Former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji has vowed to pursue justice over the outcome of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) elective congress in Abuja, alleging irregularities and describing the process as a “selection” rather than a credible election.

Oyedeji, who contested for the South-West representative position and the presidency at the congress held at the ICC Centre in Abuja on Thursday, said his name was initially omitted from the list of candidates and was only added to the ballot after he protested during the proceedings.

Although he acknowledged his eventual defeat, the former Nigerian international questioned the fairness and transparency of the process, insisting that every candidate should be given an equal opportunity to contest.

“I am not saying there was no election, but there was a selection,” Oyedeji said in an interview.

“Everything I said before the election played out. You can go back and review my statements before the election. Everything I predicted happened.”

He alleged that his name was excluded from the list of South-West candidates while those of other aspirants, including Mustapha and Ugo, were included. He further claimed that some presidential aspirants and candidates from other zones, including the North-Central, experienced similar omissions.

According to Oyedeji, he had to challenge the omission shortly before voting before his name was eventually included on the ballot.

“Yes, I eventually lost, but I believe the outcome had already been predetermined,” he added.

The President of the Nigerian Olympians Association and Chairman of the Nigerian Athletes Commission warned that allowing such alleged irregularities to go unchallenged could have wider consequences for sports administration in Nigeria.

He stressed that his concerns extended beyond his personal ambition, arguing that other athletes and former internationals could face similar challenges if adequate safeguards were not established.

“If this could happen to me, it could happen to many other Nigerian athletes, former internationals and people who do not have a strong voice,” he said.

Oyedeji maintained that his primary objective was not necessarily to win the election but to ensure that the process followed established procedures and principles of fairness.

“All I wanted was justice. If I lose, I lose. I do not have to win. But the process must be fair, transparent and properly conducted. The right procedures must be followed, and the outcome must be declared with integrity,” he stated.

The former D’Tigers captain vowed that his efforts to challenge the process would continue beyond his public criticism, insisting that the allegations raised serious questions about integrity in the administration of Nigerian basketball.

“However, this will certainly not end here. I am determined to seek justice, and I will continue to pursue it. This is not integrity,” Oyedeji declared.

Beyond the election controversy, Oyedeji also defended the role of experience and professional competence in sports administration, arguing that former athletes can make meaningful contributions to sports development when equipped with the necessary management skills.

He cited his experience in national and international sports administration, including his positions as President of the Nigerian Olympians Association, Chairman of the Nigerian Athletes Commission and former Vice-President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee.

He also referenced his involvement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission, the World Anti-Doping Agency and the FIBA Players’ Commission.

According to Oyedeji, combining practical experience gained on the field with administrative knowledge and professional exposure can improve decision-making and strengthen sports governance.

“Being a former sportsperson does not automatically make you a good administrator. You must have the necessary knowledge and skills,” he said.

He nevertheless maintained that his record in sports administration demonstrated his capacity to contribute to the growth of Nigerian sports, pointing to the responsibilities he had undertaken and the projects he had pursued.

Oyedeji’s comments have added to the debate surrounding the conduct of the NBBF elective congress, with the former international insisting that fairness, transparency and due process must remain central to the leadership and administration of Nigerian basketball.