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AFN Presidential Aspirant Ahmed Gombe Calls for Election Postponement Over Kano Tragedy
Ahmed Gombe, a leading contender in the upcoming presidential election of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has called for the immediate suspension of the federation’s electoral process following the tragic deaths of 22 members of the Kano State sports contingent.
The victims—comprising athletes, officials, and journalists—were returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2025, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, when their vehicle was involved in a ghastly accident.
The fatal crash occurred on Saturday, roughly 50 kilometres from Kano, casting a dark shadow over the sports community in Nigeria. Gombe described the incident as a “national tragedy” and emphasized that moving ahead with the AFN elections so soon would be grossly insensitive and inappropriate. “It is both insensitive and unjustified to proceed with the elections so soon after such a horrific loss,” he lamented.
Speaking from a place of deep personal grief, Gombe—who previously served as Sports Advisor to a former Governor of Kano State—recalled his close relationship with many of the deceased. “I knew several of them personally; this isn’t just a Kano tragedy—it’s a loss for the entire nation,” he said.
Reacting with dismay to the AFN’s release of an election announcement less than 24 hours after the tragic event, Gombe urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to intervene swiftly. He argued that pausing the election process would demonstrate empathy, compassion, and respect for the departed and their grieving families.
“The electoral process had already been postponed due to the National Sports Festival. Resuming it now, in the immediate aftermath of such a calamity, sends a message of disregard for human life,” Gombe asserted.
Citing Islamic mourning traditions, he called for a minimum seven-day period of national respect before any further electoral discussions resume. “The government must act to halt the elections, at least until the official mourning period, as recognised in Islam, has elapsed,” he said.
As Chairman of the Gombe State Athletics Association, Gombe also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the government of Kano State. “This moment calls for national mourning. Our hearts go out to the families who lost their loved ones. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” he prayed.
He concluded by encouraging Nigerians to reflect on the fragility of life and to honour the memory of the deceased by uniting in grief and compassion. “Let us not forget that behind every athlete, every official, and every journalist lost, there is a story, a family, and a future cut short. We must respond with humanity and dignity,” Gombe added.