From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Concerned football stakeholders, state FA election candidates, and football enthusiasts have expressed their growing apprehension regarding the progress of the Normalisation Committee constituted by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) in Nasarawa State.
Allegations of undue delays and suspicions surround the committee’s handling of the State Football Association (FA) elections.
Critics who spoke to our reporter on Monday claim that the Normalisation Committee has seemingly procrastinated in conducting the state FA elections, especially after having successfully concluded the elections at the local government level.
Their concerns stem from the apparent silence of the committee on the election’s status, fuelling rumors that they may be planning to hold it on the 7th of November. This proposed date is in direct contradiction to the timeline stipulated by the NFF.
The NFF previously dissolved the leadership under Muhammed Alkali, citing violations of NFF rules. Subsequently, they established a Normalisation Committee, with Alyu Bello, the current APC chairman, as its chairman. The committee has met periodically to devise an election timetable, fully aware that they have struggled to meet the NFF’s initial three-month deadline for the election.
Reports suggest that the NFF extended the timeframe, setting the new deadline for the 4th of November, a target that remains elusive.
Aspirants seeking leadership positions within the Nasarawa State Football Association expressed their frustration. Many had commenced consultations and campaign activities based on the initial election date announced by the committee, “but as of now, no progress has been made.”
These aspirants urgently implore the Normalisation Committee to expedite the election process in the interest of strengthening football activities in Nasarawa.
