Sports Federation elections: NSC inaugurates Petitions, Appeals Committees

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The Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC) has inaugurated two key bodies—the Election Petitions Committee and the Election Appeals Committee—to strengthen transparency, fairness, and integrity in the conduct of sports federation elections.

In line with international best practices and its renewed commitment to effective sports governance, the NSC appointed a blend of respected legal professionals, administrators, and media practitioners with proven track records to serve on the committees.

The five-member Election Petitions Committee is chaired by Barrister Denen Ikyaa, a seasoned legal expert and member of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Ethics Committee. He is also a former member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Appeals Committee.

Other members include Barrister Chike Onyeacho, a legal practitioner with deep expertise in electoral jurisprudence; Mr. Paul Esheyigba, known for his administrative and legal compliance experience; Mr. Niyi Alebiosu, Sports Editor at the Nigerian Tribune; and Miss Linda Akalugwa, who will also serve as secretary of the committee.

The Election Appeals Committee is chaired by A.U. Mustapha (SAN), a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Chairman of the CAF Appeals Committee (2016–2024). He also previously led the NFF Electoral Committee in 2010, earning respect for his impartial leadership.

Members of the committee include Barrister Chris Umar (SAN), former Solicitor-General of Kaduna State; Barrister Owoicho Adejo-Ogiri, an international sports law expert and FIA tribunal judge; and Mrs. Prisca Ngozi Udoka (SAN), a highly accomplished litigator and Harvard-trained mediator.

Mrs. Udoka is also a strategic legal adviser to major institutions including First Bank Nigeria Plc and FCMB Plc, and notably part of the legal team that secured a full term for then-Governor Peter Obi. Her inclusion reflects the committee’s legal depth and electoral experience.

Rounding off the appeals committee is Mr. Lateef Olatunji Surakatu, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), who will serve as secretary. The NSC expressed confidence that entrusting these committees to individuals of such caliber will reinforce trust in Nigeria’s sports electoral process.