Human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has alleged that efforts are being made to interfere with the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association presidential election by preventing a competitive contest.
The NBA is expected to elect its 33rd president next month, with Senior Advocates of Nigeria Omoyemi Akangbe, Muyiwa Akinboro and Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya seeking to succeed the current leadership.
In posts shared on X, Odinkalu explained that the NBA presidency rotates among the East, North and West, with this year’s position reserved for the Western Region. He noted that the region consists of the Egbe Amofin O’odua, covering the South-West, and the Mid-West Bar, representing Edo and Delta states.
According to him, while the Mid-West Bar chose not to produce a candidate, the Egbe Amofin O’odua backed Akinboro and allegedly sought to ensure he emerged without opposition.
“For this round of elections, the Egbe Amofin has chosen to line itself up behind Muyiwa Akinboro as its preferred candidate.”
Odinkalu claimed attempts were made to stop other aspirants from remaining in the race, warning that such a move would be unfair to lawyers outside the group and could undermine the NBA’s democratic structure.
He further alleged that the group approached an Oyo State High Court to suspend the association’s electoral process pending the resolution of its demands.
“To drive home their demand, the Egbe Amofin went to the High Court of Oyo State in Ibadan to get an order of court to suspend the NBA’s electoral season until they get their way.”
He also alleged that some individuals had threatened to push for the appointment of a sole administrator to run the NBA if events did not go in their favour, insisting there is no legal basis for such a move because the association is a non-governmental organisation.
Odinkalu urged lawyers to protect the NBA’s “One Lawyer, One Vote” system, alleging that one of the candidates intends to abolish it if elected.
He also drew attention to Badejo-Okunsanya’s candidacy, describing it as a historic opportunity for the NBA to elect its first female president through a direct vote.
The NBA and the individuals named in Odinkalu’s allegations had yet to issue any public response as of the time of filing the report.
