Reject closed -door selection of federation’s officials
By Olamilekan Israel
Notable elders and stakeholders in sports have thrown their support behind Alhaja Kafilat Olawunmi Olalere, who has called for a transparent and credible electoral process for key leadership positions into the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN).
At a well-attended gathering yesterday, October 21st, inside the Board Room of the National Sports Commission (NSC) at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Alhaja Olalere, a South West representative and presidential aspirant, was accompanied by key stakeholders including Tosin Odumosu and Bashiru Hassan.
Olalere, who is bidding to replace Kelvin Erhunmwunse, the incumbent president who has served three consecutive terms, said the leadership of the sport must embrace inclusivity, gender balance and accountability if gymnastics in Nigeria is to regain its lost glory.
“There is pressure for me to accept the vice presidency in a pre-arranged deal but that would disenfranchise stakeholders,” she said. “We are insisting on proper zonal elections not appointments fixed behind closed doors.
“ Anything short of a fair process would abuse my integrity and cause further grievances,” she counselled.
She disclosed that the Sports Commission had earlier announced the election would hold on October 18 but due to unforeseen circumstances, it was shifted to Saturday, October 25.
Speaking on the current imbroglio, a former Technical Director at the African Gymnastics Union (UAG), Coach Ben Alonge, alleged that the last GFN elections conducted under Kelvin Erhunmwunse were fraudulent and violated established guidelines.
“Kelvin was not elected rather he was selected,” Alonge claimed. “The National Sports Commission cancelled that election two weeks after it was held because due process was not followed. Yet, he continued in office.”
He further accused the outgoing president of conducting a secret election at a hotel in Asaba without the participation of crucial bodies such as the NSC, NAPHER-SD, and the paramilitary constituency.
“No secretary general, no National; Sports Commission and no observers were present,” Alonge said. “It was a kangaroo election done behind closed doors.”
He urged the NSC to conduct a fresh, transparent election to restore sanity and credibility to the federation.
“Gymnastics in Nigeria has been dead for years due to fraudulent leadership. A proper election is the only way forward,” Alonge noted.
Meanwhile, Alhaja Olalere , who has served as a South-West representative for four years, emphasized the need to reform the federation’s structure and restore credibility through transparent elections.
She volunteered: “We have gathered from the South West to the South East to discuss how to reform gymnastics, she explained. We must rebuild our system by bringing back experienced coaches, training new judges and creating a digital database for our activities.”
She lamented that Nigeria still lacks basic facilities, equipment, and a digital platform such as a website for the sport.
“In many zones, children train in dilapidated environments,” she said.
“Gymnastics is one of the most loved sports among children, yet it receives little recognition nationally or internationally. We must change that.”
Speaking from personal experience, Alhaji Kafilat revealed that both her seven-year-old son and daughter participate in gymnastics at school, she reveals this also fuels her passion for the sport’s development.
“Seeing my children limited to school activities despite their potential drives me as a mother and stakeholder to push for reform,” she noted.
She further urged parents to support their children’s involvement in the sport, noting that gymnastics instils discipline, fitness, and balance from an early age.
“Gymnastics starts from the age of three, four or five. It builds strength, character, and focus. With the right leadership, equipment, and support, Nigeria can produce world class gymnasts,” she added.
