Former Director of Sports in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Geoffrey Ogu yesterday emerged as the President, Para-Athletics Federation of Nigeria (PAFN) in a keenly contested election for seven para-sports in the country.
Ogu who was emphatic on his vision and mission for one of the physically challenged sporting federations defeated his closest rival, Ameobi Chikwendu with just one vote. Actually, Ogu garnered six votes while Chikwendu got five votes out of the entire votes cast at the 2018 National Para-Sports Federation elections.
Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Disabled Persons, Sunday Ankali was meant to be one of the Presidential hopefuls for PAFN but was disqualified after none of the Delegates seconded his nomination.
Before then, Taiwo Kasumu was pronounced Vice President without any opposition.
However, a mild drama ensued when one of the PACN Presidential, Adebukola Olapade was disqualified on the basis that he didn’t meet some requirement as set by the electoral guideline.
For the Para-Soccer federation, founder, Alhaji Misbau Lawal Didi was returned unopposed, same way his vice Mr. Onitiju Keinde emerged.
Dr Ogu and Misbau who spoke separately shortly after they are determined to make a difference with special focus on grassroots sports development.
Election of leaders into Sitting Volleyball federation produced Mr Obinna Anyaele as President. Anyaele with six votes defeated Dr Tijani Aweleje who secured four votes.
A Special Assistant to Delta state Governor, Queen Uboh was elected unchallenged as President of Para-Power lifting Federation. Nuel Ishaku was also picked as Vice President unopposed.
In the other elections, Amputi football federation choose Suleiman Isah with eight votes that beat Pius Asaba with only three vote cast. And so, Isah became their President. Princess Ngozi Carol emerged as Vice President unopposed.
Sports analyst, Sylvester Ekujemoye with seven votes defeated Douglas Agbado who had five votes during the election for Para-Swimming federation. Honourable Famuyide Tajudin had to set up a battle with Ali Adamu before he eventually emerged as Vice President.
Eruko Eruwa after being the only contestant in the Presidential voting for Wheelchair basketball federation was announced President.
