Former President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Mrs. Boma Alabi, SAN, has strongly advocated for a comprehensive reform of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) electoral process, insisting that the time has come for members to freely elect their leaders without undue influence from regional blocs.
​Speaking at a legal symposium in Lagos on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria argued that the long-standing practice of regional zoning and consensus arrangements often undermines the core principles of internal democracy.
She noted that while regional considerations were initially intended to ensure inclusivity, they have increasingly become tools for political manipulation, sidelining highly qualified candidates who lack the backing of powerful regional factions.
​”The NBA should be a beacon of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria,” Mrs. Alabi stated during her address. “We cannot champion democratic ideals on the national stage while allowing our internal electoral processes to be dictated by regional blocs. Every member of this association must have the freedom to vote for candidates based on competence, merit, and vision, rather than geopolitical alignment.”
​Mrs. Alabi’s remarks come amid growing conversations within the legal community regarding the need for technological transparency and fairer campaigning rules ahead of the upcoming NBA national elections.
​Key points highlighted in her address involves prioritizing track records and capacity over regional arrangements and ensuring that the electronic voting system is fully secured and insulated from external pressures.
She emphasized on strengthening the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) to act independently of executive or regional influence.
​Legal analysts present at the event echoed her sentiments, noting that a more transparent and unhindered election process within the NBA is crucial for restoring full confidence in the leadership of the bar.
Mrs. Alabi concluded by urging young lawyers, who make up the majority of the NBA membership, to actively participate in the upcoming electoral cycle and reject any attempts to subvert their mandate.
