LIVE: NFF Elections Update

The Hall is ready for the elections

It's #NFFElections Day in Nigeria. Seven candidates are running for the Presidency of the federation.

Amaju Pinnick, Amanze Uchegbulam, Abba Yola, Shehu Dikko, Dominic Iorfa, Mike Umeh and Taiwo Ogunjobi are all involved in what should be an almighty slugfest.

Things are warming up already and we'll be bringing you live updates all day long

9:00AM

Venue of the election was scheduled to be at Amaju Pinnick's Brownhill Events Centre. But there has been a last minute change. 

It has been moved to Golden Tulip Hotel where all the Delegates and participants are lodged

9:20AM

Elective Congress is scheduled to start at 11AM, but there is controversy already. A rift has developed between some FA chairmen and their secretaries. 

Apparently, some of the Chairmen are alleged to gave been 'seen' so they can vote a particular candidate and they did not 'carry their secretaries along'.

Their secretaries, who are also joint Delegates, are said to be very upset.

9:50AM

Meanwhile, Shehu Dikko is still nowhere to be seen. Reports are that he has not been allowed into Warri at all. And even if he does somehow finds his way in, it is doubtful he will be allowed into the venue.

Last night, he was asked to step down. He refused.

11:45AM

Congress still hasn't started. Most delegates still in their rooms. Serious politicking going on.

Heavy security in and around the hotel.

11:47AM

Source close to Dikko tells me his agent has been denied accreditation and his name is off the ballot. Yet to confirm that. 

Dikko is also still being held back in Abuja. Unconfirmed sources close to him say all aircraft flying into Warri are being inspected.

It's nearly an hour after the Congress was due to start. The hall is Delegate-less

12:00

One hour behind schedule. Only media and a few Observers are in the hall.

Rumours circulating that the Electoral Committee chairman has been arrested are true. He was picked up by security operatives from the hotel this morning

12:10

Electoral committee chairman has been released and is on his way back to the venue

12:20

NFF Communications Director Ademola Olajire just stepped on the podium to announce that the Congress will start in 15 minutes

12:40

Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Godfrey Gaiya; NSC DG Gbenga Elegbeleye and Bolaji Ojoba just arrived.

We are about to start. Nearly two hours behind schedule

12:50

We should be underway soon. 

12:58

National Anthem, opening prayers (Christian and Moslem) and we are officially underway.

I spoke too soon. Power just went off for a couple of minutes.

A minute's silence for members of the Nigerian football family who passed on in past one year, especially for sports journalist Godwin Spiff-Sagbamah who passed on this morning

1:05PM

BREAKING: Impeccable source tells me Shehu Dikko has unofficially withdrawn from the NFF race. His supporters have been asked to go ahead and NOT vote him even if his name is on the ballot 'for peace to reign'.

Delegates who wanted to vote Dikko, were threatening to stall the process by voting for him irrespective. But have been prevailed upon

1:09PM

NFF President Aminu Maigari addressing the Congress now, reeling out the successes of his administration.

1:30PM

Gbenga Elegbeleye and Godfrey Gaiya have both addressed the Congress. More recognitions taking place. Unnecessary, in my opinion

1:30PM

First session over. Tea break. Dignitaries will leave from there

2:07PM

Second session about to start. The main business of the day. Hearing Amanze Uchegbulam and Taiwo Ogunjobi have been asked to step down or be arrested over their pending warrants

Both resisting.

2:15PM

DRAMA: Presidential candidate Dominic Iorfa alleges that the elections have been decided already. Brandishes a list of 'winners'

Here is the list brandished by Dominic Iorfa

2:30PM

Motion for dissolution of Exco moved by Abia. Supported. And carried. Exco officially dissolved.

2:35PM

Musa Amadu, Electoral Committee Secretary, says FIFA and CAF Observers sent apologies.  

2:41PM

Electoral Committee chairman disavows list. Says process will be free and fair.

Also announces change in guidelines. Says absent candidates will be taken off ballot. Means Shehu Dikko is automatically off the ballot

2:45PM

Elections about to start. Presidential candidates are out and voting will start

Shehu Dikko is only absentee. Electoral committee chairman rules that he has dropped out and is no longer in the race.

Voting commences. . .

3:00PM

While the voting is going on, Taribo West joined us

3:20

Voting concluded. Counting about to start

3:36PM

The votes are in:

Pinnick 25 Votes

Ogunjobi 9 votes

Iorfa 6 votes

Amanze 4votes

Umeh 0 votes

Abba Yola 0 votes

No clear winner. 29 votes needed to get two-thirds majority. Vote goes into second round

3:52PM

Second round of voting concluded. Counting begins

4:00PM

Pinnick 32 votes

Iorfa 8 votes

Ogunjobi 4 votes 

Amaju Pinnick is new NFF President 

4:20PM

Lagos State FA Chairman Seyi Akinwumi voted 1st Vice President with 30 votes

4:30PM

Musa Gusau went unopposed as Chairman of Chairmen

4:55PM

Chris Green elected from the South South with 26 votes