NBA Polls Will Proceed Without Interference, Osigwe Tells Trustees

According to Ireporter Online, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), has dismissed allegations of bias and interference in the association’s electoral process, describing them as premature and unfounded.

The response came through his legal counsel, Abdul Mohammed (SAN) of Madyan Legal Consult, following a petition addressed to the NBA Board of Trustees that circulated widely on social media. Mohammed stated that the claims ignored constitutional safeguards that govern the electoral process.

The letter noted that the NBA electoral process had not officially commenced when the petition was submitted, emphasizing that no aspirant could be recognised under the NBA constitution without submitting an Expression of Interest form. At the time of the petition, neither of the petitioners had obtained the form, and thus, no valid contest existed.

The response also highlighted that the Expression of Interest window remains open, with the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) issuing four public notices, and the deadline for submission set for February 28.

Addressing concerns over the independence of the ECNBA, the statement cited constitutional provisions confirming the committee’s autonomy from both the NBA President and the National Executive Committee. It added that members of the ECNBA are appointed by the National Executive Council, not the President, and that there was no evidence of any interference in the process.