The Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch, Unity Bar is facing scrutiny following the release of its provisional voters’ register for the upcoming Branch elections.
Members have expressed concern over the exclusion of lawyers whose participation in Branch meetings was recorded through virtual platforms. The Branch has historically recognized virtual attendance for meetings and official proceedings. The omission, members argue, raises questions of consistency and fairness.
The issue arises amid recent directives from the President of the Nigerian Bar Association urging Branches to adopt technology, promote inclusiveness, and align operations with modern practice.
Those directives affirmed the constitutional recognition of virtual participation and cautioned against measures that could disenfranchise members who attend meetings through approved electronic platforms.
Several members have queried the basis for discounting virtual attendance for electoral qualification where the same mode of participation was accepted for meeting purposes. They contend that divergent standards for engagement and voting may conflict with principles of equal treatment.
Additional concerns have been raised regarding the accuracy of the register, including allegations of deceased persons appearing on the list. Members have urged the Electoral Committee to undertake a comprehensive review to ensure the register reflects all eligible members and that errors are corrected promptly.
The NBA Constitution provides for attendance at meetings through physical, virtual, or hybrid means. On this basis, many members submit that interpretations of electoral requirements which discount valid virtual participation may be inconsistent with the Constitution and with current realities of legal practice.
Beyond the immediate electoral context, the discussion highlights broader questions for professional associations: how to integrate technology into governance while ensuring uniform recognition of member participation across all platforms.
Attention is now directed toward the Electoral Committee and Unity Bar leadership. Members expect a transparent and timely review of the voters’ register to maintain confidence in the process and uphold the credibility of the elections.
For a Branch known as the Unity Bar, the challenge will be measured not only by the conduct of the election, but by the extent to which every eligible member is afforded a fair opportunity to participate.
