Directive to All NBA Branches on Membership Participation, Technology Utilization, and the Conduct of Branch Elections – NBA President
Pursuant to Section 9(5)(a)(iii) of the Constitution of the Nigerian Bar Association, 2015 (as amended in 2025), which empowers the President of the Association to direct and coordinate the activities of all Branches of the Association, and in fostering an inclusive, transparent, and progressive Bar that reflects contemporary realities while preserving the democratic values upon which the Association is founded, the following directives are issued for compliance by all Branches to ensure uniformity in the administration of Branch affairs and electoral processes across the Association:
1. RECOGNITION OF PHYSICAL, VIRTUAL, AND HYBRID PARTICIPATION
The Constitution of the Nigerian Bar Association expressly recognizes attendance at meetings through physical presence, virtual participation by designated electronic means, or a hybrid combination of both.
Accordingly, no Branch shall interpret the Constitution as restricting participation in Branch activities exclusively to physical attendance where the Branch permits, adopts, or recognizes virtual or hybrid meetings as part of its operations.
For the avoidance of doubt, attendance at duly convened meetings through approved virtual platforms shall constitute valid attendance for all purposes recognized by the Constitution, Branch Bye-Laws, and Branch administrative processes.
2. PROHIBITION OF DISENFRANCHISEMENT ON THE BASIS OF NON-PHYSICAL ATTENDANCE
Any Branch that recognizes, permits, or conducts meetings through virtual or hybrid means shall accord equal recognition to members who participate through such approved platforms.
Consequently, no member shall be disqualified, disenfranchised, denied voting rights, or excluded from contesting or participating in any Branch election solely on the ground that the member attended meetings virtually rather than physically, provided that such participation is verifiable through attendance records maintained by the Branch.
Any rule, guideline, policy, practice, or interpretation that recognizes virtual attendance for meeting purposes but denies similar recognition in determining electoral qualification shall be inconsistent with the principles of fairness, inclusiveness, equal participation, and the spirit of the Constitution.
3. ADOPTION OF TECHNOLOGY IN BRANCH ADMINISTRATION
All Branches are hereby encouraged to take practical, progressive steps towards adopting and utilizing technology in the administration of Branch affairs and electoral processes.
Such measures may include:
a. The conduct of meetings through approved virtual or hybrid platforms;
b. The maintenance of accurate electronic attendance records;
c. The electronic dissemination of notices, agendas, reports, electoral information, and other official communications;
d. The development and maintenance of reliable digital membership databases;
e. The deployment of secure technological solutions that promote transparency, accountability, accessibility, and increased participation by members.
Branches are reminded that the legal profession continues to evolve in response to technological innovation and changing professional realities. The administration of Branch affairs should therefore reflect contemporary best practices while remaining consistent with the Constitution of the Association.
4. REVIEW OF BRANCH ELECTORAL GUIDELINES
All Branches are hereby directed to review their electoral guidelines, policies, practices, and procedures to ensure conformity with the principles contained in this Directive and the Constitution of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Where any existing Branch guideline, regulation, or practice is inconsistent with the provisions of this Directive, such guideline, regulation, or practice shall be amended accordingly.
5. COMPLIANCE
All Branch Chairmen, Secretaries, Executive Committees, Electoral Committees, and other officers responsible for the administration of Branch affairs are required to ensure full compliance with this Directive as provided under Section 9(5)(a)(iii) of the Constitution.
Any complaint, petition, or dispute arising from non-compliance with this Directive may be referred to the appropriate organs of the Association for consideration and such action as may be necessary.
This Directive shall take effect immediately.
Dated this 29th day of May, 2026.
MAZI AFAM OSIGWE, SAN
President,
Nigerian Bar Association
