The Nigerian Bar Association has dismissed reports claiming that its 2026 National Officers’ Election has been postponed, insisting that only its National Executive Council has the constitutional authority to suspend, alter or make decisions regarding the association’s electoral process.
The association made its position known in a statement issued on Tuesday by its President, Afam Osigwe, in response to the circulation of a document purportedly containing recommendations from a sub-committee, as well as comments allegedly attributed to the Attorney General of the Federation directing that the election be postponed and significant changes introduced to the NBA’s electoral framework.
According to the NBA, the reports are misleading and do not reflect the constitutional procedures governing the association’s affairs. It stressed that the Attorney General of the Federation has no legal authority to interfere with the conduct of its elections or the administration of the association.
The legal body maintained that its Constitution clearly outlines the organs empowered to make decisions concerning elections and governance, adding that any attempt by external individuals or institutions to dictate how its electoral process should be conducted would amount to a violation of the association’s autonomy.
The association further explained that the National Executive Council remains the highest decision-making body on matters relating to the conduct of elections and that no individual, committee or government official can lawfully suspend or alter the electoral timetable without NEC’s approval.
The NBA also rejected what it described as unconstitutional directives allegedly contained in the circulated document. Among the reported recommendations were the immediate disbandment of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, the postponement of the election of national officers, and the termination of the appointment of the association’s current election service provider.
Other proposals reportedly included the establishment of a caretaker committee to organise fresh elections, the compulsory integration of the National Identification Number into the electronic voting process, and a constitutional amendment to abolish the universal suffrage system currently used in electing NBA national officers.
The association said such far-reaching proposals cannot be imposed from outside the organisation, noting that any amendment to the NBA Constitution must follow the procedures already provided within the constitution itself and be approved by the appropriate organs of the association.
It reiterated that neither the Attorney General nor any external authority possesses the constitutional powers to dissolve the Electoral Committee or appoint a caretaker committee for the NBA. The legal body emphasised that the independence of the Nigerian Bar Association is fundamental to the legal profession and the administration of justice in the country, warning against attempts to undermine its internal democratic processes.
The NBA urged its members to disregard the reports suggesting that the election had been postponed, assuring them that no lawful decision to suspend or alter the electoral process had been taken.
It further advised members to rely only on official communications issued by the association regarding the 2026 National Officers’ Election and not on unofficial documents or speculative reports circulating on various platforms.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a transparent, credible and constitutionally compliant election, stressing that it remains dedicated to preserving the integrity of its democratic institutions and ensuring that the will of its members is respected throughout the electoral process.
The NBA added that it would continue to uphold the rule of law, constitutional governance and institutional independence while resisting any attempt to interfere with the affairs of the association outside the provisions of its Constitution.
