The 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) elections have reignited debates over regional endorsements, zoning arrangements, and the proper exercise of democratic principles within the Association. The discussions followed an article by Bayo Akinlade, Esq., titled “Eastern Bar Forum and Its Body Language; NBA Elections 2026,” which has since drawn a pointed response from Eddy Okhaigbe, Past Chairman of NBA Suleja Branch (2020–2022).
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
In his piece, Akinlade compared the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) with the Midwest Bar Forum, suggesting that both may be attempting to undermine established agreements within NBA leadership rotation mechanisms. He argued that while the NBA introduced universal suffrage for voting, it did not adopt universal contestation for all leadership positions, meaning not every qualified member can contest certain offices.
Akinlade criticized candidates who bypass endorsements from their regional forums, noting that doing so disregards the consensus-building purpose behind such arrangements. He likened regional endorsement processes to familial respect, arguing that those who fail to respect their bloc’s decision at home may not respect institutional decisions at the NBA leadership level. He further asserted that regional rotation systems exist not to curtail democracy but to prevent domination by any single regional bloc, thereby ensuring balance in the profession.
The article also highlighted a broader critique of lawyers who, according to Akinlade, misuse legal knowledge and mismanage information. He drew on scripture to reinforce his point, warning that aspiring leaders should respect internal adoption processes before publicly advocating for democratic principles.
Reacting to Akinlade’s analysis, Eddy Okhaigbe contended that the article fundamentally misrepresents the relationship between zoning and endorsement within NBA governance. He emphasized that zoning is binding and establishes eligibility by rotation across regions, while endorsements are persuasive, intended to influence opinion but not to disqualify other qualified candidates.
Okhaigbe explained that the NBA Constitution, not informal consensus or “body language,” governs the eligibility and election process for leadership positions. He noted that the failure to secure regional endorsement does not legally prevent a candidate from contesting, and elevating endorsements above constitutional rules substitutes gatekeeping for democracy.
“The suggestion that a candidate who fails to secure endorsement within their regional forum must abandon their ambition or be labeled insubordinate is undemocratic and unsustainable,” Okhaigbe said. He clarified that NBA elections are determined by votes across branches, zones, and interests nationwide, not by a single forum’s preferences.
Okhaigbe also criticized analogies equating the NBA to a family household, stressing that the Association is a professional body governed by law. While zoning was designed to prevent domination by a single bloc, enforced unanimity within a zone is unnecessary; rotation and competition can coexist to achieve fairness.
He further noted that any proposed reform to zoning or endorsements must be executed through transparent constitutional amendments, not informal enforcement or moral pressure. In his view, the only binding authority in NBA elections remains the ballot, while endorsements and forum support influence but do not determine outcomes.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
________________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola
_______________________________________________________________________
New Year Promo: Get Five Maritime Law Books For N150,000 — 63% Discount
The promotion, which commenced on January 8 and runs until February 8, 2026, offers five core maritime law books authored by Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, ordinarily valued at N405,000, for just N150,000 — a 63% discount.
Interested buyers can place their orders through the following channels:
Phone: 0704 329 3271
Online Store: https://paystack.shop/aa-bookstore
Website: www.akabogulaw.com
______________________________________________________________________
