A forum of Yoruba lawyers, Egbe Amofin Oodua, has called for the postponement of the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential election, citing concerns over the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.
Speaking in Ibadan, the Chairman of the group’s Governing Council, Isiaka Olagunju (SAN), said postponing the election would allow previously agreed electoral reforms to be implemented, ensuring a free, fair and credible exercise.
Olagunju alleged that the NBA leadership failed to honour an earlier agreement reached with presidential candidates and other stakeholders to delay the election and introduce key reforms, including replacing email authentication with National Identification Number (NIN)-linked phone numbers for voter verification.
According to him, proceeding with the election without implementing the reforms has raised serious concerns among members of the association about the integrity of the voting process.
He urged NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) and the association’s Electoral Committee to postpone the poll to allow adequate time for voter sensitisation and the adoption of the proposed reforms.
Olagunju argued that the current electronic voting system, which relies largely on email authentication, remains vulnerable to manipulation, noting that complaints over the credibility of NBA elections have persisted for several years.
He maintained that using NIN-linked phone numbers for voter authentication would improve transparency, strengthen security and reduce the risk of electoral malpractice.
The senior lawyer also accused the NBA leadership of failing to maintain neutrality during the election process, alleging that some aspirants had received preferential treatment.
He further disclosed that Egbe Amofin Oodua had previously challenged the composition of the NBA Electoral Committee in court, claiming it did not comply with the association’s constitution.
While acknowledging efforts by the Attorney-General of the Federation to facilitate dialogue and electoral reforms, Olagunju expressed disappointment that the recommendations had not been fully implemented.
He stressed that the campaign for reforms was not intended to favour any candidate but to protect the integrity of the NBA and strengthen confidence in its electoral process.
The group warned that conducting the election without the agreed reforms could further undermine members’ trust in the association’s leadership and electoral system.
