The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), at its Emergency Meeting held today, Thursday, 16 July 2026, overwhelmingly resolved that the 2026 NBA National Officers’ Election and the General Council of the Bar (GCB) Election shall proceed as scheduled on Saturday, 18 July 2026.
The decision followed extensive deliberations by the National Executive Council after receiving a presentation from the Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), Mr. Aham Ejelam, SAN. The ECNBA Chairman informed Council that the Committee was fully prepared to conduct the elections as scheduled, notwithstanding the reported arrest of one of the election service providers.
Following the presentation and deliberations by members, the matter was put to a vote. One hundred and twenty-seven (127) NEC members voted in favour of allowing the elections to proceed as scheduled, while fifteen (15) members voted in support of a one-week postponement. The motion for the elections to proceed was carried by an overwhelming majority.
Accordingly, NEC also resolved that the 2026 NBA National Officers’ Election and the General Council of the Bar Election will hold on Saturday, 18 July 2026, as earlier scheduled.
NEC strongly condemned the arrest of the election service provider, describing the development as unfortunate, unacceptable, and capable of undermining confidence in the electoral process. It demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the service provider and called on all relevant authorities to ensure that no action is taken that could impede the conduct of the elections.
NEC further resolved that the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Chairman and members of the ECNBA, National Officers of the Association, the election service provider, and every other official connected with the conduct of the elections must be accorded adequate protection by relevant authorities and allowed to discharge their responsibilities without harassment, arrest, or interference by any security agency.
The bar remains firmly committed to the rule of law, constitutional democracy, and the integrity of its electoral process.
Bridget Edokwe
National Publicity Secretary
Nigerian Bar Association
