Erhunwmunse rejects NSC’s call for fresh election

… says Gymnastics election conforms with Federation’s constitution

President-elect of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN), Prince Kelvin Erhunwmunse, has rejected the call by the National Sports Commission (NSC) for a fresh election scheduled to hold on October 18, 2025.

Erhunwmunse, who was speaking with some journalists on the issue on Wednesday in Abuja, described the inclusion of GFN in the NSC’s directive as a clear error, emphasised that the Federation’s elections were duly held on September 6, 2025, in full compliance with its constitution and with the oversight and presence of relevant stakeholders.

According to him, the September 6 election was free, fair and transparent, with all constitutional processes observed, saying it has since received widespread recognition and validation

He said. “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. Following the successful conclusion of the election, congratulatory messages were received from: The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the African Gymnastics Union (UAG), the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation, as well as from other critical international and regional stakeholders.”

He, however, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing competent professionals to lead Nigerian sports, praising the leadership qualities of the NSC chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General, Bukola Olopade.

“President Tinubu’s decision to appoint them was not a mistake. These are individuals with decades of experience, and their presence is already reshaping the landscape of Nigerian sports,” he said.

Erhunwmunse expressed concern over what he described as the influence of ‘fifth columnists’, individuals within ministries and parastatals who, he claimed, are working behind the scenes to sabotage well-intentioned reforms.

“Regrettably, there are always shadowy figures in every institution who seek to derail progress. Unfortunately, the sports sector is not an exception. The press release in question appears to be one of their ploys and should be disregarded in totality,” he added.

Reaffirming the legitimacy of the GFN board, Erhunwmunse assured stakeholders that the Federation is working closely with the leadership of the Commission to clarify and normalise the situation.

“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 in active communication to address any misunderstandings.”

He urged all stakeholders to remain calm and focused on the ongoing development of gymnastics in Nigeria.

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