Bakare Challenges Calls for Peace Over Disputed NBBF Election

Posted : 18 October 2026

Former D’Tigers coach Ayodele Bakare has insisted that resolving grievances over the 2026 Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) elections must take priority over calls for peace and reconciliation.

Bakare, President of Comets Basketball Club, said stakeholders seeking redress over the electoral process should be allowed to pursue their concerns without intimidation, condemnation, or pressure to abandon their demands.

In a statement titled “You Shouldn’t Stop Rape Victims From Seeking Justice, Should You?”, Bakare argued that prioritising peace without addressing alleged wrongdoing could undermine efforts to uphold fairness and accountability in Nigerian basketball.

He maintained that the desire for reconciliation should not be used to silence those who believe the election process requires scrutiny.

“Not everybody wants peace at the cost of justice and fair play,” Bakare declared.

The former national team coach acknowledged that some stakeholders might prefer to avoid confrontation in the interest of maintaining harmony but argued that others had legitimate reasons to challenge what they considered injustice.

He warned against portraying those demanding accountability as enemies of peace, stressing that disagreements over the appropriate response to the election should not justify personal attacks.

“If you believe that injustice should be tolerated merely in pursuit of peace or convenience, that's your prerogative. However, that does not give you the right to vilify or condemn those who think otherwise,” he stated.

Bakare also urged advocates of reconciliation to respect the decisions of aggrieved stakeholders to pursue their complaints through appropriate channels.

He reinforced his position with an ancient Chinese proverb: “Those who say it can't be done, should not disturb those who are trying to do it!”

The controversy follows the NBBF board elections, which produced Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi as the federation’s new president after he secured 40 votes, following the withdrawal of other candidates from the race.

The outcome has generated debate among stakeholders, with concerns raised over aspects of the electoral process and compliance with the federation’s constitution.

While some have advocated reconciliation to prevent further divisions within the basketball community, others believe that addressing the complaints surrounding the election is necessary to restore confidence in the federation’s leadership.

Bakare concluded his statement with the words, “The Oracle has spoken,” reaffirming his opposition to efforts to prioritise superficial harmony over the pursuit of justice.

His intervention has brought renewed attention to the challenge facing the NBBF: reconciling its stakeholders while ensuring that concerns about the credibility of its electoral process receive appropriate attention.

Bakare Challenges Calls for Peace Over Disputed NBBF Election

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