The Eastern Bar Forum, EBF, has rejected the purported directions attributed to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, concerning the forthcoming 2026 Nigerian Bar Association national officers’ election.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/yemi.jpg")
In a press statement dated July 7, 2026, and signed by the Chairman of its Governing Council, Damian O. Nosike, and Secretary, Samuel Akpadiagha Etuk, the Forum said it had carefully considered the document circulating in the public domain, which purportedly contains the report of a 3-man committee and the subsequent directions and outcomes of the AGF on the NBA election.
The EBF said while it appreciates every genuine effort aimed at fostering peace, reconciliation and unity within the NBA, such efforts must be pursued strictly within the bounds of the law and the Constitution of the Association.
According to the Forum, the NBA is an independent professional association regulated by the Legal Practitioners Act and the NBA Constitution. It stressed that decisions relating to the conduct, postponement or cancellation of NBA national elections can only be taken by organs constitutionally empowered under the NBA Constitution.
The Forum maintained that any recommendation or directive from any person or authority outside the constitutional framework of the Association cannot supersede the provisions of the NBA Constitution.
It stated that the proposed disbandment of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, ECNBA, postponement of the scheduled election, appointment of a caretaker committee, replacement of the service provider, or any alteration of the electoral framework or constitutional structure of the NBA cannot validly take effect except through the constitutional processes established by the Association itself.
The EBF urged members of the Bar to remain calm and conduct themselves with utmost decorum, while placing the unity, integrity and collective interest of the legal profession above personal or sectional interests.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Forum said it aligns with and adopts the position earlier expressed by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, particularly on the constitutional autonomy of the NBA, the supremacy of its Constitution in regulating its affairs, and the continuation of the electoral process in accordance with the NBA Constitution.
The Forum added that the electoral process should continue unless otherwise lawfully determined by the competent organs of the Association or by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Eastern Bar Forum concluded by reaffirming its commitment to a united, independent and stronger Nigerian Bar Association.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
As an added bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE ebook titled: “How to use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion.”
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACiarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
