By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Chairmen of several branches of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in the Federal Capital Territory have pledged their unalloyed support for the Association’s National President, Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, while condemning what they described as calculated attempts to distract and divide the Bar ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the Chairman of the NBA Nyanya-Karu Branch, Mr Alexander Ebi Edim, and made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday, the branch leaders raised concern over what they termed sustained and destructive criticisms directed at the Association’s leadership.
Mr Edim explained that the statement followed growing debates within the legal community, where several branch chairmen expressed unease about articles and commentaries allegedly aimed at antagonising the NBA President and undermining the unity of the Association in the run-up to the 2026 polls.
The statement criticised what it described as “retrogressive and anti-NBA” publications targeting the incumbent leadership. Particular reference was made to articles reportedly authored by Mr Tonye Clinton Jaja, SCN, whom some leaders contend is no longer in good standing within the Association and, therefore, ought not to interfere in its affairs.
According to the chairmen, such commentaries are divisive and risk misleading members of the Bar. They urged lawyers nationwide to disregard what they characterised as unnecessary distractions.
The Nyanya-Karu chairman emphasised that the NBA remains a foremost professional body whose integrity must not be compromised by political manoeuvring. Other branch leaders also dismissed suggestions that any of the 2026 presidential aspirants enjoys special endorsement from the current President, describing such claims as unfounded.
They maintained that all aspirants are equal members of the Association with legitimate rights to contest, and warned that attempts to single out any candidate for discredit could sow discord among voters.
Supporters of the current administration cited what they described as landmark achievements under Mr Osigwe’s leadership. These include the Continuing Legal Education Policy aimed at strengthening professional capacity, the Remuneration Order designed to enhance lawyers’ earnings—particularly for younger practitioners—and an investment platform said to have saved the Association over ₦6 billion.
They also highlighted the consistent payment of death benefits through the NBA Insurance Policy, as well as the Association’s firm stance against corruption, poor governance, insecurity and human rights violations.
Reaffirming their commitment to unity, the chairmen called for collective support to ensure a peaceful transition in 2026. While acknowledging that electoral contests are inevitable, they stressed that the NBA as an institution must remain strong and united.
The branch leaders concluded by pledging continued support for what they described as transformative leadership, urging members to resist divisive tendencies and safeguard the future of the Association.
