As the October 18, 2025, Gymnastics Federation election draws near, key stakeholders in the Nigerian gymnastics community have raised concerns over attempts by unnamed individuals to pressure the National Sports Commission (NSC) into derailing the transparent and inclusive electoral process currently in motion.

 

The gymnastics community, including athletes, coaches, and administrators nationwide, expressed strong support for the NSC’s earlier decision to nullify a flawed process that initially excluded four key constituencies from voting — a move widely seen as undemocratic.

 

In a statement issued over the weekend, the community commended the Commission’s stand for fairness, inclusivity, and justice, calling it “a bold step that restored hope in the sport’s governance.”

 

“This creates serious confusion and uncertainty and risks undermining trust in the process,” the statement reads. “The NSC’s decision to uphold fairness gave hope to athletes, coaches, and administrators committed to the growth of gymnastics.”

The community was unequivocal in its demand: there must be no reversal of the October 18 election date.

 

“Any attempt to change this course would call into question the credibility of the electoral process and further disenfranchise legitimate stakeholders,” it said.

 

The group warned that any interference or backpedaling on the NSC’s part would not only sow division but also damage the integrity of sports administration in Nigeria.

The statement further urged the NSC to provide clarity and leadership, especially in the face of emerging pressure from vested interests.

 

“We call on the National Sports Commission to ensure that the principles of transparency and equity are fully respected. Nigerian gymnastics deserves a credible and widely accepted leadership transition.”

 

With the federation’s future hanging in the balance, stakeholders insist that how this election is handled will set the tone for future sports governance reforms across all federations in the country.

 

The gymnastics community now waits anxiously to see if the NSC will stand firm on its commitment to a fair and inclusive process, or give in to pressure from parties seeking to manipulate the outcome.