Newly-elected President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, has pledged to reunite the basketball family and drive the sport to new heights.

Mustapha, yesterday, in Abuja defeated former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji and former international, Ejike Ugboaja to succeed Musa Kida, who had completed his eight- year tenure.

Mustapha, who is the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, secured 40 of the 48 votes cast to win the presidency, while Oyedeji polled eight votes. Ugboaja failed to secure any vote.

Former presidential aspirant, Igoche Mark, had withdrawn from the race on Wednesday, citing concerns about the fairness and credibility of the electoral process.

Also elected yesterday was Ugo Udezue, who emerged NBBF’s Vice-President unopposed, having been the sole candidate for the position.

Speaking after his victory, Mustapha pledged far-reaching reforms, grassroots development, improved player welfare and stronger commercial partnerships to reposition Nigerian basketball.

He thanked the delegates for the confidence reposed in him, describing his election as a collective victory for players, coaches, officials and young Nigerians seeking opportunities through the sport.

He said his administration would depart from existing practices and prioritise strategic leadership, sound administration, institutional reforms and measurable results.

Said he: “My presidency will mark a decisive departure from business as usual. We cannot keep doing things the same way and expect a different result.

“Nigerian basketball needs more than enthusiasm; it needs strategic leadership, sound administration, institutional reforms and measurable results.”

Mustapha outlined an agenda focused on rebuilding basketball from the grassroots, strengthening domestic leagues, improving sporting facilities and investing in coaches and referees.

He also promised to prioritise players’ welfare, advance women’s basketball and pursue improved performances across the senior national teams, D’Tigers and D’Tigress, as well as the country’s youth teams.

According to him, his administration will work towards building a basketball ecosystem that provides talented young Nigerians, regardless of their geographical location or economic background, with a credible pathway to represent the country.

He said basketball should go beyond competitive sports to become a platform for education, employment, enterprise and national unity.

On the commercial front, Mustapha pledged to strengthen partnerships with private-sector investors, corporate organisations, international basketball institutions and Nigerians in the diaspora.

He said the federation must develop a sustainable sports industry capable of creating jobs, attracting investments and rewarding excellence.

He added: “Every promise we make must translate into action, and every reform must be measured by its impact on the people and institutions we serve.

“The election is over; the work begins now. There will be no division in our pursuit of progress, no place for complacency, and no retreat from accountability.”

Speaking earlier at the congress, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, urged stakeholders to put aside their differences and unite behind the incoming NBBF leadership.

Dikko said the election offered an opportunity to end divisions within the federation and establish a common direction for the development of basketball.

He said: “Today is the day to show that we are for basketball. Whatever it is, let’s put the ball stop here and see how we can move forward together as one family.”

He acknowledged that stakeholders had supported different candidates but maintained that the outcome should mark the beginning of a united administration focused on advancing the sport.

Dikko also acknowledged the role of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in supporting Nigerian basketball and urged stakeholders to sustain their cooperation with the world governing body.

He reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to supporting the growth of basketball, expanding participation and creating opportunities for young Nigerians.

The NSC chairman’s appeal for unity came amid tensions surrounding the election, which had been preceded by disagreements over the electoral process and concerns about fairness and inclusiveness.

Meanwhile, the outgoing NBBF president, Musa Ahmadu Kida, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dikko, the NSC Director-General and other basketball stakeholders for their contributions during his eight-year tenure.

Kida described his time in office as challenging but said he was leaving with a sense of fulfilment, believing that his administration had laid a foundation for the sport’s future development.

He said: “I personally have given the best shot that I could have. I have invested my time; I have invested my resources and passion in order for us to grow this game. I am stepping down full of pride and with a huge sense of fulfillment.”

The outgoing president expressed confidence that the incoming board would build on the achievements of his administration and pledged to support whoever emerged as his successor.