By Ado Salisu, Kano
President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engineer Musa Ahmadu Kida has categorically denied harbouring any ambition to seek a third term in office, putting to rest weeks of speculation and allegations from detractors who accused him of plotting to manipulate the federation’s electoral process.
Speaking at an Extra-Ordinary Congress of the NBBF held at City Green Hotel, Yola, Adamawa State on Thursday, September 25, 2026, Kida addressed the congress of 39 delegates drawn from across Nigeria’s basketball stakeholders community.
“Contrary to news making the rounds about my ambitions, I have never been part of subverting the NBBF approved constitution in seeking a third term,” Kida declared.
“I intend to ensure a free, fair and transparent election to the next Board for 2026 to 2030.”
The NBBF President urged all aspirants to conduct themselves with honour throughout the electoral process.
“I urge all those interested in elective positions to feel free to contest. All politicking should be done with honour and dignity. We must avoid derogatory and defamatory comments against each other.”
Kida’s unequivocal statement at the Yola congress underscores a pattern of consistency that has defined his tenure.
Despite relentless attacks from a vocal group of detractors who have variously accused him of tenure elongation, financial impropriety, and electoral manipulation, the NBBF President has remained focused on delivering results for Nigerian basketball.
Electoral Timeline Confirmed The congress unanimously approved that the Elective Congress will hold on October 15, 2026 in Abuja at 10am. Elections into positions for Technical Representatives, Players Representatives and other affiliate bodies will hold between October 7 and 14, 2026, also in Abuja.
A seven-member Electoral Committee was constituted, chaired by Dr Lanre Glover, with Sr Femi Olugbile, Alhaji Sani Fema, Engineer Priscilla Ngozi Iroaganachi, Major General David Lubo, Mallam Farouk Yarma as members, and Barrister Ichene Kalu as Secretary.
A three-member Elections Appeals Committee was also approved, comprising Barrister Emmanuel Okibe as Chairman, Ms Chichi Nwoko as Member, and Mr Emmanuel Zira as Secretary.
These independent structures ensure that the October elections will be conducted with integrity, free from the manipulation that Kida’s critics have baselessly alleged.
The presence of respected figures like Dr Lanre Glover and Major General David Lubo on the Electoral Committee provides additional assurance that due process will prevail.
Gratitude to Government and Stakeholders Kida opened proceedings with words of appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for honouring all promises made to D’Tigress following their historic fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title.
The national women’s team remains unbeaten on the African continent for over eight years under Kida’s administration.
The NBBF President also commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission, specifically Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Chief Bukola Olopade, for their unwavering support towards the growth and stability of Nigerian basketball.
” Special appreciation was extended to the Governor and people of Adamawa State, the Adamawa State Basketball Association, and the state’s sports directorate for agreeing to host the Extra Ordinary Congress at short notice and providing significant logistical support.
“Financial Transparency and Governance In a demonstration of the federation’s commitment to accountability, financial reports for 2024, 2025 and 2026 were presented to the congress and duly approved. The Secretary General’s updated activities report was also presented and approved by the delegates. This stands in contrast to the opacity that characterised previous administrations.
“Those who now accuse Kida of financial mismanagement have yet to account for $2.2 million in Kwese sponsorship funds paid directly to the Kwese League Management Board headed by Olumide Oyedeji in 2017.
“The irony of such individuals demanding transparency from an administration that presents its accounts to congress annually is not lost on objective observers. Kida acknowledged that the federation has faced numerous challenges since 2017 but noted that the NBBF has emerged stronger from each trial. “The Federation has always come out stronger on each occasion,” he assured the congress.
“Looking Ahead The Yola congress marks a significant step towards an orderly transition in Nigerian basketball. With Kida confirming he will not seek re-election and the electoral machinery now in place, attention turns to which candidates will emerge to vie for the federation’s leadership.
The October 15 Elective Congress will determine who leads Nigerian basketball for the 2026 to 2030 cycle, inheriting a federation that has delivered unprecedented success on the continental and global stage.
Whoever succeeds Kida will take over an institution with credible governance structures, active corporate partnerships, and international recognition.
For Kida, the Yola congress represented a vindication of his approach. He has led with results, governed with transparency, and is departing on his own terms, having done what he set out to do. Those who spent months alleging tenure elongation now face the reality of a president who was never interested in clinging to power, only in building Nigerian basketball.
