AGF Has No Authority To Halt NBA Election, Osigwe Fires Back

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has insisted that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has no legal authority to order the postponement of the association’s national elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Osigwe warned that any attempt by the executive arm of government to influence or dictate the NBA’s electoral process would undermine the independence of the legal profession and breach the association’s constitutional framework.

His comments came in response to reports that the Attorney General advised the NBA to postpone its July 18, 2026 national elections, dissolve its Election Committee, and adopt the National Identification Number (NIN) as part of its voter verification process following disagreements surrounding the polls.

Speaking on Arise News on Friday, Osigwe acknowledged that while the Attorney General was entitled to express his views, such opinions could not be regarded as binding directives on the association.

He explained that the NBA derives its authority from its Constitution, the Legal Practitioners Act, and other regulatory instruments governing the legal profession, none of which empowers the Attorney General to interfere in the conduct of its elections.

“No, obviously not. He doesn’t have the legal backing to postpone our elections,” Osigwe said.

“Suggesting otherwise would mean the NBA is merely a department under the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, which is clearly not the case.”

He added that although the NBA would always consider the Attorney General’s opinions, it could not comply with directives that conflict with its governing laws.

“That is not to suggest that if the Attorney General gives his views, the Bar would ignore them. However, the way the directives were presented—as mandatory instructions—is unacceptable. We have a Constitution, the Legal Practitioners Act and other rules regulating the profession, and none of these gives the Attorney General the power to do what he is attempting,” he said.

Addressing the controversy over zoning and calls for a consensus candidate, Osigwe maintained that the NBA Constitution clearly outlines the qualifications required to contest for the office of president, leaving no room for external bodies to determine who is eligible.

He said every member who satisfies the constitutional requirements has the right to seek elective office.

“The NBA Constitution clearly sets out the conditions for eligibility. A candidate must have served as a member of the National Executive Council for at least two years before nomination, be at least 15 years post-call, and must have paid practice fees and branch dues for the three years preceding the election, including the election year,” he explained.

Osigwe stressed that the Constitution and election guidelines do not require endorsement by any external association or pressure group.

“There is no provision that makes eligibility dependent on being presented by any particular group, whether recognised by the NBA Constitution or not. Once you meet the constitutional requirements and have the confidence to contest, you are free to do so,” he stated.

He criticised attempts by interest groups to impose their preferred candidates on the association.

“It is illogical for a group, which is itself registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission like the NBA, to select a candidate and insist that the Bar must adopt that individual or risk being delegitimised. Ironically, while accusing others of imposing candidates, they are the ones attempting to do exactly that,” he said.

On the possibility of electing a female NBA president, Osigwe said the presence of a woman among the contestants demonstrated the association’s commitment to equal opportunity.

“It shows that any qualified individual can become NBA president,” he said, adding that gender should never be a deciding factor once a candidate meets the constitutional requirements.

The NBA president also defended the association’s preparations for the election, insisting that every necessary measure had been taken to ensure a transparent and credible process.

According to him, independent election observers, including international organisations and civil society groups, have been invited to monitor the exercise.

“We are committed to ensuring that the election is free, fair and transparent, and that both voters and contestants have confidence in the integrity of the process,” he said.

Osigwe disclosed that concerns raised by some stakeholders had been addressed to strengthen confidence in the election.

“All concessions aimed at addressing the fears of those alleging the election could be rigged—despite providing no evidence—have been implemented. There is therefore no justification for postponing the election. Everything is in place, and the electoral body is fully prepared,” he said.

He urged aspirants to allow the democratic process to take its course instead of seeking delays.

“Go out there and test your popularity. Do not drag the association down or tarnish the reputations of others. May the best man or woman win,” he said.

Explaining the decision to invite independent observers, Osigwe added that organisations such as the European Union, Yiaga Africa and foreign embassies were invited to witness the process firsthand.

“That is why we invited the EU, Yiaga and the embassies—so that those making allegations can see for themselves that we are accountable and committed to conducting a transparent election,” he said.