The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is currently holding its election to determine the 32nd President of the association. Voting commenced at 12:00 am on Saturday, July 20, 2024, and is set to conclude at 11:59 pm on the same day. As of the time of filing this report, Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, is leading the presidential race.

According to multiple sources familiar with NBA politics who spoke to TheNigeriaLawyer, Osigwe’s lead may be difficult for other candidates to surpass. Osigwe and his main contenders have reportedly divided their votes in Lagos, where they have strong support due to the high number of registered voters in the state.
Another source revealed that Osigwe has been actively consulting and canvassing for votes from lawyers since 2020 when he first contested for the NBA presidency. The source noted that young lawyers are the primary supporters of Osigwe, rather than the older members of the bar.

A source from Tobenna Erojikwe’s campaign team, another presidential candidate, told TheNigeriaLawyer that people are voting for Erojikwe based on his achievements during his four-year tenure as the NBA and CLE chair. The source believes that Erojikwe still has a strong chance to make an impact in NBA politics.

As of 2:18 pm on Saturday, the current vote count for the presidential race shows Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, leading with 15,417 votes, followed by Mr. Tobenna Chigbo Erojikwe with 8,640 votes, and Chukwuka Nwabueze Ikwuazom, SAN, with 7,768 votes. A total of 31,825 votes have been tallied, with 107 abstentions.

The election is also being held for other key positions within the NBA, and the current vote counts are as follows:

1st Vice-President: Sabastine Anyia (9,439 votes), Mr. Bartholomew Aguegbodo (5,495 votes), Dr. Gerald Ugochukwu Abonyi (2,530 votes), Dr. Promise Wobo Iwezor (4,391 votes), Mr. Reginald Iheanyichukwu Ugwuadu (2,575 votes), Williams Soseipiriye (4,430 votes).

2nd Vice-President: Mrs. Bolatumi Olasunbo Animashaun (20,544 votes), Mr. Pius Idemudia Oiwoh (9,115 votes).

3rd Vice-President: Mr. Michael Olarewaju Olorunmola (11,050 votes), Mrs. Zainab Aminu Garba (18,481 votes).

General Secretary: Mr. Abdulwasiu Alfa (9,248 votes), Dr. Mobolaji Idris Ojibara (20,355 votes).

Assistant General Secretary: Henry Barnabas Ehi (22,646 votes), Mr. Oluwaseun Aka (6,495 votes).

Treasurer: Mrs. Blessing Imo Udofa-Poromon (14,090 votes), Mrs. Caroline Obi (7,397 votes), Mbamala Chukwuemeka (7,935 votes).

Welfare Secretary: Oaikhena Osagie (10,079 votes), Mr. Ernest Ezindu Uwanaka (4,437 votes), Mr. Nyada Auta (14,672 votes).

Publicity Secretary: Mrs. Bridget Ijeoma Edokwe (15,289 votes), Mr. Charles Olawale Ajiboye (6,075 votes), Mr. Ferdinand Afam Naza (21,177 votes).

Assistant Publicity Secretary: Miss Ebiere Emmanuella Ekpese (8,755 votes), Mr. Lawrence Ikpehai Ayewa (7,699 votes).

NBA Representatives to the General Council of the Bar (Eastern Zone): Mr. Augustine Osondu Ike, Mr. Daniel Ka-Ayii Kip, Mr. Eric Chigozie Ibe, Mr. Michael Chukwurah Onuorah, Mr. Obi Lawrence Anizoba (19,779 votes each).
NBA Representatives to the General Council of the Bar (Northern Zone): Mr. Tijjani Magaji (24,087 votes).

NBA Representatives to the General Council of the Bar (Western Zone): Mr. Israel Solomon Lagbamue, Mr. Kingsley Asagba, Mr. Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, Mr. Precious Ndidi Nwadimuyah, Mr. Sulayman Adamu Dawud (20,025 votes each).
The NBA election is being closely watched by the legal community, as the outcome will shape the leadership and direction of the association for the upcoming term. The results are expected to be announced shortly after the conclusion of voting at 11:59 pm on Saturday.

LegalDeskNG will continue to provide updates on the NBA election as the situation unfolds. This page is refreshed every minute, automatically, to ensure the latest information is available.