The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has firmly disowned and condemned a planned election in Lagos purportedly being organised by suspended members of the association, declaring it illegal, null and void, and a calculated attempt to destabilise the union.

 

In a strongly worded statement released from its National Secretariat and signed by SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the NEC accused Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde — former Chairperson and Secretary of the Lagos Chapter respectively — of orchestrating the illegitimate poll in defiance of their indefinite suspension from all SWAN activities.

 

SWAN said the planned election, scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, is a clear affront to the authority of the national body and warned that any such move, including the involvement of thugs and misuse of security operatives, would be met with stiff disciplinary actions.

 

“This so-called Lagos election is not only illegal but also an affront to the authority of the National Executive Council,” the NEC stated. “The individuals behind this plot have no mandate or legitimacy to act in the name of SWAN. Their continued defiance constitutes gross misconduct and will attract further disciplinary measures.”

 

The NEC noted with concern that Ms. Oladunni had, during a previous congress in Lagos on September 17, 2025, mobilised over eleven armed police vehicles to disrupt a peaceful meeting of sports journalists — a move the council described as “a brazen show of force, abuse of privilege, and a deliberate attempt to intimidate members.”

 

In response, the national leadership has petitioned both the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), warning against what it described as a “dangerous pattern” of impersonation and intimidation by the suspended officials. The petition also raised concerns over the alleged collusion between the organisers of the illegal election and “unauthorised” security personnel.

 

SWAN cautioned that any security agency or official who lends support to the planned election would be complicit in aiding unlawful activity and undermining the association’s constitutional structure.

 

Reaffirming its authority over all chapters nationwide, the NEC stressed that only the national leadership has the constitutional power to supervise or approve elections in any state chapter.

 

“The NEC of SWAN stands firm in defending the unity, credibility, and sanctity of the association,” the statement said. “We will not permit any act of indiscipline, impersonation, or external interference that threatens our stability and professional integrity.”

 

The NEC urged all SWAN members across the country, especially in Lagos, to disregard the actions of the suspended officials and remain loyal to the directives of the national body.

 

It assured members of its continued commitment to due process, transparency, and the protection of journalists’ rights within the association.