The Midwest Bar Forum has rejected the purported directives attributed to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, concerning the forthcoming 2026 Nigerian Bar Association national elections, insisting that no external authority has the power to dictate or alter the Association’s electoral process.

In a statement dated July 7, 2026, and jointly signed by its Chairman, Ama Etuwewe, SAN, and Secretary, Ebosele Okhifoh, Esq., the Forum said it noted with concern the circulation of a publication titled, “Directions and Outcomes of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation Prince Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN on the Report of the 3-Man Committee Set Up to Look into Causes of the Present Conflicts Within the Nigerian Bar Association, Particularly on the Way Forward in Matters Relating to the Upcoming 2026 Elections of National Officers of the Nigerian Bar Association.”

The Forum said the document, which purports to emanate from the office of the AGF, relates to the NBA national elections scheduled for July 18, 2026.

It stated that if the publication indeed came from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, it would amount to a regrettable development and an interference in the internal affairs of an independent professional body.

According to the Forum, while the Attorney-General occupies a highly respected constitutional office, he has no constitutional or statutory authority to issue directives, decisions or pronouncements affecting the conduct of elections into any office of the Nigerian Bar Association.

The Forum stressed that the NBA is an independent professional body governed by its Constitution, adding that matters relating to its electoral process fall exclusively within the Association’s internal governance framework.

It further stated that the National Executive Council, NEC, of the NBA remains the only organ vested with the authority to make decisions, issue directives or determine modalities concerning the conduct of NBA elections.

The Forum maintained that any external directive purporting to regulate or alter the NBA electoral process cannot supersede the constitutional structures of the Association.

Reaffirming its confidence in the NBA electoral institutions, the Midwest Bar Forum urged the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, ECNBA, to proceed with the electoral process and deliver a free, fair and credible election.

It insisted that no person has the power or authority to stop the NBA election except as provided under the NBA Constitution.

The Forum also called on its members to remain calm, focused and resolute, urging all eligible members to participate actively in the forthcoming election by voting peacefully and freely for candidates of their choice.

 

It said members should be guided solely by what is in the best interest of the Nigerian Bar Association.

The Forum concluded by reaffirming its commitment to preserving the independence of the Bar, saying it would continue to support every lawful process that strengthens the Association and its democratic institutions.

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