Abuja, Nigeria – Concerned stakeholders in Katsina State football have petitioned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over alleged irregularities and unconstitutional practices within the leadership of the Katsina State Football Association (FA).

In a letter addressed to the General Secretary of the NFF, the petitioners highlighted multiple grievances, accusing the Katsina State FA of operating without legally elected members, contrary to the statutes governing football associations nationwide. According to the petition, this anomaly has resulted in questionable decision-making processes that reportedly undermine grassroots football development in the state.

The petitioners emphasized that the Katsina State FA has failed to conduct the mandatory elections required to constitute a legitimate leadership. They argued that this failure has led to what they described as “improper, illegal, and unconstitutional decisions” affecting local football competitions.

One of the most controversial claims in the petition is the alleged creation of an unconstitutional position of “Deputy FA Secretary,” currently held by one Kabir Falalu, who is purportedly a non-indigene residing in Kano State. The petitioners allege that Falalu, despite not participating in any election process, is actively involved in decision-making and has been signing official documents.

The stakeholders also expressed concerns about the long-serving Chairman of the Katsina State FA, accusing him of running the association “through remote control” from Abuja, where he is reportedly serving as a member of the National Assembly. They claimed that despite multiple complaints, the Chairman has refused to invite the NFF to conduct a credible election, further deepening the leadership crisis.

Moreover, the petitioners argued that the last election held in Katsina State was not fully completed, citing the lack of representation from one of the zones on the FA board.

The petition calls on the NFF to cease recognizing any representation from the Katsina State FA until a proper and legal election is conducted. They also urged the Katsina State FA to take a cue from the state government’s commitment to democratic processes, as evidenced by the scheduled Local Government elections across the state on February 16, 2025.

The petitioners concluded by appealing for urgent intervention from the NFF to restore integrity and ensure the progressive development of football at the grassroots level in Katsina State.

The NFF is yet to issue an official response to the petition at the time of this report.