by The Ajasa News | September 24, 2025 6:25 pm
By Martin Odiete, Abuja
The President-elect of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN), Prince Kelvin Erhunwmunse, has faulted the recent move by the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olapade to include gymnastics among sports federations scheduled for fresh elections on October 18, 2025.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, Prince Kelvin described the purported cancellation of the GFN election as “baseless and misleading,” stressing that the federation had already concluded its elective congress on September 6, 2025, in strict compliance with its constitution and under the supervision of relevant stakeholders.
“This is to inform the Gymnastics family, the sporting community, and the general public that the press statement from the NSC announcing a new election date for the GFN must have been made in error,” he said.
Prince Kelvin maintained that the September election was free, fair, and transparent, adding that it has received recognition from international bodies, including the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the African Gymnastics Union (UAG), and the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation, among others.
He, however, accused certain individuals within the sports sector of fueling the confusion, alleging that “fifth columnists” were working to undermine progress in gymnastics.
“Regrettably, there are always shadowy figures in every institution who seek to derail progress. Unfortunately, the sports sector is not exempted. The press release in question appears to be one of their ploys and should be disregarded in totality,” he declared.
Reaffirming the legitimacy of the GFN board, the president-elect said he is in active talks with the NSC leadership to resolve the matter, urging stakeholders not to be distracted by what he termed “political interference.”
“The GFN elections were conducted in line with our constitution as approved by FIG and under the directives of the NSC. We remain confident in the support of the NSC leadership and are working to clarify any misunderstandings,” Prince Kelvin added.
He called on athletes, coaches, and stakeholders to remain calm and focused on the ongoing development of gymnastics in Nigeria.
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