Kogi SWAN backs Mustapha Abdullahi ahead of NBBF election

The Kogi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has declared its support for the presidential bid of the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, ahead of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) election, Sport360NG reports. 

The association said Abdullahi’s campaign represents an opportunity to bring renewed attention to grassroots development, infrastructure, talent discovery and stakeholder welfare within Nigerian basketball.

SWAN Highlights Abdullahi’s Experience

Acting Chairman of Kogi SWAN, Olatunde Odimayo, said sports stakeholders should support candidates whose plans focus on the long-term development and administration of Nigerian sports.

In a statement personally signed by Odimayo in the early hours of Thursday, he described Abdullahi, popularly known as DAM, as a figure with considerable experience in basketball administration and professional management.

Odimayo pointed to Abdullahi’s role as Chairman of the Kogi State Basketball Association, alongside his position as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, as part of the experience he believes could be brought to the federation.

“It is high time we support the candidature of Dr Mustapha Abdullahi. He has demonstrated passion for basketball development and possesses the administrative and professional capacity required to reposition the game in Nigeria,” Odimayo said.

Grassroots Development at the Centre

According to Kogi SWAN, key areas requiring attention in Nigerian basketball include grassroots development, infrastructure, talent identification and the welfare of players, coaches and other stakeholders.

Abdullahi’s campaign has similarly placed emphasis on youth development, innovation, institutional discipline, infrastructure and increased corporate participation, while also seeking stronger partnerships for the growth of the sport.

His involvement in grassroots basketball has also extended through the DAM Foundation, which has organised competitions and other initiatives aimed at promoting the game, including the annual DAM Foundation Basketball Championship in Okene, Kogi State.

NBBF Election Set for October 15

Abdullahi’s basketball activities have also received backing from the Kogi State Government, which has previously indicated its commitment to working with the state basketball association to further develop the sport.

The NBBF elective congress is scheduled to take place on October 15, 2026, with delegates expected to elect a new leadership team to oversee the federation.

Kogi SWAN said it believes Abdullahi’s proposed approach could build on existing developments in Nigerian basketball while establishing a more sustainable framework for the sport’s future.

The association’s endorsement adds to the growing attention surrounding the NBBF presidential race as stakeholders prepare for the October election.