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Former Nigerian international basketball player Ejike Ugboaja has urged the Nigeria Basketball Federation to ensure that its forthcoming presidential election is conducted in a transparent and inclusive manner.
Ugboaja, who has declared his intention to contest the NBBF presidency, said stakeholders should receive adequate information about the electoral process and be given the opportunity to participate in decisions concerning the federation.
He questioned the circumstances surrounding the organisation of the federation’s congress, particularly the communication with some key stakeholders in Nigerian basketball.
The former D’Tigers player also raised concerns over reported changes involving some state basketball associations ahead of the election. He alleged that moves to replace certain state association chairmen could affect the existing structure of the electoral process.
Ugboaja said his objections were not directed at any particular candidate, stressing that his primary demand was for all aspirants to have an equal opportunity to contest.
He further advocated greater involvement of players, administrators and other stakeholders in the affairs of Nigerian basketball, saying the sport would benefit from a more inclusive system.
Beyond the election, Ugboaja called for improvements in domestic basketball, including longer league competitions and stronger grassroots development programmes capable of producing players for the national teams and higher levels of the sport.
The NBBF presidential election is expected to attract attention from stakeholders as candidates and their supporters seek to influence the direction of Nigerian basketball.
