The President-elect of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN), Prince Kelvin Erhunwmunse, has strongly rejected call by the National Sports Commission,(NSC) for a fresh elections on October 18, 2025.
The president -elect while speaking to journalists on the issue in Abuja, described the inclusion of GFN in the NSC’s directive as a “clear error”, emphasizing that the federation’s elections were duly held on September 6, 2025, in full compliance with its constitution, and with the oversight 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,” said Prince Kelvin.
He added that the September 6 election was free, fair, and transparent, with all constitutional processes observed, and has since received widespread recognition and validation.
And 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 Other critical international and regional stakeholders
Prince Kelvin used the opportunity to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing competent professionals to lead Nigerian sports, specifically praising: Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman, National Sports Commission. Chief Bukola Olopade, Director General, NSC
“President Tinubu’s decision to appoint seasoned sports administrators like Mallam Shehu Dikko and Chief Bukola Olopade was not a mistake. These are individuals with decades of experience, and their presence is already reshaping the landscape of Nigerian sports,” he said.
Prince Kelvin, however, expressed concern over what he described as the influence of “fifth columnists”—individuals within ministries and parastatals who, he claims, 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 exempt. The press release in question appears to be one of their ploys and should be disregarded in totality,” he asserted.
Reaffirming the legitimacy of the GFN board, Prince Kelvin assured stakeholders that the federation is currently working closely with the NSC leadership to clarify and normalize the situation.
