Stakeholders Urge NFF President’s Intervention as Edo State Football Association Election Faces Crisis
BENIN-CITY/Nigeria: In a plea for order, critical stakeholders ahead of the Edo State Football Association election have implored the President of the Nigeria Football Association, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, to intervene and address the ongoing electoral impasse.
Stakeholders assert that despite multiple extensions granted since the expiration of the Board on June 8, 2023, and subsequent extensions until October 30, the electoral process has failed to yield positive results, prompting concerns about the legitimacy of the upcoming election.
Highlighting the disparities, stakeholders pointed to successful normalization committee interventions in states like Akwa Ibom and Kogi, emphasizing the need for Edo State to follow suit to ensure a transparent, fair, and credible election.
Expressing their reservations, concerned stakeholders cited irregularities in the election process, raising the alarm that failure to address the issues promptly could lead to anarchy and unwarranted litigation. They called for the establishment of a Normalization Committee to oversee the election and guarantee adherence to FIFA-standard electoral codes.
Quoting a concerned stakeholder, “There can never be a credible election without putting in place a Normalization Committee. This, in accordance with all applicable laws, including FIFA’s standard Electoral Code, will give us a level playing ground to participate in the exercise, as seen in Ghana, Kenya, and other nations to ensure sanctity in the administration of football.”
Addressing the prolonged impasse, stakeholders emphasized the urgency of NFF’s intervention, asserting that the current leadership, which extended beyond its term on June 8, 2023, should step aside for a Normalization Committee to facilitate the election of new officials for the State Association.
Another stakeholder criticized the current exercise, labeling it unconstitutional and a violation of democratic principles. Allegations of selective exclusion from meetings and the choice of a non-official venue further fueled concerns about the transparency of the process.
Responding to the situation, another stakeholder pointed out, “A board that wasted four extensions with about nine postponements of the election that began in February 2023 does not deserve another extension, as an extension cannot be given to a Board that does not exist.”
Concerns were also raised about political interference, with a political appointee being cautioned against treating the Football Association election as a political one. Stakeholders urged the NFF president to prevent any meddling that might tarnish the integrity of the election in the eyes of FIFA.
Highlighting the paradox of the remaining Board members, five out of six contestants in the election, stakeholders emphasized the need for a Normalization Committee to ensure a level playing field for all contestants, echoing successful practices in other states.
Stakeholders await the NFF’s prompt action led by Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau to salvage the electoral process in Edo State and restore credibility to the football administration.
