By Olamilekan Israel
Stakeholders in the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) have called for a transparent and credible electoral process in the forthcoming federation election addressing the need for fairness, inclusivity, and accountability in leadership selection.
This much was the verdict at a meeting convened at the National sports commission(NSC) Boardroom inside the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos , on Tuesday by Alhaja Mrs. Kafilat Olawunmi Olalere, a board member and South-West representative, who is seeking for the federation’s presidential seat.
Addressing the gathering, which included notable stakeholders such as Tosin Odumosu and Bashiru Hassan, Alhaja Olalere stressed that stakeholders will no longer accept imposed appointments or closed-door selections. According to her, the integrity of the federation depends on a free, fair and transparent election.
“This is about the credibility of the process, not personal interest. The stakeholders want a proper election where zonal reps and officials are duly elected, not handpicked. Anything short of that would disenfranchise members and undermine the sport’s integrity,” she said.
She explained that the initial election date fixed by the NSC for October 18 was later shifted to October 25 due to “unforeseen circumstances”. However, she expressed concern over alleged pressure from the incumbent president, Kelvin Erhunwunse, who is reportedly seeking a third term in office amid controversies surrounding previous elections.
She noted that gymnastics in Nigeria has suffered neglect due to poor leadership and lack of proper planning, adding that the sport which largely involves children deserves national recognition and Organization’s support.
“Gymnastics is a sport that engages children from as early as age three, four, five. As a parent and stakeholder, it is painful to see the sport struggling without facilities or proper recognition. We want a leadership that will reform gymnastics, equip our coaches, and revive grassroots participation,” she added.
Olalere, who has served as the South-West representative for four years, emphasized that her experience across regions from the North Central to the South East gives her a deep understanding of the challenges facing the sport.
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She also vowed to prioritize reforms such as establishing a national database, creating a functional website, and sourcing equipment through partnerships with private and international organizations.
“We need a leadership that will restore structure and credibility. The absence of transparency has hindered our progress. A fair election is the first step to rebuilding the Gymnasts federation,” she asserted.
Meanwhile, Coach Ben Alonge, a former technical director at the African Gymnastics Union (UAG), accused the incumbent leadership of electoral malpractice and mismanagement. He described the last federation election as a kangaroo process that lacked legitimacy and proper oversight.
According to him, the NSC , NAPHER SD (Nigeria Association for Physical and Health Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance), and para-military representatives were excluded from the process, rendering it invalid.
“The last election was neither transparent nor credible. There was no presence of the Sports Commission, and key stakeholders were sidelined. Gymnastics in Nigeria has declined for over eight years due to fraudulent practices. We need a proper election for sanity to return,” Alonge said. “Stakeholders has unanimously come to an agreement that only a credible and transparent electoral process can restore the declining rate of gymnastics in Nigeria at both the national and international levels.”