NSC Suspends NFF Elections, Appoints Ikpeme Interim General Secretary

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has suspended the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) ongoing electoral process and endorsed its Deputy General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, to oversee the federation’s secretariat as interim General Secretary.

The development followed the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee on Thursday.

According to a statement published on the official NFF website on Thursday, Dr Ademola Olajire, who was the Director of Media and Communications, has also been appointed interim Deputy General Secretary.

The commission directed that all processes relating to the NFF Elective Congress scheduled for September 27 be suspended.

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The statement said a fresh electoral process would be initiated after the completion of comprehensive reforms to be carried out in consultation with world football governing bodies, FIFA and CAF.

“A fresh electoral process will commence following the completion of the anticipated comprehensive reforms, to be undertaken in consultation with world football’s governing body, FIFA, and CAF,” the statement said.

The National Sports Commission also directed the chairmen, appointed directors and chief executive officers of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League and Nationwide League One to hand over the administration of their respective leagues to their Chief Operating Officers.

It said where the Chief Operating Officer of any of the leagues was not an NFF staff member, the acting General Secretary would deploy a new COO from the federation.

The commission said the measures were aimed at ensuring continuity in the administration of Nigerian football during the transition period.

“These interim measures are intended to ensure continuity in the administration of Nigerian Football during the transition and pending conclusion of engagements with FIFA, CAF, Government and stakeholders to design a roadmap towards the comprehensive reforms envisaged for Nigeria football, and the next steps for activation,” it said.