Ex-international, sports analyst and commentator with Super Sports, Idah Peterside has raised an alarm concerning the Nigeria Football Federation elections taking place today, 30th of September in Edo, Benin city.
The ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper who’s vying to become the next NFF president is not happy with what is going on in Edo.
“If our football needs to be right, we need to bring in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to our election and make arrests”, cries out Pastor Idah Peterside to Mitchel Obi.
“It’s an economic crime. People are carrying bags full of dollars in front of you without shame. When we went round in the night, to convince delegates to vote for me, they will tell that this delegate gave them $10,000… and this one is bringing $15,000 (to be voted as NFF President). Even those contesting for the board are doing similar things.”
According to various sources, two candidates (one from the northern part and one from the southern part of Nigeria) have been locked in “a brutal Dollar fight” that has left the camp of a third aspirant decimated and in total confusion.
The Northern candidate took most observers by surprise when he started doling out $10,000 per delegate and he also insisted on doing so by personally handing over the raw cash to the voter.
His rival has boasted he will more than match this figure.
The Southern candidate has got the financial support of his State Government, but not the blessings of former NFF President Amaju Pinnick and it is left to be seen just how crucial this will be.
Sworn allegiances and alliances have again been thrown into the dustbin as delegates scrambled for raw cash at the Edo Heritage Hotel in Benin City overnight.
Vote-buying which first gained currency at the 2014 Elections in Warri and continued unchecked at the 2018 polls has come to stay and the NFF Presidency will again be for the highest spender.
“I won’t endorse anyone but I will congratulate anyone who emerges as the winner of the election.” Peterside Idah concluded.
OJB SPORT 