basis for their clearance to contest for the presidency.
Constitutional interpretation
At the centre of the controversy is Article 21.3.11, which reportedly provides an exemption for a serving president or vice-president to contest without belonging to one of the constituencies listed under Article 21.2.
The interpretation being advanced by critics is that the exemption applies specifically to serving presidents and vice-presidents, meaning other candidates must establish their eligibility through a recognised constituency.
These constituencies include geopolitical zones, coaches, the National Association of Women in Sports (NAWIS), the National Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance (NAPHER-SD), the Players Union, FIBA office holders, corporate sponsors and the military.
Proponents of this interpretation maintain that the endorsement requirement under Article 23.4 does not automatically replace the need to satisfy the applicable constituency requirements.
They have therefore called on the Screening Committee to explain how the relevant provisions were interpreted in clearing candidates for the different positions.
