The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to ensure free, fair, credible and transparent elections on October 15, 2026, stressing that the outcome will be critical to strengthening governance and promoting basketball development in the country.
Key Highlights
- SWAN calls for credible and transparent NBBF elections on October 15, 2026.
- The association urges the federation to ensure an inclusive process that complies with its constitution and electoral rules.
- SWAN promises stronger media collaboration to improve basketball coverage and visibility.
- The association calls for regular media briefings and timely access to credible information.
SWAN President, Isaiah Benjamin, made the call in a statement signed by the association’s Secretary-General, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, on Wednesday.
Benjamin stressed the need for an inclusive electoral process that complies with the NBBF constitution, established regulations and the principles of fairness, accountability and equal opportunity for all eligible aspirants.
He said a credible election would provide a solid foundation for effective administration and the sustainable growth of basketball in Nigeria.
The SWAN president also urged the federation to communicate electoral procedures clearly and ensure that all eligible stakeholders could participate in accordance with the applicable rules.
He 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.
According to him, the collective interest of Nigerian basketball must remain paramount throughout the process.
“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.
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SWAN Seeks Stronger Media Partnership With NBBF
Beyond the forthcoming NBBF elections 2026, 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 said 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.
As part of the proposed partnership, SWAN called for regular media briefings, timely access to credible information and collaborative initiatives to strengthen basketball coverage at grassroots, national and international levels.
Benjamin said the association was committed to building a professional and mutually beneficial relationship with the federation, recognising the media’s strategic role in sports development.
“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 added.
The association expressed optimism that a transparent electoral process, supported by stronger cooperation between the federation and the media, would build stakeholder confidence and create better opportunities for basketball development across Nigeria.
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