The North West Zonal election of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) held yesterday was marred by irregularities, as eight delegates reportedly voted instead of the constitutionally stipulated seven.
The election, which took place at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, featured three candidates vying for the zonal representative position: Sunday Adeleye and Sani Shehu Abass, both from Kaduna State, and Ladan Abubakar Zurmi from Zamfara State.
Addressing journalists shortly after the election, Mr. Adeleye and Mr. Abass expressed their dissatisfaction with the process, stating that the participation of eight delegates rendered the exercise invalid.
They alleged that the election umpires were compromised, specifically accusing one of the officials, Bashir, of receiving multiple phone calls from the incumbent AFN President, Tony Okowa, during the election.
According to Mr. Adeleye, "I am going to write a petition to the appropriate authorities to correct this anomaly because sport cannot grow under such circumstances."
Competent sources alleged that the umpires were instructed to do whatever it would take to prevent Mr. Adeleye from emerging as Zonal Representative, as he is also rumored to be eyeing the AFN Presidency.
Other observers and agents of the candidates who spoke to journalists confirmed that the election was inconclusive, as no winner was declared.
It was further observed that the ballot papers were snatched, making it impossible to authenticate the election result.
Our reporter, who witnessed the election, confirmed that no certificate of return was issued, as no candidate was officially declared the winner.
As of the time of filing this report, the election umpires had reportedly left the venue without addressing the press or providing any explanation.
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