The Branch Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, Nyanya/Karu, Barr. Alex Edim has dismissed as unconstitutional and legally untenable an alleged directive attributed to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, seeking to postpone the 2026 NBA National Officers’ Election.
Edim, who spoke to journalists in Abuja, insists that only its National Executive Council has the authority to alter the election timetable.
According to him, the AGF is “just an ordinary member like every other lawyer” and must abide by the association’s constitution.
“The SGF lacks the requisite powers or jurisdiction or authority to do so. The NBA is an independent association, recognized by law,” he stated.
Edim added that the NBA does not take directives from the Ministry of Justice on its internal elections.
“The NBA does not fall under any of the Ministries, agencies or parastatals under the SGF’s office,” he said.
He said I have gone through the list of eligible voters for the NBA general election 2026 of my branch, perused same and posted to the branch platforms for observation, wherein not even one member alluded that his or her name was omitted, neither have any branch chairman complained on our branch Chairmen platform that his or her member(s) name is being committed in the list published by the ECNBA 2026.
The same list was published for member’s scrutiny and so far no complaint except from some hired mischief makers whose interest is to disrupt the peaceful process of the election.
Now let it be made clear, that as branch chairmen, we are neutral, without showing express support for any particular candidate, on the basis that the three presidential candidates are eminently qualified to lead the Bar.
So whoever wins amongst the three will be supported by the Chairmen of branches, this is because the Bar is one. ECNBA 2026 have done a good job which deserves commendation rather than condemnation.
I, therefore, join all the progressives branch Chairmen of NBA to pass a vote of confidence on the ECNBA 2026 and indeed the president of the largest Bar in Africa, Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe (SAN), Life Bencher, for his proactive and pragmatic leadership, I will continuously support your laudable programs and activities tailored towards the advancement of the Bar.
Finally, I call on the ECNBA 2026 not to lose focus or be distracted but should go ahead and organize a credible election for the NBA.
The association rejected the alleged directives as unconstitutional, ultra vires the powers of the Attorney General, and an attempt to interfere in the affairs of an independent professional body.
The association also questioned the authenticity of the purported report, noting that it was not issued on the official letterhead of the Attorney-General’s office and that it had not received any formal communication from the AGF.
According to the NBA, the alleged recommendations mirror reliefs being sought in two pending suits instituted by Egbe Amofin before the High Court of Oyo State.
It argued that since the Attorney-General was participating in meetings over the dispute as a party and mediator, he could not lawfully grant or impose reliefs that were already the subject of pending litigation.
The NBA further criticised the sub-committee that reportedly produced the document, saying it exceeded its mandate.
He gave Fagbemi 24 hours to withdraw the directive or face consequences.
“If he fails to withdraw the order within 24 hours, the stakeholders may be impelled to initiate a process for proper disciplinary action,” Edim threatened.
He further said the AGF should be made to explain the source of his authority.
“The stakeholders may be forced to initiate a process for him to explain where he derives such powers from,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the committee has reiterated that the date for the 2026 NBA National Officers’ Election has been moved from Monday, July 20, 2026, to Saturday, July 18, 2026, while the announcement of results will now take place on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
According to the ECNBA, the revised timetable followed deliberations with candidates at a meeting held on July 2, 2026, and representations from stakeholders who requested that the election be conducted on a weekend to enable greater participation by eligible voters, consistent with previous NBA elections.
The committee said the revised schedule was adopted pursuant to its constitutional powers under the Constitution of the Nigerian Bar Association, 2015 (as amended in 2025) and was designed to promote an inclusive, transparent and credible electoral process.
It added that the revised timetable supersedes all previous election schedules to the extent of any inconsistency.
The publication of the provisional voters’ register comes amid heightened interest in the NBA’s 2026 elections, which have recently been the subject of legal disputes and controversy over the conduct of the electoral process.
