By David Lawani, Abuja
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has firmly rejected what it described as alleged attempts by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to influence its forthcoming 2026 national officers’ election, declaring that the poll will proceed as scheduled and insisting that no external authority has the power to alter its electoral process.
The association said only its National Executive Council (NEC), acting in accordance with the NBA Constitution, can approve any changes to the election timetable, dismissing as unconstitutional a purported report recommending the suspension of the process.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, in response to a document circulating on social media, allegedly containing recommendations attributed to a subcommittee set up following a mediation meeting convened by the Attorney General to resolve disputes arising from the election.
Among the recommendations reportedly contained in the document were the dissolution of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), postponement of the election, appointment of a new electronic voting service provider, constitution of a caretaker committee, introduction of National Identification Number (NIN) verification for voters and amendments to the NBA Constitution.
Osigwe described the recommendations as legally untenable and inconsistent with the NBA’s constitutional framework.
“The Nigerian Bar Association is an independent professional association governed by its Constitution and the Legal Practitioners Act. It is not subject to directives from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation on how to conduct its internal affairs,” he said.
The NBA President argued that while the Attorney General convened the mediation meeting to explore an amicable resolution of pending election-related litigation, the Attorney General had no legal authority to issue binding directives on matters that remain before the courts.
He also questioned the authenticity of the purported report, noting that it neither emanated from the official office of the Attorney General nor bore any formal communication transmitting it to the association.
According to Osigwe, the document also breached the principles of natural justice by making adverse findings against him without allowing him to respond to the allegations.
“The fundamental right to a fair hearing cannot be ignored in any process that purports to make findings capable of affecting the rights or reputation of any person,” he stated.
The NBA further challenged the neutrality of the sub-committee, arguing that its Chairman, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), is involved in litigation connected with the electoral dispute and could not reasonably be regarded as an impartial arbiter.
The association maintained that the committee was established solely to facilitate discussions aimed at encouraging the withdrawal of court cases instituted by members of Egbe Amofin, and not to investigate the NBA’s leadership or recommend fundamental changes to its electoral process.
On the proposal to introduce NIN verification into the electronic voting system, the association said technical experts had advised that implementing such a requirement at this stage could jeopardise the election.
It warned that integrating the National Identity Management Commission’s authentication platform into the voting process without adequate testing could lead to system failures and disenfranchise eligible voters.
The NBA also defended its continued engagement with its electronic voting service provider, dismissing suggestions that the firm should be replaced because it is a sole proprietorship.
The association argued that the legal profession itself is built largely on sole proprietorships, making such a recommendation discriminatory and devoid of any legal or professional justification.
Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law, the NBA said preparations for the national election would continue under the supervision of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA).
“The 2026 NBA national officers’ election shall proceed as scheduled. Any decision to postpone, suspend or alter the electoral process can only be taken by the appropriate constitutional organs of the Association, particularly the National Executive Council,” Osigwe declared.
The association urged its members to disregard the purported directives and remain focused on the electoral process, stressing that the NBA’s independence and the integrity of its democratic institutions must be preserved.
