The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is currently in the midst of electing new executives, with voting being closely monitored by Dailygazettenig.com
As of 6:20 pm, former NBA General Secretary Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) is leading the presidential race with 18,385 votes.
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Osigwe’s main competitors include Tobenna Erojikwe, Chairman of the NBA-Institute of Continuing Legal Education Governing Council, who has garnered 10,007 votes, and former NBA Lagos Branch Chairman Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN), who has 8,556 votes.
The online voting process began at midnight on Saturday and is set to conclude at 11:59 pm.
However, Ikwuazom has announced his withdrawal from the race, alleging that the process has been compromised and manipulated to ensure a predetermined outcome.
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In a statement released on Saturday, Ikwuazom expressed his dismay over the irregularities observed during the voting process, which he claims do not reflect the actual support he received.
“It is with a heavy heart that I, Chukwuka Ikwuazom, (SAN), announce my decision to withdraw from the 2024 Nigerian Bar Association Presidential race,” he stated.
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“This decision has not been made lightly but is necessitated by a series of alarming developments that have compromised the integrity of the electoral process. Since the commencement of voting earlier today, my supporters and I have observed disturbing patterns that do not align with the actual votes cast.”
Ikwuazom continued, “It has become increasingly evident that the integrity of the electoral process has been compromised. Despite the overwhelming support from my dedicated supporters, the reported figures do not align with the true expression of our votes. It would appear that the system has been manipulated to favour a predetermined outcome, consistently placing me in third position. As a candidate committed to upholding transparency and the rule of law, I cannot in good conscience continue to participate in a compromised electoral process.”
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He concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining justice, fairness, and integrity within the NBA.
“Therefore, I am withdrawing from the presidential race effective immediately. While today marks a sombre moment for our bar, let us remain resolute in our commitment to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and integrity within our noble profession. Together, we must continue to strive for a bar association that is free from manipulation and true to the aspirations of its members.”
The winner of the election will succeed the outgoing president, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN).
