The President of the Nigerian Law Society, Chief Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN, has called for the postponement of the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association National Officers’ Election to allow stakeholders resolve the disputes surrounding the process and agree on measures for a free, fair, transparent and credible election.
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In a press statement dated July 9, 2026, Nunghe said the NLS had followed with “keen interest and deep concern” recent developments surrounding the NBA election dispute.
He said the NLS was speaking not as a partisan body, but as an association of legal practitioners committed to the advancement of the legal profession in Nigeria.
Nunghe commended the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, for intervening in the matter, saying his decision to convene stakeholders and consider the reports and recommendations arising from the dispute reflected the leadership expected from the representative of the legal profession in government.
According to him, the AGF demonstrated commitment to the stability and integrity of the legal profession and deserved recognition for engaging with the difficult issues that emerged ahead of the NBA elections.
The NLS President also acknowledged the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, describing him as a senior lawyer of distinction whose defence of the NBA’s independence under the Legal Practitioners Act and the NBA Constitution deserves respect.
He said the NBA’s autonomy remains a cherished principle and that concerns raised by the association on procedural propriety, fair hearing and constitutional safeguards were not trivial.
However, Nunghe said the legal profession must find a way through the crisis without compromising its integrity.
He noted that the NBA was at a crossroads, adding that disputes, disruptions and confusion surrounding its elections were unhealthy for the profession.
According to him, allegations of bias, concerns over the integrity of the electoral process, questions about the appointment of service providers, zoning and micro-zoning are issues that require honest reflection and collective resolution.
He said the recurrence of such controversies suggests that the NBA’s electoral architecture may require foundational review.
Nunghe said although the NBA had described the AGF’s position as directives, the NLS preferred to view them, in the spirit of reconciliation, as strong, viable and foundational counsel aimed at reshaping the NBA and addressing recurring issues affecting its electoral process.
He specifically identified the proposed establishment of an Independent Electoral Oversight and Audit Committee, mandatory use of National Identification Number for voter authentication, and review of the NBA Constitution to entrench transparent succession procedures as measures capable of ushering in a new era of credibility and stability for the association.
The NLS President said concerns raised by candidates and stakeholders should not be ignored, but must be addressed with courage and candour.
He maintained that the framework proposed by the AGF provides a reasonable basis for resolving the dispute.
Nunghe said the way forward should not be limited to the assertion of institutional powers, but should include recognition that no institution is above improvement.
He said the NBA, like every human institution, could benefit from periodic recalibration.
According to him, the AGF’s counsel, coming from a fellow Bar man and the representative of the legal profession in government, should not be treated as an imposition, but as an invitation to embrace reforms that would strengthen the association for generations.
He called on both the AGF and the NBA President to continue engaging in the spirit of mutual respect and constructive dialogue.
“These are giants of our profession, and it is fitting that giants should find common ground, not in the pursuit of victory, but in the pursuit of a progressive and enduring legacy for the legal profession,” he said.
Nunghe therefore strongly advised that the NBA election be postponed to allow all stakeholders settle their differences and agree on processes to be adopted for a credible election.
He urged the NBA leadership to give serious consideration to the AGF’s counsel, not as surrendering its autonomy, but as a strategic embrace of reforms that would serve the best interests of the association and its members.
He also urged the AGF to continue extending the hand of fellowship to the NBA leadership with patience and understanding, given the complexity of the situation.
Nunghe said the goal should not be to subordinate the NBA to external control, but to create an environment where it can flourish as an independent, transparent and accountable institution.
Speaking on the role of the Nigerian Law Society, he said the NLS remains an emerging professional association of lawyers committed to coexistence, collaboration and complementarity with the NBA.
He said a diverse and vibrant legal profession, enriched by multiple associations, would be better positioned to serve justice and the rule of law in Nigeria.
The NLS President expressed confidence that the AGF would ensure that all professional associations are treated fairly and in accordance with the law.
He wished the NBA well as it navigates what he described as a challenging period, praying for a more reinvigorated legal profession that would emerge stronger, more united and more purposeful.
Nunghe said the disputes of today need not define the profession of tomorrow, adding that with wisdom, humility and shared commitment to the ideals of the profession, the legal profession in Nigeria can emerge better.
He said the NLS remains optimistic that the wisdom of leaders within the NBA and government would prevail, and that the legal profession in Nigeria would continue to be a beacon of hope, justice and the rule of law in Africa and beyond.
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