The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation has returned Dr. Ibrahim Abdul as president for a second term, after he received unanimous backing from all 12 Executive Board Members during the federation’s 2025 Elective Congress held in Abuja on Saturday.
Abdul, the sole contender for the presidency, secured all 12 votes to extend his tenure for another four years in the election held at the Gymnasium Hall, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The congress, overseen by the National Sports Commission, also saw Lawrence Iquaiborn emerge as the new vice president of the federation, defeating Mr. Nwankwo Innocent with eight votes to four.
For the technical representative seat, Coach Onubaye Sefia unseated incumbent Christopher Nwadei with a decisive 34–4 win, while 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Osijo Taiwo was elected unopposed as the athletes’ representative.
National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko commended the federation’s achievements under Abdul’s leadership since he assumed office in September 2021.
“The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation is one of the key players in terms of sports development in Nigeria. We are proud, as a National Sports Commission, of the accomplishments and successes the body has attained over the years,” said Dikko, who was represented by Special Adviser on Strategy, Legal and Administration Barr Musa Amadu.
“Weightlifting has done a lot for this country and we need to do everything possible to bring back those good old days. To do this, the men and women of the NWF board must have passion for the sport.”
The NSC pledged sustained support to enable the federation secure more achievements in the new term.
Other elected board members include zonal representatives from Nigeria’s six geopolitical regions: Dr. Abdul Aladi (North Central), Zana Umara (North East), and Sen. Hussaini Uba (North West). Representing the southern zones are Ibeh Onwumere (South East), Iquaibom Tom (South South), and Lasisi Aderemi (South West).