Yoruba lawyers call for NBA election postponement, demand NIN-based voter verification

The Yoruba Lawyers Forum, known as Egbe Amofin Oodua, is calling for a postponement of the Nigerian Bar Association's national election, demanding a minimum seven-day extension to allow for proper voter sensitization and a more credible electoral process. Chief Isiaka Olagunju, SAN, Chairman of the Governing Council of Egbe Amofin Oodua, stated that the association requires the adoption of the National Identification Number (NIN) for voter verification, the use of registered members' phone numbers, full compliance with agreed electoral reforms, and a level playing field for all candidates. Olagunju, a former General Secretary of the NBA, alleged that the current NBA leadership disregarded an agreement made with presidential candidates and stakeholders to postpone the election for necessary reforms. One key reform proposed is the shift from the current email-based authentication system to using NIN-linked phone numbers for voter verification. Olagunju argued that proceeding with the election without these reforms raises significant concerns about its credibility. "We are calling on the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe (SAN), and the Electoral Committee of the NBA to postpone this election," he stated. Olagunju expressed disappointment, revealing that an emergency National Executive Council meeting was convened to overturn the earlier consensus. He believes this decision is wrong and does not represent the majority of members' wishes. The senior advocate also highlighted persistent complaints about the manipulation of email addresses, voter profiles, and one-time passwords in previous elections, emphasizing that the current electronic voting system remains susceptible to manipulation.

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We are calling on the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe (SAN), and the Electoral Committee of the NBA to postpone this election.