Amaju Pinnick plotting third term bid against 28 FA Chairmen

By Our Correspondent

Ahead of the September election, Nigeria Football Federation, NFF President, Mr Amaju Pinnick is surreptitiously perfecting plans and strategies to return for a third term as the federation’s boss.

This paper scooped that the former First Vice President of the Confederation of Africa Football, CAF is secretly wooing some state Football Association chairmen and key stakeholders to back him in his latest bid.

This is coming after a group of 28 FA Chairmen have vowed to dismantle any plans to scuttle the planned election. The group, after its ultimatum issued in May expired on June 14, is currently exploring its options with regards to the election.

The Chairmen had issued ultimatum to the Executive Committee Board of the NFF led by Mr Amaju Pinnick to immediately initiate processes to vacate an Bayelsa State High Court Exparte Order barring the federation from holding any Congress or Annual General Meeting.

The Deadline had long passed with inside sources saying that despite receiving two correspondeces, Mr Pinnick had ignored the group.

Pinnick’s latest move could come as a shock to many who still hold firm to his April declaration that he would not stand for a 3rd term.

Mr Pinnick who have been in the helm of affairs of Nigeria’s football since 2014, announced in April that he would not seek for a third term even though he was eligible for it.

“I’m eligible to run according to the statutes,” he had said in an interview with the Arise News TV.

“Do I want to run? It’s a no-no. My family is very key to me. They said it’s taking a toll on me and the family.

“They believe that I’ve done my best, and it’s time to move on. It’s a regrettable decision, but it’s the best,” he added.

Pinnick’s tenure, which was renewed on September 20, 2018 in an elective congress held in Katsina State, is expected to relinquish powers in September.

However, findings by this paper indicate that the former Delta State Football Association Chairman is working assiduously secretly for a 3rd term in office.

A state FA Chairman from North East zone of the country told our correspondent that Mr Pinnick’s 3rd agenda is very alive.

He noted that it was part of the reasons some state FA chairmen are working against adding that Mr Pinnick’s moves are strategic.

“Well, I would not want to go there,” the FA Chairman started in confidentiality

“I am aware of Pinnick’s 3rd move. He is working behind the scene. Few individuals are away of it but people are keeping mute for now to study the situation.

“He is meeting some of the FA Chairmen. In fact, he is secretly lobbying to get a soft landing.

“You are aware of the stand of some FA Chairmen currently on the issue of the election. Pinnick’s 3rd plan is one of the issues these chairmen are working to prevent. But for now, this is all I will say,” the source said.

With the election slated to hold not later than September 30, 28 FA Chairmen are gearing for an onslaught against Mr Pinnick’s led NFF Executive Committee Board.

The concerned chairmen tagged “rebel” are calling on the Executive Board to make a move to set aside an Bayelsa State High Court Exparte Order barring the federation from holding any congress.

CAF President, Mr Motsepe Patrice is understood to be backing Amaju’s 3rd move

They first issued ultimatum on May 15 and thereafter, extended it to another two weeks which elapsed on June 14. The NFF Executive Committee Board, led by Mr Pinnick have however kept them in abeyance.

The group are currently exploring their options as regards their next line of action with Mr Pinnick reported to have ignored them. They held a meeting on Friday the details if which this paper have not obtained at the time of this report.

CAF President’s Backing

The CAF president, Mr Motsepe Patrice is understood to have played a significant role in Amaju Pinnick’s latest 3rd moves.

Recall that the duo worked together to oust former president Mr Ahmad Ahmad in March 2021 elections and the South African billionaire is poised to return same favour to Mr Pinnick

Mr Motsepe in recent interview in May said Mr Pinnick’s decision not to contest for a 3rd term would guide him, as well as the decision of the football “constituency” in Nigeria.

He, however, said he would not let Mr Pinnick go away.

“What I can say is that he has made such incredible contributions to football in Nigeria and in Africa.

“I respect whatever decision he takes, I am going to continue using him for African football, for Nigerian football,” Mr Motsepe said.

The CAF president said Mr Pinnick is “such a hardworking and talented individual which all of us have to use for the benefit of African football and for the benefit of Nigerian football”.

When asked if had made any attempt to prevail on Mr Pinnick to rescind his decision, Mr Motsepe responded: “Well, it’s still too early now. I have got to allow discussions to take place. I think we’ll see how things go within the next few weeks.”