KIDA STEPS ASIDE! NBBF Blows Whistle For Historic Abuja Showdown As 2026 Election Committees Unveiled
By Akeem Busari
YOLA, NIGERIA — In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the African basketball landscape, the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, has officially shattered ongoing speculations by announcing he will not subvert the constitution to seek a controversial third term in office.
This historic declaration was the centerpiece of a high-stakes Extraordinary Congress held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the City Green Hotel in Yola, Adamawa State, where 39 out of 44 delegates gathered to map out the turbulent future of Nigerian basketball.
Addressing a packed room of delegates, Kida fiercely defended his legacy, recounting the bitter challenges that have bedeviled the federation since 2017. He assured the congress that the NBBF has emerged stronger from every crisis and promised to deliver a fiercely transparent transition.
“I have never been part of subverting the NBBF approved constitution,” Kida declared, throwing the gates wide open for a new era. He urged all prospective candidates to contest with “honour and dignity” and to halt the derogatory and defamatory mudslinging that has characterized the build-up to the polls.
With Kida stepping aside, the Congress immediately triggered the countdown to an explosive elective showdown. Delegates unanimously ratified a tight, high-pressure election timeline slated for next month in the nation’s capital:
October 7–14, 2026: Battlelines will be drawn in Abuja for the highly contested Technical, Players, and affiliate bodies representative seats.
October 15, 2026 (10:00 AM): The main Elective Congress will commence in Abuja to usher in the new NBBF Executive Board for the 2026–2030 cycle.
To ensure absolute neutrality during this high-stakes transition, the Congress appointed a powerhouse 7-man Electoral Committee led by veteran administrator Dr. Lanre Glover, with Barr. Ichene Kalu serving as Secretary. Anticipating fierce disputes, a 3-man Elections Appeals Committee was also locked in, to be chaired by Barr. Emmanuel Okibe.
Before the electoral fireworks begin, Kida took a moment to celebrate the federation’s historic milestones. He showered praise on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for fully redeeming his financial promises to the D’Tigress—Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, who recently conquered the continent with an unprecedented 5th consecutive Afrobasket Championship, extending their terrifying unbeaten African streak past the 8-year mark. Kida also extended crucial appreciation to the new leadership of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko and DG Chief Bukola Olopade, for anchoring the federation’s stability.
With the NBBF’s 2024, 2025, and 2026 financial and activity books officially audited and approved by the Congress, the stage is now set. The countdown to Abuja has officially begun, and the battle for the soul of Nigerian basketball is officially underway.
