Afam Osigwe, SAN, has been elected as the 32nd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), defeating major challengers with 20,425 votes. Tobenna Erojikwe garnered 10,998 votes, while Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN, received 9,018 votes.
Other newly elected national officers include Sebastine Anyia as 1st Vice President, Bolatumi Animashaun as 2nd Vice President, and Zainab Garba as 3rd Vice President. Mobolaji Ojibara was elected General Secretary, Henry Ehi as Assistant General Secretary, Blessing Udofa-Poroman as Treasurer, Nyada Auta as Welfare Secretary, Bridget Edokwe as Publicity Secretary, and Ebiere Ekpesie as Assistant Publicity Secretary.
The election, conducted electronically, saw 72,059 eligible voters, but only 40,656 ballots were cast. The Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) noted that 3,945 ballots were opened but not cast. Chairman Oluseun Abimbola, SAN, reported a high level of communication with voters, including over 233,000 text messages and 655,000 emails.
Outgoing NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, urged losers to support the winners for the association’s progress. Osigwe, SAN, promised an inclusive administration focusing on the rule of law.
However, Ikwuazom, SAN, withdrew midway, alleging the process was compromised. He claimed the election was manipulated to favor predetermined outcomes, despite strong support from his backers.
Despite the controversy, Osigwe’s win marks a new chapter for the NBA, with expectations for unity and effective leadership.
