NBA Electoral Reform Committee Submits Expanded Recommendations to President Afam Osigwe, SAN
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Electoral Reform Committee, chaired by Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, on Monday, 18 August 2025, formally presented its expanded electoral reform recommendations to the NBA President, Mr. Afam Osigwe, SAN, at the Association’s National Secretariat, Abuja.
The delegation included the Committee Secretary, Mr. Lawrence Ebewele, and members Victor Giwa, Mojirayo Ogunlana, and Christopher Areghan. The Co‑Chairman, Mr. Sam Itodo, was absent due to another national engagement.
In his presentation, Dr. Ubani stated that the proposals were developed in response to longstanding concerns by members over the credibility, transparency, and inclusiveness of NBA elections. He emphasised that the reforms aim to restore confidence, improve participation, and establish a higher democratic benchmark for the Association’s electoral processes.
The reform package recommends, among other measures: strengthening the independence of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA); creating a reliable, auditable digital voter register; deploying secure and audited electronic voting infrastructure; publishing timelines early; and ensuring consistent electoral guidelines.
Other proposals include guaranteeing equal access to NBA‑owned platforms for campaigns; establishing an independent Electoral Offences and Petitions Body; promoting transparency in campaign financing; enforcing a candidate code of conduct; mandating national and zonal debates; and introducing member sensitisation and digital literacy programmes.
The Committee further recommended effective collaboration with branches for election monitoring and equal access to the voter database by all candidates at least 30 days before elections.
In his response, NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, lauded the Committee’s diligence, describing the proposals as timely and progressive. He revealed that some recommendations were already being considered in the ongoing constitutional amendment process, particularly those addressing transparency and regulation of campaign finance.
Osigwe added that aspirants would be encouraged to indicate interest early in order to receive proper guidance through the Association’s electoral legal framework, thereby ensuring compliance with laid‑down rules. He reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to conducting internal elections that are fair, credible, and transparent, in line with the democratic standards it advocates nationally.
On behalf of the Committee, Dr. Ubani expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and pledged continued support for the President’s administration. He reiterated that the reforms are intended to strengthen the NBA as a model of internal democracy. The proposals are regarded as one of the most comprehensive efforts yet to address electoral challenges within the Association and are expected to shape the conduct of future elections.
