The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has dismissed allegations that he is attempting to influence or rig the association’s forthcoming national officers’ election, insisting that the electoral process is completely independent and beyond his control. He made the clarification while addressing journalists in Abuja ahead of the July 18, 2026 NBA election.
Osigwe described claims that he was backing a preferred candidate as politically motivated and unsupported by evidence. He stressed that the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) is constitutionally responsible for conducting the election and does not receive directives from the NBA President or any other official. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a free, fair and transparent election in which every candidate has an equal opportunity.
Addressing longstanding allegations that NBA elections are routinely manipulated, Osigwe argued that such claims have never been substantiated in court. He noted that previous legal challenges to NBA elections were dismissed, maintaining that there is no judicial finding supporting assertions of electoral rigging within the association.
To further reassure members of his neutrality, the NBA President announced that although he is constitutionally entitled to vote, he has voluntarily chosen to abstain from voting in the election. He said the decision was made to eliminate any perception that his personal preference could influence the outcome of the poll.
Osigwe also disclosed that the association had invited the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and foreign technical experts to independently assess and monitor the electronic voting system. According to him, the measures are intended to strengthen transparency and reinforce confidence in the integrity of the election process.
Post a Comment