The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible election scheduled for October 15, 2026, describing the exercise as critical to strengthening governance and promoting sustainable basketball development in the country.
SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, made the call in a press statement signed by the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on October 14, 2026, emphasising that the credibility of the electoral process would determine stakeholders’ confidence in the federation and its leadership.
Benjamin stressed the need for an inclusive election conducted in strict compliance with the NBBF constitution, relevant regulations and established principles of fairness, accountability and equal opportunity for all eligible aspirants.
He noted that a transparent electoral process would provide a strong foundation for effective administration, institutional stability and the long-term growth of basketball in Nigeria.
The SWAN President also called on the federation to ensure that electoral guidelines and procedures were clearly communicated to stakeholders, while guaranteeing that all eligible participants had a fair opportunity to exercise their rights in accordance with the applicable rules.
He urged candidates, delegates and other stakeholders to demonstrate maturity, maintain peaceful engagement and uphold mutual respect and sportsmanship before, during and after the election.
According to him, the collective interest of Nigerian basketball must take precedence over individual ambitions and competing interests.
“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 stated.
Beyond the electoral process, the SWAN President reaffirmed the association’s commitment to establishing a stronger and more structured partnership with the NBBF to enhance media coverage, promote the sport and advance basketball development across the country.
He emphasised that constructive collaboration between sports administrators and professional journalists was essential to communicating policies, publicising competitions and showcasing the achievements of Nigerian basketball players, coaches and teams at local and international levels.
To achieve this objective, SWAN proposed sustained engagement with the federation through regular media briefings, timely access to accurate and credible information, and collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening basketball reporting from the grassroots to the national and international stages.
Benjamin maintained that an effective relationship between the federation and the media would improve public awareness, increase the visibility of basketball and create greater opportunities for private-sector investment and broader stakeholder participation in the sport.
“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 reiterated its readiness to work with the federation and other relevant stakeholders to promote professionalism, accountability and an enabling environment for basketball to thrive in Nigeria.
The statement was signed by Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, ANIPR, Secretary-General of SWAN, and dated October 14, 2026.
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