In a highly anticipated election, Afam Osigwe, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has emerged as the winner of the 2024 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential election. The voting process began at 12am on Saturday and concluded at 11.59pm, resulting in a significant victory for Osigwe.
Osigwe, a former general secretary of the association, garnered an impressive 20,435 votes, surpassing his closest competitor, Tobenna Erojikwe, chairman of the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education Board, who received 10,998 votes. Chukwuka Ikwuazom, former NBA Lagos branch chairman, secured third place with a commendable 9,018 votes.
However, it is worth noting that Ikwuazom withdrew from the presidential election shortly before the online poll closed, citing concerns over the manipulation of the voting process. In a statement, Ikwuazom expressed his disappointment, stating, “Since the commencement of voting earlier today, my supporters and I have observed disturbing patterns that do not align with the actual votes cast.”
With this victory, Afam Osigwe will succeed Yakubu Maikyau, who has served as the NBA president since 2022. The Nigerian legal community eagerly awaits the leadership and vision that Osigwe will bring to the association in the coming years.
