The Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), Oluseun Abimbola SAN, addressed the controversy surrounding the recently concluded NBA presidential election.

This was in a press briefing held at the NBA House Auditorium, Plot 1101 Muhammadu Buhari Way, Abuja,

Mr. Abimbola began by acknowledging the challenges faced during the election process, highlighting the commitment and sacrifices made by every member of the committee over the past seven and a half months. He emphasized the importance of developing responses to cyber warfare threats and maintaining the integrity of the election process.

Despite allegations circulating on social media regarding the withdrawal of a candidate, Mr. Abimbola clarified that no official communication had been received by the committee. He assured that the committee had taken necessary measures to ensure the election process was free from interruption and interference.

He announced that the total number of eligible voters was 72,069, with 40,666 members successfully casting their votes, representing a turnout of 66.4%. The voting process was conducted transparently, with real-time monitoring and support provided through a dedicated help desk.

 

Mr. Abimbola also addressed the technical challenges faced during the voting period, including issues with duplicate registrations and incorrect Supreme Court numbers. He assured that all necessary corrections were made to maintain the accuracy and credibility of the election results.

In terms of statistics, the committee processed 2,183 emails and 3,123 phone calls, providing support to members experiencing difficulties with the voting process. Despite these challenges, the committee remained committed to ensuring every vote was counted and every concern addressed.

As for the election results, Mr. Abimbola announced that Mr. Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, has been elected as the new President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The results were thoroughly reviewed and matched with the documentation on the voting platform, ensuring their validity.

Mr. Abimbola concluded by expressing gratitude to the National Executive Council and all participants for their cooperation and support throughout the election process. He reiterated the committee’s commitment to transparency and integrity, promising a comprehensive post-election audit to further verify the results.

Also, the incumbent NBA President, Maikyau expressed his gratitude for the honor ECNBA Chair Oluseun Abimbola SAN, and his team, acknowledging that no adjective could adequately describe the enormity of the work they had undertaken. The NBA President commended the dedication and hard work of those who worked alongside him, stating, “You did so well. You fought so hard.”

Meanwhile, Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, the newly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the members of the association and pledged his commitment to advancing the cause of justice and upholding the rule of law. He also said that he has reached out to Chukwuka Nwabueze Ikwuazom, SAN, and spoke with him but is yet to get in touch with Tobenna Erojikwe on the phone. Osigwe made a plea to each and every member, thanking them in advance for their participation.

Osigwe secured a decisive victory with 20,435 votes, followed by Chukwuka Nwabueze Ikwuazom, SAN, who received 9,018 votes, and Mr Tobenna Chigbo Erojikwe, who garnered 10,998 votes.

However, the election was not without controversy. Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN, a prominent candidate in the race, announced his withdrawal from the election on the same day, citing concerns over the compromised integrity of the electoral process. In a letter addressed to the members of the NBA, Ikwuazom expressed his belief that the system had been manipulated to favor a predetermined outcome, consistently placing him in third position despite the overwhelming support from his dedicated supporters.

Ikwuazom stated, “It would appear that the system has been manipulated to favour a predetermined outcome. As a candidate committed to upholding transparency and the rule of law, I cannot in good conscience continue to participate in a compromised electoral process.” He urged his supporters to stand down from further participation in the election process and cease all monitoring activities.

Despite the controversy surrounding the presidential election, the election saw the emergence of new officers in various positions within the NBA. Sabastine Anyia won the position of 1st Vice-President with 12,114 votes, while Mrs Bolatumi Olasunbo Animashaun secured the position of 2nd Vice-President with an overwhelming 26,534 votes. Mrs Zainab Aminu Garba emerged as the 3rd Vice-President with 23,550 votes.

In the race for the General Secretary position, Dr Mobolaji Idris Ojibara emerged victorious with 25,713 votes, while Henry Barnabas Ehi clinched the Assistant General Secretary position with 28,552 votes.

Mrs Blessing Imo Udofa-Poromon was elected as the Treasurer with 17,998 votes, and Mr Nyada Auta secured the position of Welfare Secretary with 18,369 votes. Mrs Bridget Ijeoma Edokwe won the Publicity Secretary position with 19,542 votes, and Miss Ebiere Emmanuella Ekpese was elected as the Assistant Publicity Secretary with 26,955 votes.

The election also saw the selection of NBA representatives to the General Council of the Bar across the Eastern, Northern, and Western zones of the country. In the Eastern Zone, Mr Augustine Osondu Ike, Mr Daniel Ka-Ayii Kip, Mr Eric Chigozie Ibe, Mr Michael Chukwurah Onuorah, and Mr Obi Lawrence Anizoba each received 24,891 votes. Mr Tijjani Magaji was elected as the representative for the Northern Zone with 30,357 votes. The Western Zone representatives, Mr Israel Solomon Lagbamue, Mr Kingsley Asagba, Mr Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, Mr Precious Ndidi Nwadimuyah, and Mr Sulayman Adamu Dawud, each secured 25,256 votes.

The statistical breakdown of the votes for each position in the 2024 Nigerian Bar Association National Officers Election:

President:
Total votes: 40,451
Abstentions: 205
Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN: 20,435 votes (50.51%)
Chukwuka Nwabueze Ikwuazom, SAN: 9,018 votes (22.29%)
Mr Tobenna Chigbo Erojikwe: 10,998 votes (27.20%)

1st Vice-President:

Total votes: 36,549
Abstentions: 4,107
Sabastine Anyia: 12,114 votes (33.14%)
Mr Bartholomew Aguegbodo: 6,864 votes (18.78%)
Dr Gerald Ugochukwu Abonyi: 3,227 votes (8.83%)
Dr Promise Wobo Iwezor: 5,365 votes (14.68%)
Mr Reginald Iheanyichukwu Ugwuadu: 3,261 votes (8.92%)
Williams Soseipiriye: 5,718 votes (15.65%)

2nd Vice-President:
Total votes: 37,655
Abstentions: 3,001
Mrs Bolatumi Olasunbo Animashaun: 26,534 votes (70.47%)
Mr Pius Idemudia Oiwoh: 11,121 votes (29.53%)

3rd Vice-President:
Total votes: 37,447
Abstentions: 3,209
Mr Michael Olarewaju Olorunmola: 13,897 votes (37.10%)
Mrs Zainab Aminu Garba: 23,550 votes (62.90%)

General Secretary:
Total votes: 37,443
Abstentions: 3,213
Mr Abdulwasiu Alfa: 11,730 votes (31.32%)
Dr Mobolaji Idris Ojibara: 25,713 votes (68.68%)

Assistant General Secretary:
Total votes: 36,869
Abstentions: 3,787
Henry Barnabas Ehi: 28,552 votes (77.44%)
Mr Oluwaseun Aka: 8,317 votes (22.56%)

Treasurer:
Total votes: 37,265
Abstentions: 3,391
Mrs Blessing Imo Udofa-Poromon: 17,998 votes (48.30%)
Mrs Caroline Obi: 9,442 votes (25.34%)
Mbamala Chukwuemeka: 9,825 votes (26.36%)

Welfare Secretary:
Total votes: 36,960
Abstentions: 3,696
Oaikhena Osagie: 12,855 votes (34.78%)
Mr Ernest Ezindu Uwanaka: 5,736 votes (15.52%)
Mr Nyada Auta: 18,369 votes (49.70%)

Publicity Secretary:

Total votes: 38,198
Abstentions: 2,458
Mrs Bridget Ijeoma Edokwe: 19,542 votes (51.16%)
Mr Charles Olawale Ajiboye: 10,989 votes (28.77%)
Mr Ferdinand Afam Naza: 7,667 votes (20.07%)

Assistant Publicity Secretary:
Total votes: 36,645
Abstentions: 4,011
Miss Ebiere Emmanuella Ekpese: 26,955 votes (73.55%)
Mr Lawrence Ikpehai Ayewa: 9,690 votes (26.45%)

NBA Representatives to the General Council of the Bar (Eastern Zone):
Total votes: 124,455
Abstentions: 15,765
Mr Augustine Osondu Ike: 24,891 votes (20%)
Mr Daniel Ka-Ayii Kip: 24,891 votes (20%)
Mr Eric Chigozie Ibe: 24,891 votes (20%)
Mr Michael Chukwurah Onuorah: 24,891 votes (20%)
Mr Obi Lawrence Anizoba: 24,891 votes (20%)

NBA Representatives to the General Council of the Bar (Northern Zone):
Total votes: 30,357
Abstentions: 10,299
Mr Tijjani Magaji: 30,357 votes (100%)

NBA Representatives to the General Council of the Bar (Western Zone):
Total votes: 126,280
Abstentions: 15,400
Mr Israel Solomon Lagbamue: 25,256 votes (20%)
Mr Kingsley Asagba: 25,256 votes (20%)
Mr Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun: 25,256 votes (20%)
Mr Precious Ndidi Nwadimuyah: 25,256 votes (20%)
Mr Sulayman Adamu Dawud: 25,256 votes (20%)

The press briefing ended with Mr. Abimbola formally declaring the results of the NBA presidential election, marking the end of a challenging yet successful election process for the Nigerian Bar Association.