NSC Announces Election Petitions, Election Appeals Committees To Uphold Integrity In Sports Federation Elections

NSC Announces Election Petitions, Election Appeals Committees To Uphold Integrity In Sports Federation Elections

By Adim

The Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC) has officially inaugurated two important committees — the Election Petitions Committee and the Election Appeals Committee — as part of its strategic initiative to ensure transparency, fairness, and integrity in sports federation elections.

In alignment with international standards and its renewed commitment to excellence in sports governance, the NSC has selected respected legal professionals, administrators, and media practitioners with exceptional track records to serve on these committees.

Members of the Election Petitions Committee Barrister Denen Ikyaa (Chairman)

 Barrister Ikyaa is a highly respected legal professional and expert in sports ethics. He currently serves as a member of the Ethics Committee of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsport. He is also a former member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Appeals Committee, where he played a vital role in adjudicating important electoral matters.

Barrister Chike Onyeacho (Member) He is a seasoned legal practitioner with extensive knowledge of electoral jurisprudence.

Mr. Paul Esheyigba (Member) Mr. Esheyigba brings considerable experience in administrative oversight and legal compliance. Mr. Niyi Alabi Aliebiosu (Member) Mr. Aliebiosu serves as the Sports Editor at the Nigerian Tribune, one of Nigeria’s leading newspapers. He offers a wealth of journalistic credibility and a deep understanding of the dynamics of sports governance.

Miss Linda Akalugwa (Member/Secretary) Miss Akalugwa is a dedicated legal professional who will act as the secretary of the Committee. Her dual role as secretary and member positions her as a crucial figure in ensuring administrative precision and procedural fairness throughout the committee's activities.

The Election Appeals Committee A.U. Mustapha, SAN (Chairman)** A.U. Mustapha, SAN, is a renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria with decades of experience in legal arbitration and sports law.

He is a two-time former Chairman of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Committee (2016–2024) and previously chaired the NFF Electoral Committee in 2010, earning widespread acclaim for his impartiality and expertise. Barrister Chris Umar, SAN (Member)

He is the former Solicitor-General of Kaduna State, and his legal acumen, combined with a solid public service background, strengthens the committee's legal foundation.

Barrister Owoicho Adejo-Ogiri (Member)** Barrister Adejo-Ogiri is an expert in international sports law, currently serving as a judge on both the FIA International Tribunal and the FIA International Court of Appeal.

He is also a former member of the NFF Disciplinary Committee, where he displayed a strong commitment to integrity and due process.

Mrs. Prisca Ngozi Udoka, SAN (Member)** Mrs. Udoka, SAN, is one of Nigeria’s most accomplished legal professionals. She is the founder and principal partner at Perazim Law Partners in Abuja. Trained as an advanced mediator at Harvard Law School, she has represented numerous high-profile clients in contractual, electoral, and pre-electoral litigation.

Notably, she was part of the legal team that successfully secured a full four-year term for former Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State. She also acts as a strategic legal and business adviser to major financial institutions, including First Bank Nigeria Plc and FCMB Plc.

Mr. Lateef Olatunji Surakatu (Secretary) Mr. Surakatu is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and an affiliate of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

He is the Partner and Head of Business Advisory Practice at Andersen in Nigeria. With over two decades of experience in audit, advisory, and tax, Mr. Surakatu is widely recognized for his ethical leadership, technical excellence, and commitment to people-centered governance. The National Sports Commission believes that entrusting the petitions and appeals processes to individuals of impeccable character and professional distinction will restore and enhance trust in Nigeria’s sports governance framework.