In a development that could significantly impact the upcoming elections of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), a formal petition has been submitted challenging the eligibility of Mr. Victor Okorie to contest for the position of South-East Zonal Representative.

The petition, dated May 25, 2025, was filed by Clement Chukwu, a former Olympian and prominent figure in Nigerian athletics, currently residing in Pickerington, Ohio, USA. Addressed to the Electoral Committee of the AFN and copied to its President, Mr. Tonobok Okowa, the letter cites a clear constitutional violation as the basis for the objection.

According to Chukwu, Mr. Okorie’s 2020 bankruptcy filing in the United States renders him ineligible under Article 9, Sub-Article 9:1:1:3(a) of the AFN Constitution, which disqualifies any individual who has been declared bankrupt or is subject to unresolved insolvency conditions from holding elective office in the federation.

“Mr. Victor Okorie filed for bankruptcy at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court (Middle District of Tennessee – Nashville) under Case #3:20-bk-03450,” the petition states. “The court, by an order dated October 19, 2020, officially declared Mr. Okorie bankrupt. This, for all intents and purposes, not only diminishes his financial credibility but also violates the eligibility criteria set by the AFN.”

The petition includes a reference to court records showing Mr. Okorie’s voluntary petition for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which Chukwu argues disqualifies him from vying for any official position within the federation.

Chukwu has called on both the AFN Electoral Committee and the National Sports Commission (NSC) to review and reevaluate Okorie’s candidacy in light of this revelation.

“I strongly believe that the declaration of bankruptcy by a court order renders Mr. Victor Okorie ineligible,” Chukwu wrote. “I urge the committee to uphold the integrity of the AFN Constitution and act accordingly.”

As of press time, the AFN has not issued an official response to the petition. However, insiders say the Electoral Committee is expected to convene an emergency session to deliberate on the matter.

Observers believe this petition could further polarize an already tense pre-election atmosphere in the federation, which has seen growing scrutiny over candidate qualifications and governance transparency.

The South-East Zonal Representative seat is considered a key position, given the region’s deep-rooted contribution to Nigerian athletics. A disqualification at this stage could prompt further legal or procedural challenges.

The outcome of this petition will likely set a precedent for how constitutional compliance and ethical governance are upheld within Nigeria’s athletic administration.