Lagos SWAN Electoral Committee Assures Independence as Election Timetable Goes Public

 

A timeline for the election into the Executive Committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos State chapter, has just been released on Saturday, 6 September 2025.

The electoral committee, generally known as SWANECO, has issued a warning to anyone who may attempt to influence the integrity of the exercise, which will see sports journalists in Lagos State going to the polls to elect new executives on 9 October 2025.

In a press statement signed by both the Chairman of the SWAN Electoral Committee (SWANECO), Sir Victor Enyinnaya, KSP, and the Secretary, Jerry Apeleokhai, it is revealed that an electoral process began on Friday, 5 September, and will end on 9 October 2025.

A Congress of the state chapter had on 21 July 2025 appointed the members of the SWANECO to guide the chapter through a free and fair election. Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni is currently holding the position of chairman of the state chapter.

Many members of the association have continued to applaud the choice of the people in the SWANECO.

Noble Sir Victor Enyinnaya, KSP, the Publisher/Editor -in-Chief Daily Sports was appointed the chairman of the committee with Jerry Apeleokhai, Presenter/Producer at the Voice of the People Television was giving the position of the Secretary. Joshua Uloko, Managing Editor, City Pride Achievers' Magazine and Head of Sports Desk, The Pride Newspaper, is to serve as a member of the SWANECO.

While releasing the timeline for the election on Saturday, the Chairman, Sir Enyinnaya, emphasised to this newspaper in an exclusive interview that he is a knowledgeable elder in the politics of SWAN and its election over the years, hence his resolve to put in his best to ensure that a free and fair election is held as planned.

He, however, warned that he would not descend so low to do anything that would damage the many years' integrity he had built all in the name of satisfying some people.

“No, I have a name to protect, and I am a man of principle. I did not lobby for this position. I see this as a call to service,” he said during a telephone chat Saturday afternoon

Meanwhile, the statement by the SWANECO reads: "The process, according to Lagos State SWANECO, will commence with sales of nomination forms on Friday, 5th September, 2025, at the SWAN Secretariat, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. 

"Sales and submission of completed forms will close on Tuesday, 30th September 2025.

"Screening of aspirants will take place on Friday, October 3rd and Saturday 4th, 2025, while elections will hold on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the SWAN Secretariat, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. 

"The process will be rounded off with a swearing-in ceremony of newly elected officers same day, Thursday, October 9, 2025."

The SWANECO also announced that the nomination fees for the chairmanship position go for the sum of N200,000, while the vice chairman aspirant will pay N120,000.

The sum of N120,000 goes for the Secretary position. The assistant secretary, treasurer, financial secretary and the welfare officer will cough out the sum of N100,000 each for their nomination fee.

"Without fear or favour, this election is going on as planned. The SWANECO will not deviate from the Statute of the association, and we won't bow to any intimidation from any quarter," said Sir Enyinnaya, SWANECO chairman, while reassuring that the election will be accorded the transparency it deserves.

All aspirants are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with the Statute of SWAN to guide their conduct and participation throughout the electoral process.

The Electoral Committee assures all members of a free, fair, and transparent process in line with the ideals of the association.