NBBF Poll: SWAN Seeks Level Playing Field for Aspirants
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to ensure a free, fair and credible election as stakeholders elect a new leadership for the federation on October 15.
SWAN President, Isaiah Benjamin, made the call in a statement signed by the association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, stressing that the integrity of the poll would be critical to restoring confidence in the federation and advancing basketball development in Nigeria.
Benjamin called on the NBBF to provide a level playing field for all eligible aspirants, insisting that the process must be guided by the federation’s constitution, established regulations and the principles of fairness, accountability and equal opportunity.
He said electoral procedures should be clearly communicated and applied consistently, while all qualified stakeholders should be allowed to participate in accordance with the rules governing the exercise.
“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,” Benjamin said.
He also appealed to all aspirants and stakeholders to demonstrate maturity, embrace peaceful engagement and uphold mutual respect and sportsmanship before, during and after the election, stressing that the collective interest of Nigerian basketball must remain paramount.
Beyond the election, Benjamin said SWAN was seeking a stronger and more structured relationship with the NBBF to enhance the visibility, promotion and overall development of basketball, particularly through improved communication between administrators and sports journalists.
He proposed regular media briefings, timely access to credible information and collaborative initiatives to strengthen basketball coverage from the grassroots to the national and international levels.
“SWAN is committed to a professional and mutually beneficial relationship with the NBBF that recognises the strategic role of the media in sports development,” Benjamin said, adding that open communication would help tell the Nigerian basketball story more effectively, celebrate its athletes and attract greater public and private-sector support.