The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), President Mazi Afam Osigwe has announced the formation of Branch Electoral Appeals Committees across various NBA branches. The announcement, which was made on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, has stirred positive reactions from legal professionals nationwide.
According to Osigwe, the committees were established in line with Section 14(3)(i) of the NBA Constitution (2015, as amended in 2021), and their formation marks a significant step toward reinforcing due process in branch-level elections. These committees will be subject to confirmation by the NBA’s National Executive Council (NEC), ensuring full compliance with the association’s governance structure.
He emphasized that the core mandate of the committees is to handle complaints, petitions, and any form of electoral disputes arising from branch elections, as stipulated in Section 14(2)(m) of the constitution. Their roles will also include overseeing election procedures, guiding electoral conduct, and determining the eligibility of candidates vying for office within the association.
Osigwe made it clear that this initiative reflects the NBA’s unwavering commitment to fairness, integrity, and credibility in all its democratic processes. By institutionalizing these appeal committees, the NBA seeks to guarantee that every branch election is free, fair, and devoid of manipulation or internal discord.
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In his statement, he extended deep appreciation to the newly appointed committee members, acknowledging their readiness to serve the Bar at such a pivotal time. He also encouraged all NBA members, especially election candidates, to fully cooperate with the committees, noting that such collaboration is essential for ensuring smooth electoral transitions and maintaining unity within the association.
Concluding his message, Osigwe thanked NBA members for their continued dedication to professionalism and excellence in legal practice, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to promote a healthy and democratic culture within the legal community.
The establishment of these committees comes at a critical time as the NBA prepares for branch elections across the country, and legal observers say this could be a defining moment for the association’s internal democratic evolution.