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NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION

REVISED GUIDELINES FOR ELECTIONS INTO THE BOARDS OF NATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS

 

 

INTRODUCTION

1.0 The Election of members into the National Sports Federations (NSF) Boards is a critical process that impacts the governance, performance and development of sports within a nation. In Nigeria, the need for a robust, transparent, and credible election guidelines is vital to the growth and repositioning of the Sports Sector in line with international best practices. 

1.1 These election guidelines outline comprehensive details for the conduct of elections into the respective NSFs Boards recognized by the National Sports Commission (NSC) ensuring that only qualified, credible and passionate individuals are elected to serve.

1.2 The guidelines spell out the composition of the respective NSF Boards, Eligibility of Membership, Election Regulations, Electoral Committees, Elections Petition Committee, Electoral Appeals Committee, Inauguration, etc. 

1.3 The elections shall be conducted using these election guidelines, under the supervision of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) acting as election observer.

 

2.0 OBJECTIVES

2.1 To ensure transparency and fairness in the election process.

2.2 To guarantee that only qualified and credible individuals are elected to serve in leadership positions within the National Sports Federations.

2.3 To promote inclusivity by ensuring representation from all Geo-political zones and other relevant stakeholder groups.

2.4 To strengthen the governance and operational capacity of National Sports Federations through the election of competent officials.

 

3.0 THE BOARD

3.1 Each Board shall comprise of 14 members namely;

3.2 The President;

3.3 Vice President; and 

3.4 Twelve (12) other Members or as provided for in their relevant constitution or statute.

3.5 A Secretary General who is the Secretary of the Board but not an elected member of the Board.

 

4.0 CONSTITUENCIES

4.1 The Membership of each Board shall be drawn from the following constituencies:

4.2 Six (6) Zonal Representatives (each representing a Geo-political zone in the country);

4.3 One (1) Athletes' Representative of the Sports;

4.4 One (1) Coach Representative or Technical Official (Technical Bodies of the Sport).

4.5 One (1) Representative of Military/Para-Military Sports.

4.6 One (1) Representative of International Sports body of the Sports. 

4.7 Where there are more than two Nigerians serving in such international sports bodies, the highest ranked Nigerian shall be nominated to fill the slot. 

4.8 Where two or more persons are on the same level at international sports bodies, the one with highest number of years of membership of such body shall be nominated into the Board of the National Sports Federation;

4.9 One (1) Representative of the National Association of Women in Sports (NAWIS);

4.10 One (1) Representative of National Association of Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance (NAPHER-SD);

4.11 One (1) Philanthropist or an Ex-officio member or Sponsor and;

4.12 One (1) Representative of Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN).

 

5.0.    ELIGIBILITY

5.1 General Requirements:

5.2 For a candidate to be eligible for membership of the Board of a National Sports Federation, he/she shall:

5.3 Be a citizen of Nigeria;

5.4 Hold an educational qualification not below Secondary School Certificate (SSCE/WAEC) or its equivalent from a recognized institution;

5.5 Not be less than twenty-five (25) years except in the case of Athletes' Representative who may be below 25 but not less than 18 years of age as at the time of the election; 

5.6 Such athlete must have retired from the sports and must have also represented Nigeria in at least two major international competitions or three national competitions. Such athlete must not have had any doping violation during his active career;

5.7 Candidates must not have any criminal record, or conviction, sanction or fine by any court of law or any competent authority or investigative panel;

5.8 He/She must be of good ethical character and has not been involved in any media campaign to disparage the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Olympic Committee, its officials or any other Sports Federation;

5.9 The candidate must be an affiliate or a member who is in good standing of the Federation;

5.10 Be endorsed by two Sports Administrators of not less than the rank of a serving Director of Sports or Chairmen of two state associations, or two renowned stakeholders/sponsor involved in the particular sports or a combination of any two of the above; 

5.11 A person seeking for elective position must show physical evidence of his/her presence within the particular sports in the last six (6) months prior to the election;

5.12 Have a verifiable source of taxable income;

5.13 Provide 3 years income tax payment receipt;

5.14 Not be a member of any other Federation other than the one he/she is vying for;

5.15 It is advisable for candidates to submit a document detailing their mission and vision before he/she is elected into office. 

 

5.2 Specific Qualifications

5.2.1 President/Vice President: 

5.2.2 For a candidate to be eligible for the position of President/Vice President of the Board of a National Sports Federation, he/she:

5.2.3 Shall not have served for more than three (3) terms as President of the National Sports Federation;

5.2.4 Without prejudice to section 5.2.2, Nigerians who are Presidents of International/Continental Sports bodies, as well as, Presidents of NSFs who have served for three (3) terms are eligible to be on the Boards of National Sports Federations as a member in accordance with article 4.7;

5.2.5 Must have served in a top leadership/managerial position in either the private or public sector not below the rank of Assistant General Manager or Assistant Director.

5.2.6 Must have proven resource development/fundraising skills which must be in writing;

 

5.3 Technical: 

5.3.1 Candidates for technical positions (Technical Representatives) must; 

5.3.2 Possess Relevant certifications and have significant experience in sports coaching, officiating, training or technical management or the highest graded level in the International Federation; and

5.3.3 Must have produced elite athletes that have won medals at the International/Continental Championships; or

5.3.4 Have officiated at International/Continental Championships.

 

5.4 Sponsor: 

5.4.1 Must have a lawfully operational business in the private sector or senior public service engagement; 

5.4.2 Provide proof of a reliable source of income;

5.4.3 Must have interest and passion in the particular sport or verifiable contribution for the sport.

 

5.5 Zonal Representatives:

5.5.1 The Zonal Representative should meet all of the following criteria; 

5.5.2 Have a minimum of 3 years of experience in sports administration, coaching, officiating at a national or regional level and must have demonstrated leadership roles in sports within their zone or nationally;

5.5.3 Have organized Zonal Championships/Competitions within their zone with a proof of sponsorship;

5.5.4 Be a member of the State Association in the Zone he is representing;

5.5.5 Have verifiable ties to the zone, such as prior roles within local sports associations or community contributions;

5.5.6 Have a track record of successful sports development initiatives or projects within the zone;

5.5.7 Evidence of contributions to sports infrastructure, youth development, or athlete development programmes in his/her zone.

 

5.6 Military/Para-Military

5.6.1 Candidates for Military/Para-Military Representative;

5.6.2 Must be an active member of a recognized military or paramilitary organization (such as: Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Nigeria Customs, Nigeria Immigration, NDLEA, NSCDC and others);

5.6.3 Should have experience in sports administration, coaching, or organizing sports activities within their institution;

5.6.4 Must have held a leadership position in sports or related activities within their institution, such as overseeing sports programmes or organizing sports events, managing teams, coordinating training programmes, or supervising physical education initiatives;

5.6.5 Must uphold high ethical standards and discipline, with a clean service record and no history of misconduct or disciplinary actions;

5.6.6 Must demonstrate a willingness and availability to attend board meetings and actively participate in federation committees, programmes, and events.

 

5.7 NAPHER-SD: 

5.7.1 Candidates from NAPHER.SD;

5.7.2 Must be an active member of NAPHER-SD, with at least 3 years of experience in physical education, sports and recreation, sports and dance;

5.7.3 A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Human Kinetics, Sports Science or a related field, without prejudice to Section 5.4;

5.7.4 Evidence of contributions to grassroots sports development, school or community-based physical education, or recreational programmes;

5.7.5 Must adhere to high ethical standards, with no history of professional or personal misconduct;

5.7.6 Must not have unresolved disciplinary actions, financial misconduct, or mismanagement cases related to sports or education.

 

5.8 NAWIS: 

5.8.1 Candidates from NAWIS;

5.8.2 Must be an active member of NAWIS with at least 3 years of experience in sports administration, coaching, officiating, or sports advocacy focused on women's sports.

5.8.3 Should have a proven track record in advocating for the development and visibility of women’s sports, either through programmes, policies, or community involvement;

5.8.4 Show evidence of initiatives, programmes, or contributions that support women's empowerment and increased participation in sports;

5.8.5 Must adhere to high ethical standards, with no history of disciplinary actions or violations of professional conduct;

5.8.6 Show evidence of familiarity with NAWIS’ objectives, the structure of sports federations, and the ability to promote policies that support female athletes and administrators.

 

5.9 AFFAN:

5.9.1 Candidates from AFFAN:

5.9.2 Must be former female athletes who have actively competed in sports at any recognised competitive level, including certified Secondary School Competitions, Tertiary Institution Sports, National Championships, and international Competitions and Games;

5.9.3 Must be an active member of AFFAN with at least 1 year of experience in sports administration, coaching, officiating, or sports advocacy focused on women's sports;

5.9.4 Members must be at least 25 years of age;

5.9.5 Members must be in good standing with the Association, having no outstanding disciplinary issues or sanctions;

5.9.6 Members must demonstrate willingness and capacity to actively participate in Board meetings, committees, and fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities effectively;

5.9.7 Members must comply with all other eligibility requirements as stipulated by the National Sports Commission.

 

6.0. ELECTIONS PROCESS AND PROCEDURES

6.1. Campaign Process: 

6.1.2 The campaign period shall commence upon the release of the election guidelines and end 24 hours before the election day;

6.1.3 Candidates must conduct their campaigns with integrity, focusing on their vision and plans for the Federation. Negative campaigning, bribery, and any form of electoral malpractice are strictly prohibited;

6.1.4 Candidates whose Federations have debate as part of its electoral process are advised to attend.

 

6.2 Nomination:

6.2.1 The Federation’s Election Committee shall issue a call for nominations in line with the electoral guidelines.

 

6.3 ELECTORAL COMMITTEES

6.3.1 The NSC is to set up the Electoral Committee for NSFs that do not have approved constitutions by their International Federations, to monitor and supervise all NSFs elections;

6.3.2 The NSC Zonal Offices shall conduct all elections in their respective Zones for all NSFs.

 

 

6.4   Functions of the Electoral Committee

6.4.1 The Electoral Committees shall:

6.4.2 Screen all candidates to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. A list of eligible candidates will be published before the election;

6.4.3 Conduct oral interview prior to the election for President/Vice President positions;

6.4.4 Supervise all elections in line with the Election Guidelines;

6.4.5 Announce/declare results immediately after the elections; and

6.4.6 Reserve the right to postpone any election(s) if there is proof of violation of any part of the Electoral Guidelines during the electioneering process.

 

7.0 CONDUCT OF ELECTION

7.1 All voting shall be by secret ballot;

7.2 There shall be no voting by proxy at any of the elections (Zonal or National); 

7.3 No candidate shall be voted for in absentia except if he/she provides acceptable evidence of force majeure; 

7.4 Zonal elections to elect the Zonal representatives into the Boards for National Sports Federations shall take place at the six (6) Geo-political Zones on the same day at the Zonal Headquarters;

7.5 The Chairman or the Secretary of the State Association, or the appointed Representative of the Director of Sports who is affiliated to the Sports shall constitute the electorate for the Zonal elections in their respective Sports in line with section 5.5.4;

7.6 The National elections to elect the Presidents and Vice Presidents of the National Sports Federations shall take place after the conclusion of the Zonal Elections;

7.7 The Representatives of all the 14 Constituencies shall form the electorate at the National elections to be held in Abuja;

7.8 For a National Election to be valid, not less than 9 constituent members must be present and vote;

7.9 Winners shall be decided by a simple majority of the votes cast;

7.10 In the case of a tie (draw), there shall immediately be another round of voting until a winner emerges;

7.11 Members shall be nominated for any position and must be seconded by another Member of the Electorate to be eligible;

7.12 All 14 representatives for the National Elections shall be eligible to contest for the position of President or Vice President if they meet the eligibility criteria.

 

 

8.0 DECLARATION OF RESULTS 

8.1 The Chairman of the Electoral Committee shall announce the result immediately after the conclusion of the elections;

8.2 Hard and soft copies of the results of the elections shall be communicated to the NSC and NOC after the conclusion of the elections.

 

9.0 INAUGURATION

9.1 All elected Boards of the National Sports Federations shall be inaugurated immediately after the declaration of results by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission.

 

10.0 PETITIONS

10.1 In case a contestant is dissatisfied with any aspect of the conduct and/or results of the elections from the Zones and/or the National Election, such a candidate may seek redress by submitting a written Petition to the Elections Petition Committee set up by the NSC within 48 hours after the conduct of the elections with a non-refundable sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) only;

10.2 The Elections Petition Committee shall comprise of five (5) Members including the Chairman and Secretary who must be people of impeccable character, outstanding integrity with wealth of experience in the Sports sector either as former athletes and/or Sports administrators and Legal Profession.

 

11.0 APPEALS

11.1 ln the case of dissatisfaction with the decisions of the Elections Petition Committee, a candidate may further seek redress by submitting a written Appeal within 48 hours after the decision of the Election & Petition Committee he/she is appealing against to the Election Appeal Committee duly constituted by the NSC, to hear appeals arising from the Elections Petitions decisions with a non-refundable sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000) only;

11.2 The Appeals Committee shall comprise of 5 members including the Chairman and Secretary who must be persons of impeccable character, outstanding integrity. 

11.3 The decision of the Appeals committee shall be final, and not subject to contest in any court of law;

11.4 In the event of the nullification of an election result arising from the decision(s) of the Election Petitions Committee and Elections Appeals Committee, there shall be a bye­ election within thirty (30) days of the decision;

11.5 In the principle of fairness and transparency, the Chairman and members of the Electoral Committee shall not serve on either the Election Petitions Committee or Election Appeals Committees as the case may be.

12.0 DISPUTES

12.1 All disputes arising from these guidelines or any election matter therein shall be resolved through the alternative dispute mechanism enshrined in these guidelines as prescribed in Article 10 and 11;

12.2 The final decision obtained through such alternative dispute resolution shall be final and binding and not subject to further appeal;

12.3 Participation in the electoral process and activities of National Sports Federation being voluntary, its member and all participants shall be deemed to have waived their right to take any internal dispute of the Federation or arising from the elections to regular courts of law.

 

 

UPDATED TIMELINES FOR THE NATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS 2025 ELECTIONS

 

1. Release of Nomination Forms: 6th September, 2025

2. Deadline for the submission of Nomination Forms: 19th September, 2025  

3. Submission of Names of Representatives of all Constituencies, except Zonal Representatives: 19th September, 2025

4. Screening of Constituency Representatives except Zonal Representatives:  20th - 24th September, 2025

5. Zonal Representatives’ Elections at the Zonal HQRTS: 27th September, 2025

6. Hearing of Petitions and Appeals (if any) arising from Zonal Elections: 2nd October, 2025

7. Bye-Elections (if any) arising from Petitions of the Zonal Elections: 6th October 2025

8.       Publication of eligible list of candidates: 8th October, 2025

9.       Oral interview of President and Vice-Presidential Candidates: 11th October, 2025

10. National Elections at MKO Abiola National Stadium: 18th October, 2025

11. Inauguration of National Sports Federation Boards: 18th October, 2025

12. Hearing of Petitions and Appeals (if any) arising from the National Elections: 22nd October, 2025

13. Bye- Elections (if any) arising from Petitions on National Elections 29th October, 2025

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL FOR THE NOMINATION FORM

 

Towards ensuring fair, credible and transparent elections into the Boards of the National Sports Federations, all candidates are expected to submit the following with their Nomination Forms:

A declaration in writing of their physical presence and contributions to their respective Sports in the last 6 months, either at their or national level;

A declaration in writing of capacity for resource developments and fundraising skills; 

 

 

SIGNED;

 

Dr (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi FCAI, ANIPR  , Director Press NSC

16th September, 2025.