Gymnastics official says federation election dispute reflects wider leadership struggle

Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria vice-president Omowunmi Olalere says she became involved in the sport to support young athletes and contribute to its development, rather than to pursue a title. In an interview with Punch, Olalere said she adopted gymnastics through her corporate social responsibility work after seeing her children’s interest in the sport. She said gymnastics could help children develop discipline, courage, flexibility, confidence and concentration.

She became chairperson of the Southwest Gymnastics Association in 2021 and contested the federation presidency that year, but lost. Olalere said she accepted the result, studied the federation’s structures and continued supporting events, programmes and athletes. She decided to contest again in 2025 after the incumbent had completed eight years.

Olalere said she believed members should be able to choose a new direction after two terms and began campaigning among the federation’s 14 constituencies. According to her account, constitutional changes were made in circumstances questioned by some stakeholders, potentially creating a route to a third term. She said questions about authorisation, supporting documents and the legitimacy of the General Assembly were not satisfactorily answered.

She also said some constituencies were excluded from a subsequent election, which was later annulled. When a new election was scheduled for October 25, 2025, Olalere said supporters travelled and spent money expecting a fair process. She said further uncertainty followed, including the exclusion of gymnastics from an inauguration process.

Olalere added that her experience made her question whether women challenging established leadership structures were being treated differently.