The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has dismissed recent petitions challenging the legality of its constitution ahead of the 2025 board elections, describing the move as misguided and misleading.
In a statement signed by the NCF’s Public Relations Officer, Musa Ehizogie, the Federation clarified that the National Sports Commission (NSC) received only two petitions, contrary to media reports suggesting four.
The petitions were submitted by Emeka Onyeama, Chairman of the FCT Cricket Association, and Pakribo Darego, whom the Association accuses of falsely claiming to represent Bayelsa State.
Ehizogie further noted that the legitimate chairmen of Enugu, Imo, and Bayelsa states—initially reported to be signatories—have publicly distanced themselves from the petition.
The petitioners are urging the National Sports Commission to reject the Nigeria Cricket Federation constitution, which they claim was illegally amended, and as a result want elections to be conducted under the Sports Commission guidelines.
They accused the incumbent president, Uyi Akpata, of unilaterally doctoring the constitution, alleging a lack of transparency, probity, and stakeholder consensus.
In response, the Nigeria Cricket Federation maintains that its constitution was duly adopted in 2021, endorsed by both the Nigerian Olympic Committee and the National Sports Commission, and aligns with international best practices as prescribed by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
While the petitioners argue that the ICC does not interfere in member federations’ elections, the NCF insists that the constitution’s adoption followed due process and was discussed at multiple Annual General Meetings—meetings the petitioners failed to attend.
The Federation described the petitions as distractions driven by personal interests, urging stakeholders to remain focused on the continued growth and integrity of Nigerian cricket.
(Editor: Oloyede Oworu)
