The National Sports Commission (NSC) has annulled the recently conducted elections of the Gymnastics, Judo, and Shooting Federations, citing irregularities and non-compliance with established guidelines.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NSC’s Director of Press, Dr. Kehinde Ajayi, explained that the elections failed to reflect the principle of inclusive representation as required by Nigeria’s sports governance framework.

He noted that federation boards must reflect 14 constituencies, including six zonal representatives, one athlete representative, one technical representative, and one representative each from the military or paramilitary, NAWIS, NAPHER-SD, a sponsor, and AFFAN.

NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, stressed that inclusiveness in sports administration was “non-negotiable.”

“We want to make it categorically clear that none of the 14 constituencies will be excluded from the governance structure of any federation. Inclusiveness remains non-negotiable,” Olopade said.

The Commission further directed that fresh elections be held on October 18 in Abuja.

Under the new guidelines, the Gymnastics and Judo Federations must first conduct their zonal elections before proceeding to national polls. The Shooting Federation, which has already completed its zonal process, will proceed directly to elect its President and Vice President.

The NSC also assured that the rescheduled elections will be closely monitored, with stakeholders, observers, and the Commission itself actively involved to guarantee transparency and credibility.