Lede

Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe has denied allegations of rigging in the upcoming national officers' election. According to reports, Osigwe made these claims when addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday.

### Background

Afam Osigwe is the current president of the Nigerian Bar Association, which is one of the most respected and influential lawyers' organizations in Nigeria. He has been in this position since the association's last election, and has been known for his efforts to reform the bar and improve its integrity. Osigwe has also been a strong advocate for the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.

### The Allegations

The allegations of rigging against Osigwe and the NBA's Electoral Committee have been ongoing for weeks, with some presidential candidates and stakeholders questioning the integrity of the process. They have called for the election to be postponed, demanded the use of National Identification Number verification, and accused the NBA leadership of attempting to influence the outcome. The association has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that only the Electoral Committee is constitutionally empowered to conduct the election.

### Osigwe's Response

Osigwe addressed these allegations directly, stating that he and the Electoral Committee are committed to a free and fair election. He pointed out that the courts have consistently dismissed allegations of rigging in past NBA elections, and that there is no evidence to support these claims. Osigwe also rejected suggestions that his personal voting preference could affect the election, noting that he is not involved in administering the process.

### The Role of Egbe Amofin O'odua

Osigwe accused the Incorporated Trustees of Egbe Amofin O'odua of attempting to impose a sole presidential candidate on the NBA. According to him, the group had gone to court seeking an order that only its endorsed candidate should be allowed to contest, on the premise that the presidency had been zoned to the South-West. However, Osigwe argued that this premise is fundamentally flawed, as the NBA Constitution zoned the office to the Western Region, which includes the six South-West states as well as Edo and Delta states.

### The Election Process

To reinforce confidence in the process, Osigwe said the association has invited the Department of State Services, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and foreign technical experts to monitor and examine the electronic voting system. He stated that the Election Committee has operated independently, and that there is no evidence to support claims of rigging.

### The Nigerian Angle

The NBA election is significant not only for the legal profession but also for the country as a whole. It is a test of the association's commitment to democracy and transparency, and of the ability of its leadership to conduct free and fair elections. Osigwe's denial of rigging allegations and his commitment to a transparent process are therefore crucial to maintaining the integrity of the election.

### Key Facts

  • The Nigerian Bar Association election is scheduled to hold on July 18.
  • Osigwe has been the president of the NBA since the last election.
  • The Electoral Committee is constitutionally empowered to conduct the election.
  • The courts have consistently dismissed allegations of rigging in past NBA elections.
  • Osigwe has invited international observers to monitor the election process.
  • The association has denied allegations of rigging and insisted on a free and fair election.