Togo Prepares for Football Federation Elections with Four Candidate Lists Submitted
The Togolese Football Federation (FTF) is entering a pivotal period as the country prepares to elect a new executive committee to lead its football activities. The election process is well underway, with four distinct candidate lists submitted by the closing date on Sunday, according to sources close to the federation. These submissions mark a significant step toward restructuring the FTF and addressing the challenges facing football in Togo.
The four candidate lists present a diverse range of leadership visions and experiences. The first list, “Together for Reconstruction,” is led by Germain Wona, a former president of Agaza de Lomé, a first-division club. Wona’s platform emphasizes rebuilding Togolese football and fostering stronger institutional structures. His candidacy is seen as a blend of experience in club administration and a commitment to national football development.
The second list, “The Solution,” is spearheaded by Gerson Dobou, a member of Agaza’s Executive Committee. Dobou’s campaign focuses on providing pragmatic and sustainable solutions to the current challenges within the federation, including improving governance, transparency, and grassroots development programs. His experience within club administration gives him insight into the operational and organizational needs of football in Togo.
The third candidate list, “Awakening of National Football,” is presented by Olufade Adekanmi, a former international player. Adekanmi brings firsthand experience from the field, aiming to leverage his knowledge of professional football to improve player development, training infrastructure, and national team performance. His candidacy emphasizes the need for a football revival that prioritizes both talent cultivation and competitive success.
Finally, the fourth list, “New Impetus,” is led by Colonel Guy Akpovi, associated with the DYTO club. Akpovi’s approach highlights discipline, organization, and a renewed strategic direction for Togolese football. He advocates for administrative reforms, enhanced management of football competitions, and the creation of programs that will strengthen clubs and national teams alike.
Following the submission of these lists, the next stage in the election process will occur on January 26, when the candidate lists will be officially posted. The Electoral Commission, represented by the FTF’s Normalization Committee, will then review the applications and determine their validity before the final publication of approved candidates on January 31. Applicants whose submissions are invalidated will have the opportunity to appeal, ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process.
The election itself is scheduled for February 13, 2016, marking a decisive moment for Togolese football. The new executive committee will be tasked with revitalizing the sport in the country, implementing reforms, and creating pathways for both domestic and international success. With four distinct visions competing for leadership, stakeholders in Togolese football—including clubs, players, and supporters—will closely follow the process, hoping for leadership that can rebuild confidence, enhance competitiveness, and promote sustainable growth at all levels of the game.
As Togo looks toward this critical electoral event, the successful candidate or committee will face both challenges and opportunities in guiding the future of football in the nation. The outcome of the February 13 election will set the tone for the next era of Togolese football, shaping policies, priorities, and the development trajectory of the sport for years to come.