NBA President Clears Air on Election Allegations and State Police Role

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, has denied any backing for a candidate in the upcoming national officers’ election. He stated he has not interfered with the electoral process or used his position to favour anyone. He pointed out that the NBA constitution ensures the independence of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA).

The ECNBA is the independent body set up by the NBA constitution to handle the association’s national elections. Mr. Osigwe made these statements during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Wednesday. He also discussed why the NBA joined the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill.

When asked about claims he was backing a preferred successor in the election, Mr. Osigwe said he had "absolutely nothing to do with the electoral process." He added, "So, whether I have a favourite or not is immaterial." He insisted he has no constitutional role in the election and cannot influence its outcome.

The upcoming NBA election has stirred controversy. Some lawyers and reports online claimed Mr. Osigwe was trying to influence the succession process by supporting a candidate. This allegation was described as an attempt to create a “third term by proxy” or establish a “godfather system” within the association.

Rejecting these claims, Mr. Osigwe said the controversy started from comments he made at an NBA meeting. He said he would "not be neutral" on election day. He clarified that he meant exercising his right to vote for candidates he prefers, not endorsing or campaigning for anyone.

“I said I was going to cast votes for people. Of course if I’m going to vote; that means I have to vote for people. I have to choose among the contending persons,” he explained. He challenged critics to show any actions proving he used his office to influence the election.

“The question anybody should ask is: Have I abused my office to make it difficult for any person to campaign? Or to aid another person? The answer is absolutely no.” He added, "The NBA Constitution makes the ECNBA independent. I have not interfered with what they are doing. I have had nothing to do with them."

The interview followed days after the NBA dismissed claims that Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), tried to stop the association’s national officers’ election. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the NBA rejected alleged directives from the AGF that sought to postpone the election.

The NBA stated that the alleged directives claimed to disband the ECNBA, delay the election, replace the election service provider, set up a caretaker committee, introduce National Identification Number verification for voters, and amend the NBA Constitution. The NBA emphasized that only its National Executive Council (NEC) can postpone the election. They also affirmed that the ECNBA would proceed with the electoral process as planned.

The election is set for 20 July. Eligible members will vote online to choose a new president, national officers, and the NBA’s representatives on the General Council of the Bar. Mr. Osigwe also answered questions about Nigeria's move for state police during the interview. He explained why the NBA accepted membership of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill.

He mentioned that the NBA has a duty to help create legal safeguards for the proposed state police system. According to him, the NBA has “nothing against the government per se” but wants “a government that respects the rule of law and does the right thing.”

He stated that the NBA will “continue to engage the government on policies aimed at strengthening governance and national security.” He believes constructive engagement fits the association’s role. But Mr. Osigwe said they could not pass up a chance to help with laws that will improve policing and address public concerns.

“If in this process the NBA has been given an opportunity to contribute to drafting laws that will ensure that these fears are addressed, that will enact laws that will make a better policing system in Nigeria, the NBA cannot run away from that. We may criticise, but we should be willing to also constructively engage and contribute to building a better society.”

Mr. Osigwe said there was once “an aversion” to creating state police because many Nigerians feared governors would misuse it. He noted that the worsening security situation has changed views, with many now agreeing that a state police system is needed.

“But then, with the worsening state of insecurity in some parts of Nigeria, most Nigerians now agree that the national police system cannot work, that there is a need for a state police.” He stressed that creating state police must be matched with constitutional safeguards to prevent abuse.

“In having it, to address the fears which in the first place made it difficult for us to have state police, we have to ensure that the right constitutional structures are put in place.” PREMIUM TIMES noted that the push for state police has gained momentum due to ongoing insecurity across the country, including banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.

Supporters believe state police will improve intelligence gathering and strengthen community policing. Critics worry that governors might misuse state police to target political opponents. To tackle these concerns, the National Assembly passed the Constitution Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026. This proposes a dual policing structure with the Federal Police Service and 36 State Police Services.

While this amendment sets the stage for state police, the National Policing Bill will provide the legal and operational guidelines for its implementation. PREMIUM TIMES also reported that President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday inaugurated the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill to prepare the necessary legislation for the reform.

The committee includes the Attorney General of the Federation, the NBA president, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and other stakeholders. At the inauguration, Mr. Osigwe promised the NBA’s support for the initiative, stating Nigeria “can hardly be effectively policed by one national police.” He warned that “we must ensure we do not create a monster.” He stressed that the legal framework must provide accountability and prevent oppression.

He also pledged the NBA’s support in helping the committee produce laws that balance better security with the protection of citizens’ rights.