NSC, Akpata Under Fire as Four States Reject 'Illegal' Constitution Ahead of Federation Polls

NSC, Akpata Under Fire as Four States Reject 'Illegal' Constitution Ahead of Federation Polls

By Niyi Busari 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) and the president of Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata are facing mounting pressure following petitions from four state cricket associations challenging the process of the forthcoming Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) elective congress scheduled for September 20, 2025, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Bayelsa, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo states have formally written to the NSC, alleging irregularities in the adoption of a constitution they claim is “illegal” and designed to give undue advantage to the federation’s incumbent president, Uyi Akpata.

In a protest letter signed by the Chairman Bayelsa State Cricket Association, Patribo Delema-Dareguo, dated August 20, 2025, the states argued that elections into the boards of sports federations have historically been conducted under NSC guidelines. They accused Akpata of unilaterally introducing a doctored constitution, “a spurious document that has failed all requisite litmus tests of due consultation, transparency, probity and acceptability.”

The petitioners further highlighted an apparent contradiction, recalling that in 2021 Akpata himself opposed the use of the same constitution when it was proposed under then-NCF president, Prof. Yahaya Ukwenya. They described his current move as a violation of stakeholders’ rights, noting that the document was drafted by lawyers without input from Nigeria’s 37 cricket associations.

Adding to their concerns, the protesting states dismissed Akpata’s reported claims that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had approved the constitution. “The ICC as a policy does not interfere in its members’ elections either directly or indirectly,” the petition read, accusing the NCF president of misleading stakeholders to justify his actions.

The petitioners urged the NSC to block the use of the disputed constitution in the election. They also warned that if the commission fails to act, they will escalate the matter to the National Assembly and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

With tensions escalating, doubts remain over whether the NCF election will proceed as scheduled on September 20.