NBA 2026 Election in Limbo as Court Orders Freeze Presidential Nominations

March 11, 2026

The 2026 presidential race of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has been thrown into turmoil after the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, issued interim orders freezing the electoral process.

 

The legal challenge was filed by Egbe Amofin O’odua, a forum representing Yoruba lawyers, which recently endorsed Aare Muyiwa Akinboro, SAN, as its consensus candidate for the NBA presidency.

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The court’s rulings currently prevent the association from recognising or processing any other candidate for the position.

 

In addition to restricting nominations, a subsequent injunction barred the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) from conducting any part of the 2026 elections. NBA President Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, was also prohibited from participating in the formation or supervision of the electoral committee, effectively putting the association’s electoral machinery on hold.

 

 

 

The case, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Egbe Amofin O’odua, seeks to affirm the forum’s exclusive right to present a presidential candidate from the Western Zone, citing adherence to zoning provisions in the NBA Constitution. Respondents include the NBA, its President, the Body of Benchers, the General Council of the Bar, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Aham Ejelam, SAN, chairman of the NBA Electoral Committee.

 

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On Tuesday, the claimant appeared with a team of seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and several other senior lawyers, led by Ali Kazeem, SAN. Other notable Senior Advocates representing the claimant included Yomi Alliyu, SAN; Isiaka Olagunju, SAN; Murtala AbdulRashid, SAN; Kazeem Gbadamosi, SAN; Mutalubi Adebayo, SAN; and Tunji Ogunrinde, SAN.

 

The respondents were represented by Abdul Mohammed, SAN, who notified the court that a Preliminary Objection challenging the competence of the suit had been filed. Olanrewaju Akinsola, SAN, represented the NBA and its President, while Adeyinka appeared for Lateef Akàngbé, who is seeking to be joined as a party in the suit.

 

During proceedings, it emerged that certain procedural steps and responses were yet to be completed. As a result, the court determined it was appropriate to hear the Preliminary Objection and other pending applications together, and adjourned the matter to 15 April 2026.

 

The injunctions have sparked sharp criticism within the legal community. Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu described the court order as “patently corrupt,” arguing that it effectively concludes the election before it begins by preventing other candidates from participating. Lawyer Umar Abdulahi Chiroma called the suit a desperate move by Akinboro’s supporters to paralyse the NBA electoral process and block competition.

 

 

With the court’s orders in place, the NBA’s 2026 presidential election remains on hold, raising concerns about the fairness, transparency, and democratic legitimacy of the process. Legal practitioners and observers continue to monitor developments closely, as debates intensify over whether judicial interventions should determine candidate eligibility in an association that traditionally relies on internal democratic mechanisms.

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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.

Amanze Chinonye

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.

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