The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Electoral Reform Committee, chaired by Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, formally submitted its expanded electoral reform recommendations to NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/idrinstitute.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Basil-Momodu-Esq1.png")
The submission marks a significant step toward addressing longstanding concerns about the credibility, transparency, and inclusiveness of NBA elections, amid broader debates on governance and accountability within Nigeria’s legal profession.
The delegation, comprising Committee Secretary Mr. Lawrence Ebewele and members Victor Giwa, Mojirayo Ogunlana, and Christopher Areghan, presented the proposals in the absence of Co-Chairman Mr. Sam Itodo, who was engaged in another national assignment. Dr. Ubani emphasized that the reforms aim to rebuild trust, boost member participation, and establish the NBA as a model of internal democracy.
The committee’s recommendations address systemic issues in NBA elections, proposing robust measures to enhance fairness and transparency. Key highlights include:
- Strengthening ECNBA Independence: Ensuring the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) operates free from undue influence to maintain impartiality.
- Reliable Digital Voter Register: Establishing an auditable, secure voter database to prevent discrepancies and ensure accuracy.
- Secure Electronic Voting Infrastructure: Deploying audited, tamper-proof electronic voting systems to enhance accessibility and trust.
- Early Publication of Timelines: Providing clear, consistent electoral guidelines and schedules well in advance to promote preparedness.
- Equal Campaign Access: Granting all candidates fair access to NBA-owned platforms for campaigns to level the playing field.
- Independent Electoral Offences Body: Creating a dedicated body to address electoral misconduct and handle petitions impartially.
- Transparent Campaign Financing: Enforcing strict regulations and a code of conduct to curb undue influence and promote accountability.
- Mandatory Debates: Requiring national and zonal debates to enable candidates to present their visions and engage members.
- Member Sensitization Programs: Implementing digital literacy initiatives to equip members for electronic voting and active participation.
- Branch Collaboration: Enhancing coordination with NBA branches to monitor elections and ensure compliance with guidelines.
- Voter Database Access: Providing all candidates equal access to the voter database at least 30 days before elections to support fair campaigning.
Mazi Osigwe, SAN, commended the committee for its thorough and progressive proposals, noting their alignment with ongoing constitutional amendment efforts, particularly on transparency and campaign finance regulation. He emphasized that the NBA expects candidates to declare their interest early to ensure compliance with electoral legal frameworks. “The NBA is committed to fair, credible, and transparent internal elections, reflecting the same democratic standards we demand in Nigeria’s national elections,” Osigwe stated.
The NBA President assured the committee that the recommendations would be carefully reviewed and integrated into the association’s electoral processes to strengthen its democratic credentials.
Dr. Ubani, speaking on behalf of the committee, expressed gratitude to Osigwe for the opportunity to contribute to the NBA’s reform agenda. He reiterated the committee’s dedication to supporting the administration’s success and ensuring the reforms position the NBA as a beacon of internal democracy. “These proposals are intended to make the NBA a model for credible elections,” Ubani said.
“History of Rivers State Judiciary: A Compendium of Personalities on the Bench.” Authored by Ampim Gogo Blankson, Esq., Deputy Director at the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rivers State Judiciary 💰 Cover Price: ₦20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) Bukky Law Books, Rivers State High Court Complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt – 📞 08034868754📞 08034729738📞 Enquiries: ______________________________________________________________________ Law Practice Kit (Second Edition) And Legal Luminaries Series 2 Unveiled 
Authored by Abdulrasheed Ibrahim, LL.M, Notary Public Law Practice Kit (Second Edition) and Legal Luminaries Series 2 📚 For Enquiries and Orders, Contact: 📞 08055476823, 📞 08164683735, 📞 08033855230 ___________________________________________________________________ [Now Available] -- From Crime Scene To Courtroom: An Authoritative Legal Handbook On Police Investigations 
In this authoritative work, Basil Momodu Esq., titled Police Investigations in Nigeria Through the Cases 📖 Available now Call 07051822705 or any of the recommended independent booksellers listed hereunder. ______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
