NBA presidency receives expanded electoral reform plan amid calls for transparency

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has taken a significant step toward strengthening its democratic processes with the submission of expanded electoral reform proposals to its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN.

The reforms, presented on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Association’s National Secretariat in Abuja, are aimed at enhancing transparency, inclusiveness, and credibility in NBA elections.

The Electoral Reform Committee, chaired by Dr. Monday Ubani, led the delegation that presented the report.

He was accompanied by the Committee Secretary, Mr. Lawrence Ebewele, and members Victor Giwa, Mojirayo Ogunlana, and Christopher Areghan.

The Committee’s Co-Chairman, Mr. Sam Itodo, was absent due to another national engagement.

Speaking during the presentation, Dr. Ubani revealed that the expanded proposals were developed in response to widespread concerns about the credibility of NBA elections.

He noted that the reforms were designed to restore trust among members, increase participation, and set a democratic benchmark for professional associations across the country.

Key highlights of the reform package include strengthening the independence of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA), establishing a reliable and auditable digital voter register, deploying secure electronic voting systems, early publication of timelines, and equal access to NBA-owned platforms for campaigns.

Other recommendations are the creation of an electoral offences and petitions body, transparency in campaign financing, mandatory debates, digital literacy programmes for members, and granting all candidates access to the voter database at least 30 days before polls.

Receiving the proposals, NBA President Afam Osigwe commended the Committee for its meticulous work, describing the document as both “timely and progressive.”

He revealed that some recommendations were already under consideration in the Association’s ongoing constitutional amendment process, particularly those on transparency and campaign finance.

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Osigwe added that early declaration of interest by candidates would be encouraged to allow proper guidance under electoral frameworks, ensuring strict compliance with established rules.

He reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to credible internal elections, stressing that the Association must embody the same democratic standards it expects from Nigeria’s national polls.

Dr. Ubani, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the NBA leadership for the opportunity to serve and pledged continued support for the President’s administration.

He emphasised that the reforms were crafted not just for electoral efficiency but to strengthen the NBA as a model of internal democracy.

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