ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar raises concerns over the NBA election process, linking the development to broader discussions ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 polls
African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of using the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election as a possible test ground for strategies he alleges could influence the 2027 general elections.
Also read: Isaac Fayose Reaffirms Peter Obi Support After Meeting Tinubu Allies
Atiku made the allegation on Thursday through a statement issued by his Media Office, claiming that the administration had introduced what he described as “state-sponsored toxic politics of coronation” into the NBA electoral process.
The former vice president alleged that developments surrounding the lawyers’ election reflected a wider pattern of political interference and raised concerns about the credibility of future elections.
“We are concerned that President Bola Tinubu has brought his state-sponsored toxic politics of coronation to bear on the election of the Nigerian Bar Association,” the statement said.
Atiku further claimed that similar tactics could be applied during the 2027 elections, accusing the administration of weakening opposition parties and undermining democratic institutions.
“Curiously, this same strategy of imposition without allowing for free, fair and credible elections is what the Tinubu-led APC administration is working assiduously towards in the 2027 General Elections,” he said.
The ADC candidate alleged that political pressure and legal processes were being used to influence the NBA election, saying such actions could damage public confidence in democratic institutions.
“There have been media reports of how this government and its agents have resorted to the use of the courts to railroad members of the Bar into settling for its preferred candidate,” the statement added.
Atiku stressed that the NBA election should remain under the control of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), as provided by the association’s internal rules.
“We wish to state that NBA Election remains the sole responsibility of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association appointed by the NBA NEC,” he said.
He also warned government officials against what he described as attempts to influence the process, urging stakeholders to protect the independence of professional institutions.
The allegations come amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures raising concerns about electoral integrity and the preparedness of democratic institutions.
However, Atiku’s claims remain allegations, and no evidence was presented in the statement proving that the federal government had interfered in the NBA election process.
The Nigerian Bar Association has not publicly endorsed the allegations, while the government has yet to issue a response to Atiku’s accusations.
Also read: Isaac Fayose Reaffirms Peter Obi Support After Meeting Tinubu Allies
The NBA election has attracted attention because of the association’s role as a major professional body whose leadership often engages with issues concerning law, governance and democratic accountability.
