Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has rejected what it describes as purported directives allegedly issued by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), over its forthcoming 2026 national officers’ election, insisting that only its constitutional organs can determine the conduct or postponement of the exercise.

In a statement signed by NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the association said it had become aware of a document said to contain the report of a three-man sub-committee and comments allegedly attributed to the attorney general directing, among other things, the disbandment of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA), postponement of the national election, termination of the appointment of the current election service provider, appointment of a caretaker committee to conduct fresh elections, mandatory use of the National Identification Number (NIN) for voting, and a review of the NBA Constitution to abolish universal suffrage.

The association described the purported directives as unconstitutional, ultra vires the powers of the Attorney General and an attempt to bring the NBA under the control of the Federal Government.

According to the NBA, it remains an independent professional body whose affairs cannot be directed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation except in circumstances expressly provided under Section 10(2) of the Legal Practitioners Act.

The association argued that none of the conditions contemplated by the law had arisen to justify any intervention by the Attorney General in its internal affairs.

The NBA also questioned the authenticity of the alleged report, noting that it was not issued on the official letterhead of the attorney general’s office and that the association had not received any formal communication conveying such directives.

It further maintained that the meeting convened by the attorney general on June 11, 2026, was intended solely to facilitate an amicable settlement of pending litigation arising from disputes over the NBA elections and could not be used as a platform to issue binding directives.

According to the association, all NBA past presidents present at the meeting, except Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), agreed that the lawsuits filed by Egbe Amofin should be withdrawn as frivolous.

The NBA said the three-man sub-committee established after the meeting was only mandated to liaise with the parties towards the withdrawal of the suits and not to investigate or condemn the conduct of the NBA president.

It faulted the committee for allegedly relying on memoranda submitted by some election contestants without allowing the NBA president to respond, arguing that such action violated the constitutional principle of fair hearing.

The association further stated that any report prepared by the committee ought to have been presented to the entire body of stakeholders at a reconvened meeting before any decision could be taken.

Meanwhile, the Attorney-General, in a document outlining the outcome of the June 11 stakeholders’ meeting, explained that he convened an NBA past presidents’ meeting following two lawsuits challenging the forthcoming elections.

According to him, the meeting was aimed at achieving an amicable settlement after the Court of Appeal adjourned the matter to enable mediation.