NFF Election: Check out who is vying for what

The 78th Nigeria Football Federation General Assembly and Elective Congress will hold today in the ancient City of Benin, Edo State.

There were many uncertainties hanging around the elections after a group dragged the Federation to the Federal High Court, Abuja, stating that the NFF’s decision to choose September 30, for its Elective Congress is unlawful and the election must be stopped.

The coast however became clear after the Court of Appeal gave the green light for the election to go ahead on Thursday morning.

The ruling by the Court of Appeal ordered a stay-of-execution of an ex-parte injunction secured by some fellows a fortnight ago to stop the elections.

At least 10 prominent individuals are jostling for the position of the Presidency, while dozen other notable persons jostling for seats on the Executive Committee.

More representatives of the world football-governing body, FIFA, and the Confederation of African Football are already in Benin City.

Solomon Mudege, A FIFA representative said: “We are happy to be here and to witness another milestone in the history of Nigeria Football. We believe it is going to be an interesting Congress with the elections.”

The elections will commence after other items on the agenda for the 78th Annual General Assembly have been dealt with. Winners would be sworn in immediately after the elections.

According to the NFF media department, these are the Aspirants for the position of NFF Presidency and the board:

Among the 10 persons jostling to succeed Amaju Melvin Pinnick as Nigeria football’s supremo are former vice presidents, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi (1st VP) and Mallam Shehu Dikko (2nd VP), as well as former Executive Committee Member and Chairman of Chairmen, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and former Executive Committee Member, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande.

There is also an immediate past General Secretary, Barr. Musa Amadu, and Head of Safety and Security of the Confederation of African Football, Dr Christian Emeruwa.

Also in the hunt for the exalted post are Chairman of the FCT Football Association, Mallam Adam Mouktar Mohammed; former Nigeria international goalkeeper, Peterside Idah; former Chairman of Kano Pillars FC and respected technocrat, Alhaji Abba Abdullahi Yola and UK-based David-Buhari Doherty.

A former NFF 1st Vice President, Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam, pulled out of the race during the week. Mr. Paul Yusuf from Plateau State was disqualified as a result of an invalid nomination; the same axe that swept Mr. Marcellinus Anyanwu from Imo State out of the race.

Three persons, viz current Member of Board, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu; current Member of Board, Senator Obinna Ogba and Mr Chinedu Okoye will battle for the post of 1st Vice President.

Current Member of Board, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed ‘Fresh’ will replace Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau as Chairman of Chairmen, as he was the only one who obtained the form, and has been cleared for, the position.

Contesting for seats on the Executive Committee from the Southeast are Pastor Emeka Inyama (Abia State); Mr. Chikelue Iloenyosi (Anambra State); Mr. Karibe Pascal Ojigwe (Abia State); Mr. Jude Benjamin Obikwelu (Anambra State) and Sir Emmanuel Ochiagha (Imo State).

For North Central are Alhaji Mohammed Alkali (Nasarawa State); Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen (Benue State); Hon. Idris Abdullahi Musa (Kwara State); Mr. Daniel Amokachi (Benue State) and Mr. Benedict Akwuegbu (Plateau State).

Current Member of Board, Ms Aisha Falode tops the list of candidates from the South South region, with Chief Kenneth Nwaomucha (Delta State); Mr. Gregory Abang (Cross River State); Mr. Roland Abu Omomoh (Edo State); Barr. Poubeni Ogun (Bayelsa State); Mr Jarret Tenebe (Edo State) and Rt. Hon. Essien Udofot (Akwa Ibom State) also vying for seats from that zone.

Current Member of Board, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi leads the list of contestants for seats from the Southwest, with Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi (Ondo State); Mr. Ayodeji Ogunjobi (Osun State); Alhaji Olawale Gafar Liameed (Lagos State); Mr. Afolabi Taiwo Olugbenga (Osun State); Mr. Ayodeji Adegbenro (Ondo State) and Barr.

Pelumi Jacob Olajengbesi (Osun State) also in the race.North East candidates are current Member of Board, Alhaji Babagana Kalli (Borno State); Barr. Sajo Mohammed (Adamawa State) and Mr. Timothy Henman Magaji (Taraba State).

Current Member of the Board, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa (Kano State) is the only candidate from the Northwest.