NFF Suspends September 27 Elections, Announces Fresh Electoral Process

NFF Suspends September 27 Elections, Announces Fresh Electoral Process

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has suspended its Elective Congress scheduled for September 27, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State, as the federation begins a fresh electoral process following a planned comprehensive reform of Nigerian football, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The decision was contained in a statement issued by the NFF on Thursday, which also confirmed the suspension of all processes previously initiated in preparation for the elective congress.

The federation said a new electoral process would commence after the completion of the proposed reforms, which will be carried out in consultation with world football governing body FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

“All processes initiated in preparation for the NFF Elective Congress scheduled for 27 September have also been suspended.

“A fresh electoral process will commence following the completion of the anticipated comprehensive reforms, to be undertaken in consultation with world football’s governing body, FIFA, and CAF,” the statement read.

As part of the interim administrative arrangements, Dr Ademola Olajire, who previously served as the NFF Director of Media and Communications, has been appointed to serve as Interim Deputy General Secretary.

The federation also announced changes to the administration of the country’s major domestic leagues.

Chairmen, appointed directors and chief executive officers of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) have been directed to hand over the administration of their respective leagues to their Chief Operating Officers (COOs).

The NFF specified that the COOs must be members of the federation’s staff.

Where the current COO of any of the leagues is not an NFF staff member, the Acting General Secretary has been mandated to deploy a new COO from within the federation.

The latest measures are part of what the NFF described as an interim arrangement designed to ensure continuity in the administration of Nigerian football while consultations on far-reaching reforms continue.

The federation is expected to engage FIFA, CAF, the government and other relevant stakeholders in developing a roadmap for the proposed reforms before a new electoral timetable is established.

The suspension of the September 27 congress effectively brings the previously announced electoral timetable to an end, with a fresh process to be initiated after the reform exercise is concluded.