The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has released comprehensive guidelines governing campaigns for the 2026 national elections of the Nigerian Bar Association, warning aspirants and candidates against early campaigning, financial inducements, and the distribution of gifts.
In Notice No. 4 dated 13 February 2026, the Committee said the rules were issued pursuant to Section 10 and the Second Schedule of the NBA Constitution 2015 (as amended in 2025) to ensure campaigns remain professional, issue-based, and free from undue influence.
Campaigns Cannot Begin Until Official Clearance
The ECNBA made it clear that no aspirant, candidate, or supporter may commence public campaigning until the Committee publishes the final list of cleared candidates and formally declares the campaign commencement date.
Only Professional and Issue-Based Campaigning Allowed
Permissible campaign activities are strictly limited to professional engagement with members. Candidates are encouraged to interact with voters through personal visits, phone calls, and private electronic communications.
Candidates are also required to submit electronic copies of their curriculum vitae and manifestoes, limited to four pages, for publication on official NBA platforms, including an election magazine.
Gifts, Sponsorships, and Campaign Materials Strictly Prohibited
The Committee imposed a zero-tolerance policy on the use of campaign materials or inducements. The distribution of gifts, souvenirs, branded items, and promotional materials—including shirts, caps, diaries, bottled water, and bags—has been expressly prohibited.
Similarly, the use of campaign videos, animations, and audio jingles is not permitted.
The ECNBA also barred aspirants from engaging in philanthropic gestures, sponsorships, welfare interventions, or financial assistance during the election year, warning that such acts would be treated as attempts to influence voters.
Financial Inducements and Sponsorship of Events Banned
Candidates and their supporters are prohibited from paying Bar Practising Fees, branch dues, or offering any financial benefit to lawyers, except for those in their direct employment.
Branches, Sections, and Fora of the Association are also forbidden from soliciting sponsorships or financial contributions from aspirants. Any officer or member who invites candidates to sponsor events risks disciplinary action.
Derogatory Campaigns, False Information, and Endorsements Prohibited
The guidelines prohibit candidates from making derogatory statements against opponents or disseminating false information about qualifications. Violations may result in disqualification and referral to disciplinary authorities.
The ECNBA also barred group endorsements by NBA branches, sections, and fora. National officers, including the NBA President and Branch Chairmen, are equally prohibited from endorsing or campaigning for any candidate.
Additional Disqualification Criteria Outlined
The Committee stated that a candidate would be ineligible for election if he or she is not a Nigerian citizen, is a member of a registered political party, has been declared bankrupt, is medically unfit, or has been convicted of fraud or professional misconduct.
Violations Will Attract Disqualification and Disciplinary Action
The ECNBA warned that any candidate who breaches the campaign rules, either directly or through proxies, will be disqualified from the election. Such candidates may also be referred to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for professional misconduct proceedings.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparent, fair, and credible elections that uphold the dignity and integrity of the legal profession.