The World Association of Kickboxing Organisations has suspended the Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria following reports of irregularities surrounding its October 25 election, Sunday PUNCH reports.
The suspension followed petitions submitted to WAKO after the disputed election, during which there were accusations of interference. The election was earlier postponed indefinitely following protests by stakeholders over alleged governance breaches.
Speaking on the development, outgoing KBFN president and international representative, Wilson Okon, said the suspension happened due to “absolute irregularities” and violations of WAKO statutes.
“It all comes down to the irregularities in the election and the undermining of WAKO statutes as the world governing body,” Okon said, adding that documentary evidence had been submitted to the international body.
In a document obtained by our correspondent, WAKO expressed concern over the conduct of the election and the handling of the process by key officials. The document read in part, “The International Federation is not pleased with the current situation in Nigerian kickboxing and the manner in which the election process was handled.”
It further stated that the actions taken were inconsistent with WAKO statutes and governance principles.
The development comes weeks after the federation’s election was postponed following protests by stakeholders, who accused officials of manipulation, disenfranchisement and abuse of process.
WAKO reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of kickboxing governance globally and called for a resolution that would allow the sport to develop in line with international standards.
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