…says elections conducted based on GFN Constitution
By Andrew Abah
The President-elect of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN), Prince Kelvin Erhunwmunse, has strongly rejected call by the National Sports Commission, NSC, for a fresh elections slated for October 18, 2025.
The President-elect, while speaking to journalists on the issue on Wednesday in Abuja, described the inclusion of GFN in the NSC’s directive as a “clear error”, emphasizing that the federation’s elections were duly held on September 6, 2025, in full compliance with its constitution, and with the oversight of relevant stakeholders.
“This is to inform the Gymnastics family, the sporting community and the general public that the press statement from the NSC announcing a new election date for the GFN, must have been made in error,” said Prince Kelvin.
He added that the September 6 election was free, fair and transparent, with all constitutional processes observed and has since received widespread recognition and validation.
Follow the successful conclusion of the election, congratulatory messages were received from: The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the African Gymnastics Union (UAG), the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation as well as from other critical international and regional stakeholders
Prince Kelvin used the opportunity to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing competent professionals to lead Nigerian sports, specifically praising Alhaji Shehu Dikko as Chairman, National Sports Commission and Chief Bukola Olopade as Director General.
“President Tinubu’s decision to appoint them was not a mistake. These are individuals with decades of experience and their presence is already reshaping the landscape of Nigerian sports,” he said.
Prince Kelvin, however, expressed concern over what he described as the influence of “fifth columnists” — individuals within ministries and parastatals who, he claims, are working behind the scenes to sabotage well-intentioned reforms.
“Regrettably, there are always shadowy figures in every institution who seek to derail progress. Unfortunately, the sports sector is not an exemption. The press release in question appears to be one of their ploys and should be disregarded in totality,” he asserted.
Reaffirming the legitimacy of the GFN board, Prince Kelvin assured stakeholders that the federation is currently working closely with the NSC leadership to clarify and normalize the situation.
“The GFN elections were conducted in line with our constitution as approved by FIG and under the directives of the NSC. We remain confident in the support of the NSC leadership and are in active communication to address any misunderstandings.”
He urged all stakeholders to remain calm and focused on the ongoing development of gymnastics in Nigeria.
The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria maintains that its board was duly elected, legally constituted and internationally recognized, and as such, the call for a re-election is unnecessary and unfounded.
