NBA Elections: Tension As Osigwe Admits Bias
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, SAN has been drawn into fresh controversy following his public admission ahead of the NBA election that he has a preferred successor.
Critics including NBA members and others stakeholders lamented that Osigwe’s confession compromises the neutrality expected of his office as the President of the Association approaching a crucial election season.
Reacting to Osigwe statement during a recent meeting of the NBA National Executive Council (NEC), that neutrality in the succession process is not absolute, Donald Abel on behalf of the concerned lawyers described Osigwe bias as needless, indecent, unfair and unfortunate.
Osigwe statement have since gained wider attention and condemnation after videos from the same meeting circulated on social media, showing bottled water branded with the image of a particular aspirant placed on the President’s table, clearly visible to attendees and cameras.
Legal analysts and senior members of the Bar say the convergence of words and conduct has amplified concerns about partisanship at the highest level of the Association.
In a press statement on behalf of concerned lawyers, Donald noted that the NBA Constitution and the Rules of Professional Conduct emphasise restraint, fairness, and impartiality, particularly in matters affecting elections and leadership succession.
Donald also decried the way and manner Osigwe recently imposed his candidates in a recent Section election for NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law.
He said “In institutional governance, symbolism matters,” a senior lawyer told reporters.
“When a leader speaks and then reinforces that speech with visible actions, it sends a clear signal to the rest of the institution.”
Donald frowned that publicly declaring preference and appearing to endorse a candidate through symbolic acts, undermines those standards and risks eroding confidence in the integrity of the forthcoming NBA elections.
The controversy has also sparked debate about the broader implications for the Bar’s public role as NBA is widely regarded as a key voice in holding government accountable, especially as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.
Donald warn that perceptions of internal bias could weaken the Association’s moral authority and its capacity to intervene credibly on national issues.
“As the NBA election draws nearer, the focus within legal circles is shifting from personalities to process.
“The central question now being asked is whether an electoral process overseen by a President who has openly expressed and visibly signalled preference can still command the confidence of the Association’s membership,” Donald stated
