The leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gwagwalada Branch, has officially responded to publications circulated by a blog identified as “LegalLinkz” and other social media narratives alleging that a “major crisis” has engulfed the Branch ahead of the forthcoming 2026 Branch Elections.
In a detailed statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Branch, Clever N. Owhor, Esq., and the Secretary, John Oluwasina Adewakun, Esq., the Branch described the allegations as sensational, inflammatory, misleading, and politically motivated.
The Branch stated unequivocally that there is presently no crisis whatsoever within the NBA Gwagwalada Branch, stressing that the Electoral Committee constituted for the conduct of the 2026 Branch Elections has continued to discharge its constitutional responsibilities diligently, independently, and substantially in compliance with the NBA Constitution, the Uniform Bye-Laws, and established electoral practices.
According to the statement, the controversy surrounding the electoral process is the result of a coordinated attempt by certain vested interests allegedly determined to hijack the leadership of the Branch regardless of constitutional requirements, ethical standards, and institutional integrity.
The Branch further alleged that some individuals who could not manipulate the electoral process in their favour had resorted to propaganda, blackmail, misinformation, emotional narratives, and media sensationalism in an attempt to discredit both the leadership of the Branch and the Electoral Committee.
The statement noted that the Branch leadership and the Electoral Committee had consistently resisted several alleged attempts to compromise the integrity of the electoral process in order to preserve constitutional order and institutional credibility.
It further alleged that certain individuals imported persons into the Branch for electoral purposes and that one of those now criticizing the electoral process allegedly lobbied officials of the Electoral Committee to secure inclusion on the voters’ register despite unresolved constitutional concerns regarding eligibility under the NBA Uniform Bye-Laws.
The Branch also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in attendance documentation at Monthly General Meetings, claiming that non-members and third parties were at different times brought into meetings to write attendance on behalf of absent persons for the purpose of manipulating constitutional eligibility requirements.
According to the statement, at one of the recent Monthly General Meetings, a non-member who allegedly attempted to write attendance on behalf of another individual was reportedly apprehended and taken away by officers of the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
The leadership of the Branch described these as serious institutional concerns that could not be ignored merely because some persons had chosen to weaponize propaganda and media narratives against lawful verification measures.
The statement also expressed concern over alleged attempts to incite newly called lawyers and members of recent Call Sets who may be unfamiliar with the history and constitutional structure of the Branch, describing such conduct as divisive, unhealthy, and inconsistent with the discipline expected within the legal profession.
Defending the ongoing verification exercise, the Branch maintained that no qualified voter was arbitrarily disenfranchised, adding that eligibility is being determined strictly in line with the NBA Constitution, NBA Uniform Bye-Laws, Branch Electoral Guidelines, available records, and constitutional verification procedures.
The Branch emphasized that no individual is constitutionally entitled to inclusion on the voters’ register on the basis of political affiliation, personal relationships, emotional pressure, media campaigns, or intimidation tactics.
It therefore described the allegations against the Branch Chairman, Branch Secretary, and the Electoral Committee as false, malicious, and politically motivated.
The statement further pointed out that some of the same individuals currently accusing the Electoral Committee of disenfranchisement had previously submitted complaints requesting the removal of allegedly ineligible names from the voters’ register, a contradiction the Branch said exposes the selective and politically convenient nature of the current outrage.
The leadership of the Branch urged members to disregard what it described as inflammatory publications, coordinated misinformation, and politically motivated propaganda aimed at creating unnecessary tension within the Branch.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, fairness, constitutionalism, due process, and credible elections, the NBA Gwagwalada Branch called on all members to remain calm, peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to the unity, dignity, and institutional integrity of the Branch.
Signed:
Clever N. Owhor, Esq.
Chairman, NBA Gwagwalada Branch
John Oluwasina Adewakun, Esq.
Secretary, NBA Gwagwalada Branch
Read also:
