By Ado Salisu, Kano
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called on the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to ensure a free, fair, credible and transparent electoral process in its forthcoming October 15, 2026 election, stressing that the integrity of the exercise will be crucial to strengthening confidence in the federation and advancing basketball development in the country.
SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement signed by the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb Ikenna Okonkwo, emphasised the need for an inclusive electoral process guided by the NBBF constitution, established regulations and the principles of fairness, accountability and equal opportunity for all eligible aspirants.
President Benjamin maintained that a credible election would provide a solid foundation for effective governance and sustainable basketball development.
He urged the federation to ensure that electoral procedures are clearly communicated and that all eligible stakeholders are given the opportunity to participate in accordance with the applicable rules.
The SWAN President also called on all parties involved in the electoral process to demonstrate maturity, embrace peaceful engagement and uphold mutual respect and sportsmanship before, during and after the election, noting that the collective interest of Nigerian basketball must remain paramount.
“An election conducted in an atmosphere of fairness, transparency and accountability will strengthen confidence in the federation and reinforce the collective commitment of stakeholders to the growth of Nigerian basketball. The interest of the game must remain paramount before, during and after the election,” Benjamin said.
Beyond the election, Benjamin expressed SWAN’s readiness to establish a stronger and more structured working relationship with the NBBF to improve the visibility, promotion and overall development of basketball in Nigeria.
He noted that constructive engagement between sports administrators and professional journalists was essential to communicating policies, promoting competitions and showcasing the achievements of Nigerian players, coaches and teams.
The SWAN leadership proposed sustained engagement with the federation through regular media briefings, timely access to credible information and collaborative initiatives that would strengthen basketball coverage at the grassroots, national and international levels.
“SWAN is committed to a professional and mutually beneficial relationship with the NBBF that recognises the strategic role of the media in sports development. We believe that open communication and constructive collaboration will help tell the Nigerian basketball story more effectively, celebrate our athletes and create greater opportunities for the sport to attract public and private-sector support,” he concluded.
