In a decisive move to resolve the lingering issues surrounding the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Port Harcourt Branch elections, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, today convened a high-level meeting with members of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch Caretaker Committee, Chairmen of NBA Branches in Rivers State, Past Chairmen of NBA Porthacourt Branch, and all aspirants participating in the branch elections.
The meeting, held in Port Harcourt, provided an opportunity for all stakeholders to openly discuss the concerns that had arisen in the build-up to the elections and collectively chart a path forward in the interest of unity, transparency, and the integrity of the electoral process.
Following extensive deliberations, the parties unanimously agreed on a number of resolutions aimed at restoring confidence in the conduct of the elections. As part of the resolutions, Mr. Idris Abayomi Shehu stepped aside as Chairman of the Electoral Committee while continuing to serve as Chairman of the Caretaker Committee. To ensure confidence in the electoral process, Past NBA Third Vice President, Omubo Frank Briggs, has been appointed to serve as Chairman of the Electoral Committee.
It was further resolved that the remaining members of the Caretaker Committee would continue to serve as members of the Electoral Committee, with the addition of the NBA First Vice President and one other member to strengthen the committee. In addition, the Chairmen of the other eight NBA branches in Rivers State will participate in supervising the conduct of the election to ensure transparency, credibility, and fairness.
Consequently, the NBA Port Harcourt Branch Election has been rescheduled to Wednesday, 5th August 2026.
The intervention by the NBA President underscores the Association’s commitment to ensuring that branch elections are conducted in accordance with democratic principles, fairness, and the rule of law, while fostering unity among members. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the resolutions reached would pave the way for a peaceful, credible, and widely accepted electoral process in the Port Harcourt Branch.
