The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe SAN, has categorically denied allegations that he endorsed any candidate or used rhetoric about inclusiveness as a cover for alleged political manipulation ahead of the NBA’s forthcoming elections.
In a Wednesday interview with journalists, Osigwe reacted to accusations by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Muritala Abdul-Rasheed, who alleged bias and undue influence surrounding the lead-up to the NBA elections.
Constitution Bars Endorsements, Osigwe Says
Osigwe said the claims are unfounded and cited the NBA Constitution, arguing that it expressly prohibits any NBA arm from endorsing candidates.
He cited Article 20, Part III, 2nd Schedule, stating that branches, sections, or fora are barred from endorsing prospective aspirants, and that anyone who endorses—or causes endorsement—can face professional misconduct sanctions through the NBA Disciplinary Committee.
According to him, the NBA’s democratic structure ensures a level playing field, with leadership chosen through universal adult suffrage, where qualified aspirants contest and members freely vote.
Zoning Does Not Confer Imposition Power
Osigwe also addressed claims tied to regional blocs and stated that while the NBA operates a zoning arrangement dividing the presidency among the East, West, and North, zoning does not allow anyone to impose a candidate.
He maintained that no group holds legal authority to prevent others from running, adding that endorsements, at most, are morally persuasive but not legally enforceable.
Osigwe cited the 2018 NBA presidential contest, saying that even with an endorsement by the Eastern Bar Forum, Paul Usoro still emerged president, despite not being the endorsed candidate.
Claims of Pre-Selection, Not New—He Says
Osigwe further revealed that attempts to pre-select candidates are not new, alleging that even before the conclusion of the 2024 NBA elections, some individuals had reportedly met privately to “anoint” a preferred candidate for the Western zone, a decision he said did not reflect the collective will of members.
Gender Inclusion Comments Misrepresented
On allegations that his remarks at a recent event amounted to support for a particular candidate on gender grounds, Osigwe said his statements at a UN Women event for International Women’s Day were not endorsements.
He explained that he only noted that the NBA has never elected a female president through election, and posed a question about whether the Bar would align with global calls for increased female political participation.
Electoral Committee Independence Emphasized
Osigwe rejected claims that he interfered in the electoral process, stressing that the NBA Electoral Committee operates independently and is not subject to the direction of the NBA President or the National Executive Council.
He said he had not spoken to or given directives to the committee since its inauguration and argued he lacks constitutional power to control it.
Challenges to Accusers: Provide Evidence
He urged his accusers to provide specifics, asking what exactly he had done—particularly as, he noted, the committee had not yet moved beyond calling for nominations at the time allegations were already circulating.
Court Injunction Conflicts Could Undermine Elections
Osigwe also warned that some groups may be attempting to derail the electoral process through legal actions, claiming that contradictory court injunctions have been sought—one aimed at compelling the committee to recognise a particular candidate, and another attempting to halt the electoral process entirely.
He said such actions are designed to create confusion and crisis, warning that this could destabilise the NBA and threaten the integrity of its democratic traditions.
Warning Drawn From Nigeria’s June 12, 1993 Crisis
Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s democratic history, Osigwe referenced the annulled June 12, 1993 election, saying part of that crisis arose from conflicting judicial orders. He cautioned against allowing similar confusion to occur within the NBA.
“Not Neutral” Statement Clarified
Osigwe clarified a prior statement in which he said he would not be “neutral,” explaining that he meant he would still exercise his constitutional right to vote on election day—adding that this does not constitute influencing the process.
Call for Free Contest and Member Choice
Concluding his remarks, Osigwe urged stakeholders to allow aspirants to contest freely and for members of the Bar to decide through voting.
“The only allegation that can stand against me is proof that I interfered with the Electoral Committee or manipulated the process,” he said, adding that he has provided the relevant constitutional documents and that the claims against him lack credibility.
