A presidential candidate for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, has called for the immediate postponement of the upcoming elections following the tragic death of 22 athletes and officials from Kano State in a fatal road accident.
The accident occurred on Saturday when the Kano State team was returning from the 2024 National Sports Festival held in Ogun State. The crash claimed the lives of 22 athletes and staff members, representing a significant loss to Nigeria's sports community.
Gombe described the incident as a "tragic national loss" and criticized the AFN's decision to proceed with elections so soon after the accident. He noted that the elections had previously been postponed due to the National Sports Festival, and continuing with them now would demonstrate "a lack of sympathy towards the victims and their families."
"It is both insensitive and unjustified to proceed with the elections so soon after such a horrific loss," Gombe stated, responding to an AFN election announcement that was released barely 24 hours after the crash.
Call for Respect of Islamic Mourning Period
The presidential hopeful has appealed to the National Sports Commission (NSC) to suspend the electoral process until after the traditional seven-day Islamic mourning period has been observed.
"The government must act to halt the electoral process, at least until the official mourning period, which according to Islamic tradition is seven days, has passed," Gombe emphasized.
The accident has cast a shadow over the Nigerian sports community, which was celebrating the successful conclusion of the National Sports Festival in Ogun State. The Kano State contingent was among many teams returning to their home states after participating in the national competition.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from the National Sports Commission or the AFN regarding Gombe's call for postponement.
The Ogun State government has reportedly made donations to the families of the deceased athletes, showing solidarity during this difficult time.
