The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has maintained that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) lacks the constitutional and legal authority to postpone the association’s 2026 national elections, warning that any attempt to interfere with the NBA’s electoral process would undermine the independence of the legal profession.
Osigwe made the remarks during an interview with ARISE NEWS following reports that the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN), advised the NBA to postpone its July 18, 2026 national elections. The advisory reportedly also recommended the dissolution of the Election Committee and proposed the introduction of the National Identification Number (NIN) as part of the voter verification process amid disputes surrounding the election.
Reacting to the development, Osigwe insisted that while the Attorney General is entitled to express opinions on matters affecting the legal profession, he does not possess the legal authority to direct the affairs of the Nigerian Bar Association.
According to him, the NBA is governed by its Constitution, the Legal Practitioners Act and other professional regulations, none of which empowers the Attorney General to suspend or postpone the association’s elections.
He argued that accepting such directives would amount to treating the NBA as a department under the Office of the Attorney General, a position he described as inconsistent with the Bar’s status as an independent professional body.
Osigwe stressed that the NBA would always consider constructive opinions from stakeholders, including the Attorney General, but maintained that directives presented as compulsory instructions were unacceptable because they fall outside the powers granted by law.
Addressing the controversy surrounding zoning arrangements and demands for a consensus candidate, the NBA president said the association’s Constitution clearly spells out the qualifications required for anyone seeking elective office.
He explained that eligible candidates must have served on the NBA National Executive Council for at least two years before nomination, be at least 15 years post-call to the Bar, and have paid their practising fees and branch dues for the three years preceding the election, including the election year.
Osigwe emphasised that the NBA Constitution does not recognise endorsements or nominations by external groups as conditions for eligibility, noting that every qualified member has the constitutional right to contest elective positions regardless of affiliations.
He criticised attempts by interest groups to insist that only their preferred candidate should emerge, describing such actions as contrary to the democratic principles the NBA seeks to uphold.
According to him, stakeholders should campaign for their preferred candidates rather than attempt to impose them on the association or question the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Speaking on gender representation, Osigwe welcomed the participation of a female presidential candidate, saying it demonstrates that the NBA provides equal opportunities for all qualified members irrespective of gender.
He noted that the association’s presidency remains open to every eligible lawyer who satisfies the constitutional requirements.
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The NBA president also defended the decision to invite independent observers, including representatives of the European Union, Yiaga Africa and diplomatic missions, to monitor the election.
He said the move reflects the association’s commitment to transparency and accountability while helping to reassure members of the credibility of the electoral process.
Osigwe added that concerns raised by contestants and stakeholders had been addressed and insisted there was no justification for postponing the election.
He urged candidates to test their popularity through the ballot instead of seeking delays, expressing confidence that the electoral body was fully prepared to conduct a free, fair and transparent election.
