‘NBA Must Not Become a Political Altar Ahead of 2027’ – Osigwe Warns

Afam Osigwe, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has cautioned lawyers against allowing the association to become a platform for political interests ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the legal profession must uphold the rule of law and conduct exemplary elections.

Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, Osigwe expressed concern over attempts to drag the NBA into political contests through litigation and undue influence.

Responding to a question on whether he was concerned that the NBA appeared to be turning into an “altar for politics” ahead of the 2027 elections, Osigwe said such developments were contrary to the values of the legal profession.

“Sometimes I wonder because when lawyers would go to court to argue that persons should not be allowed to run, it becomes antithetical to what the Bar stands for, promoting the rule of law,” he said.

The NBA president urged legal practitioners to resist using the courts or politicians to interfere with the association’s electoral process, stressing that lawyers should set the standard for democratic conduct rather than mirror the shortcomings of partisan politics.

“We’ll be a mockery of society if we allow ourselves to be used or if we unwittingly portray ourselves as being no better than the political parties or the politicians. We are members of a noble profession, and our election should be exemplary,” Osigwe stated.

Addressing concerns about his neutrality in the forthcoming election of national officers, Osigwe maintained that he has deliberately stayed away from the process and has not endorsed any candidate.

“I have absolutely nothing to do with the electoral process. So, whether I have favourites or not, it is immaterial. The three persons running for office each approached me to support them, but I’m not supporting any person,” he said.

The NBA is set to hold its national officers’ election in the coming weeks, with three candidates Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya SAN, and Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN contesting for the opportunity to lead the esteemed association.