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By Lawrence Agbo
President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has cautioned lawyers against allowing political interests to influence the association’s affairs ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that doing so would undermine the integrity of the legal profession.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels TV Politics Today, Osigwe said the NBA must remain independent and ensure its forthcoming elections reflect the highest standards of fairness and professionalism.
“We’ll be a mockery of the society if we allow ourselves to be used or if we unwittingly portray ourselves as being no better than the political parties or the politicians,” he said.
He stressed that lawyers belong to a noble profession and should conduct their internal elections in a manner that sets an example for the rest of society.
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“We are members of a noble profession, and our election should be exemplary,” Osigwe added.
Responding to concerns that the NBA could become a platform for political interests ahead of the 2027 elections, the NBA president said he was worried by developments that appeared inconsistent with the association’s role in defending the rule of law.
“Sometimes I wonder because when lawyers would go to court to argue that persons should not be allowed to run, it becomes antithetical to what the Bar stands for, promoting the rule of law,” he said.
Osigwe reiterated that the association must resist political manipulation and remain committed to upholding the rule of law, judicial independence and the core values of the legal profession.
