The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has upheld the election of Ndubuisi Nwogha as the authentic Chairman of the Ebonyi State chapter, despite earlier opposition from the national leadership.

This decision was reached during the NEC meeting held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, presided over by the National President, Comrade Isaiah Benjamin.

The election, which was contested between Grace Egbo and Ndubuisi Nwogha, was initially marred by controversy after a purported letter from the national leadership was circulated shortly before the election, announcing its cancellation. Despite the alleged cancellation notice, the election proceeded, and Ndubuisi Nwogha emerged as chairman.

Reacting to the development at the time, Comrade Isaiah Benjamin declared the election illegal, null, and void in a statement, condemning the process and affirming the national leadership’s authority over such matters.

However, after deliberations during the NEC meeting, a report submitted by the National Vice President, South East, Mr. Ikemefuna Asika, led to the decision to uphold the election. The NEC acknowledged the challenges surrounding the election and commended the Ebonyi State Government for its support to SWAN.

Part of the communique reads “After much deliberation on the Ebonyi State chapter election and the report submitted by the National Vice President, South East, Mr. Ikemefuna Asika, NEC graciously upheld the emergence of the new State Executive Committee (SEC), while commending Ebonyi State Government for its support to the Association. NEC then charged the new leadership of the Association to chart a new course for the unity of its members.

” NEC resolved to set up a fact-finding/reconciliation committee to look into the issues that emanated from the election process in Ebonyi State and find lasting solutions while calling on aggrieved SWAN members to forgo any past misgiving and join hands with the new leadership to move Sports writing forward in the State.

Meanwhile, the Ebonyi state chairman Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Mr Ndubuisi Nwogha commended the national leadership of the union for the decision and assured members of inclusive leadership while appealed for more support to make the union the envy of all.