Amanze Chinonye
The Atiku Media Office has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of interfering in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election process, describing the alleged development as a test of what it claimed could be a plan to influence the 2027 general elections, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement signed by the Atiku Media Office in Abuja on July 16, 2026, the group alleged that President Tinubu had brought what it described as “state-sponsored toxic politics of coronation” into the NBA election, accusing the administration of attempting to impose a preferred candidate through legal pressure and other means.
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The media office of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar claimed that the alleged interference reflected a broader pattern of political actions by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which it accused of weakening opposition parties, undermining democratic institutions and working towards manipulating future elections.
According to the statement, “the same strategy of imposition without allowing for free, fair and credible elections is what the Tinubu-led APC administration is working assiduously towards in the 2027 General Elections.”
The group alleged that the government and its allies had resorted to legal processes aimed at influencing the NBA election outcome, warning that such actions could undermine confidence in democratic institutions and widen existing divisions within the country.
It maintained that the NBA election remained the sole responsibility of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), which is appointed by the NBA National Executive Council in accordance with the NBA Constitution, 2015, as amended.
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The Atiku Media Office further alleged that efforts to disqualify prospective candidates through court processes represented a strategy that could later be deployed against opposition candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The statement also criticised what it described as attempts by government officials to use state institutions to frustrate the NBA electoral process, alleging that security agencies had been deployed to arrest service providers involved in the election.
“It is disgraceful and a negation of democracy that, despite failed efforts to shift the polls, even with the open support of the Attorney-General of the Federation, officials of government are now deploying security agents to arrest service providers and frustrate the election,” the statement said.
The allegations come amid reported controversies surrounding the NBA election, including legal disputes and disagreements among stakeholders over the participation of some candidates.
The Tinubu administration has not, as of the time of this report, issued a response to the allegations contained in the Atiku Media Office statement.
The group urged government officials to allow the NBA to conduct a free, fair and transparent election, describing the process as an opportunity to uphold democratic principles and strengthen public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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.
