NBA President Denies Rigging Claims, Insists Election Process Is Independent

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 Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) operates independently and takes no directives from him. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Osigwe described the allegations as politically motivated and unsupported by evidence.

Osigwe said he remains committed to ensuring that the July 18 election is free, fair and transparent, stressing that whoever emerges victorious must do so through a credible process. He maintained that the NBA president has no role in conducting the election and therefore cannot manipulate its outcome.

Responding to claims that he was backing a preferred candidate, the senior advocate said even if he had a personal preference, it would have no impact on the electoral process because the ECNBA is constitutionally independent. To further reassure members questioning his neutrality, Osigwe disclosed that although he is entitled to vote, he had decided to abstain from voting in the election.

The NBA president also rejected longstanding claims that the association's elections are routinely rigged, noting that previous election petitions challenging the outcomes had been dismissed by the courts. He argued that allegations of manipulation must be backed by credible evidence rather than speculation.

Osigwe criticised the Incorporated Trustees of Egbe Amofin O'odua over its attempt to endorse a sole presidential candidate, arguing that the NBA Constitution zones the presidency to the Western Region, which includes both the South-West and the states of Edo and Delta. He insisted that no external group has the authority to determine who should contest the election.

To strengthen confidence in the electoral process, Osigwe said the NBA had invited the Department of State Services, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, as well as foreign technical experts, to examine and monitor the electronic voting system throughout the election.