Olalere Warns Against Disruption of Gymnastics Federation Election

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Presidential candidate for the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN), Omowunmi Olalere, has expressed confidence in the National Sports Commission (NSC) to safeguard fairness, inclusivity, and credibility in the forthcoming Gymnastics Federation election, slated for October 18, 2025.

Olalere, in a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, commended the Commission for nullifying what she described as an exclusionary process that initially stripped four constituencies of their voting rights.

According to her, the intervention by the NSC restored hope among athletes, coaches, and administrators who are committed to the growth and stability of the sport in Nigeria.

She, however, warned that attempts by certain vested interests to pressure the NSC into reversing its position could plunge the election into confusion, undermine stakeholder confidence, and jeopardize the integrity of the entire process.

“The bold decision of the Sports Commission to uphold justice and fairness will set a precedent that will change the trajectory of Federation elections in Nigeria,” Olalere said.

Reaffirming her call for transparency, she stressed that there must be no reversal of the October 18 poll date, as any move to derail the process would amount to disenfranchising legitimate stakeholders and calling into question the credibility of the exercise.

She also urged the NSC to provide further clarity and ensure the principles of equity and transparency remain intact.

Olalere concluded by emphasizing that Nigerian gymnastics deserves a credible and widely accepted leadership transition that will advance the sport and inspire the next generation of gymnasts.