Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has rejected an alleged directive attributed to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) seeking the suspension of its 2026 national officers’ election, insisting that only its constitutionally recognised organs have the authority to determine the conduct or postponement of the exercise, Prime Business Africa reports.
The association, in a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, described the purported directive as unconstitutional, beyond the powers of the AGF, and an attempt to interfere with the independence of the legal profession’s umbrella body.
The controversy followed the circulation of a document said to be a report of a sub-committee constituted during a meeting convened by the AGF.
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The report allegedly recommended the disbandment of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), postponement of the 2026 national officers’ election, replacement of the current election service provider, establishment of a caretaker committee to conduct the polls, incorporation of National Identification Number (NIN) verification into the voter database, and a review of the NBA Constitution to alter its universal suffrage system.
However, the NBA dismissed the recommendations, arguing that the association remains an independent body and is not subject to directives from the office of the AGF or any arm of government.
“The Nigerian Bar Association is an independent body not under the control of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation,” the statement said, adding that the powers of the AGF to intervene in the affairs of the NBA are limited by the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act.
The association maintained that the AGF could not issue binding directives on matters arising from ongoing litigation, arguing that the meeting convened by the AGF was only intended to facilitate an amicable resolution of disputes involving cases filed by Egbe Amofin.
According to the NBA, any proposed resolution from such a mediation process could only become binding upon acceptance by all parties involved and could not be imposed as a directive.
The association also faulted the composition and findings of the sub-committee that produced the disputed report, alleging that its chairman, Chief Wole Olanipekun, could not have presided over the process because of his involvement in the legal matters that led to the mediation.
It accused the committee of exceeding its mandate by making what it described as “far-reaching condemnations” against NBA leadership without granting affected parties an opportunity to respond, thereby violating the principle of fair hearing.
“The purported Sub-Committee report, which contains the purported directives of the Honourable Attorney General, is beyond its remit and is biased,” the NBA stated.
The association reaffirmed that the 2026 national officers’ election process would continue as scheduled by the ECNBA, stressing that the electoral committee had not been found to have committed any wrongdoing since its establishment.
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On the proposed integration of NIN into the electoral process, the NBA said it had assessed the risks involved and concluded that altering the current election platform could disrupt the exercise.
It expressed concerns that the verification process may place additional pressure on the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) platform, which it said might be unable to accommodate a surge in authentication requests during the election period.
The NBA also defended the current election service provider, rejecting claims that a sole proprietorship structure was inadequate for managing the electoral process.
It argued that many legal practitioners, including members of the committee that raised the concern, operate sole proprietorship law firms and continue to provide professional services effectively.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process and constitutional governance, the NBA said decisions concerning its elections and leadership succession must be made through its established internal structures and not imposed by external bodies.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
