The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), has cautioned members of the legal profession against allowing political interests to influence the affairs of the association ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such interference could erode the credibility and independence of the Bar.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Osigwe stressed that the NBA must remain an independent professional body and ensure that its forthcoming national elections are conducted in a manner that reflects the highest standards of fairness, transparency and professionalism.
“We’ll be a mockery of the society if we allow ourselves to be used or if we unwittingly portray ourselves as being no better than the political parties or the politicians,” he said.
He emphasised that lawyers belong to a noble profession and must conduct their internal affairs in a way that inspires public confidence and sets a positive example for other institutions.
“We are members of a noble profession, and our election should be exemplary,” Osigwe added.
Expressing concern over attempts to draw the association into political contests ahead of the 2027 elections, the NBA President warned that such developments are inconsistent with the Bar’s constitutional role as a defender of the rule of law.
He noted that it was troubling to see lawyers seeking judicial orders aimed at preventing individuals from participating in elections, describing such actions as contrary to the ideals the legal profession represents.
“Sometimes I wonder because when lawyers would go to court to argue that persons should not be allowed to run, it becomes antithetical to what the Bar stands for, promoting the rule of law,” he said.
Osigwe reiterated that the NBA must remain insulated from partisan politics and continue to uphold its core values of judicial independence, the rule of law, fairness and constitutional democracy, insisting that the association’s integrity must never be sacrificed for political expediency.