Insiders familiar with the politics of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have revealed that Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) is currently leading in the national election to elect the next president of the association.

According to these sources, Osigwe’s lead is proving difficult for other candidates to surpass.

The result obtained by Daily Gazette as at 8:48pm

Osigwe, along with his main competitors, has divided the votes in Lagos, a key state due to its high number of registered voters and strong support for the candidates.

The winner of the election will succeed the outgoing president, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN).

Advertorial

Competing alongside Osigwe for the presidential position are Tobenna Erojikwe, Chairman of the NBA-Institute of Continuing Legal Education Governing Council, and Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN), former Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch.

However, Daily Gazette reported that Ikwuazom has withdrawn from the race.

The Labour Party (LP) has urged the public and its members to disregard claims that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected its recent Nnewi convention, where Barrister Julius Abure was re-elected for a second term.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifo, clarified over the weekend that INEC is not obligated to physically attend all party conventions.

Advertorial

The clarification comes amid ongoing challenges from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and other stakeholders regarding Abure’s continued tenure without a properly organized convention.

“Our attention has been drawn to a reply by INEC to certain individuals, who are not members of the Labour Party, seeking the Certified True Copy of our national convention. INEC stated that it did not monitor our March 27, 2024 convention and thus could not grant their request,” the statement read.

Advertorial

“There is no contradiction between INEC’s statement and its position on attending party conventions. Political parties must inform INEC at least three weeks before conducting a national convention. The Labour Party, in compliance with the Electoral Act of 2022, notified INEC of its intention to hold the convention on December 4, 2023, and provided subsequent updates regarding venue changes, all of which were acknowledged by INEC.”

Ifo emphasized that Article 82 (2) of the Electoral Act states that INEC may choose to attend and observe any political party convention but is not required to do so. Therefore, INEC’s absence at the convention does not invalidate the proceedings.

Advertorial

“INEC has not rejected the outcome of our convention. We have moved on from the successful event, and the party is actively engaged in membership drives and other political activities,” the statement continued.

The Labour Party reassured its members and supporters to disregard misinformation spread by certain media outlets, allegedly funded by discredited former party members. “Labour Party is safe and in good hands,” Ifo concluded.

The Julius Abure-led Labour Party (LP) National Working Committee (NWC) continues to face legitimacy issues following the party’s controversial convention in Nnewi.

The March 27, 2024, convention was marred by a severe leadership crisis, with significant party figures, including the 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, the National Assembly caucus, and the only state governor, Dr. Alex Otti, boycotting the event due to alleged lack of consultation.

Advertorial

Despite Abure and his team being re-elected at the convention, their struggle for acceptance persists.

The party’s internal rift remains unresolved as key stakeholders continue to distance themselves from the current NWC.

The situation escalated further when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) responded to the Labour Party’s request for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of its report on the convention and the party’s constitution.

Advertorial

In a letter dated July 18, 2024, INEC, through its Acting Secretary Haliru Aminu, stated that it did not monitor the Nnewi convention.

The letter read: “The Commission has received your request for a Certified True Copy, CTC, of the monitored report of the Labour Party Convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, held on the 27th day of March 2024, and the Labour Party’s Constitution.

“The Certified True Copy of the Labour Party Constitution has been forwarded to your firm earlier. Regrettably, the Commission did not monitor the Labour Party Convention of 27th March 2024 and cannot, therefore, report on the Convention.”

Advertorial

This development further complicates the Abure-led NWC’s efforts to gain legitimacy within the party and the broader political landscape.

Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), has firmly denied claims that President Bola Tinubu has endorsed a candidate for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidency.

This comes amid rumors that Tinubu had expressed support for Afam Osigwe, SAN.

Advertorial

In a statement released on Saturday, Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), clarified that the president has not directed anyone to campaign for any particular candidate in the NBA election.

He labeled the rumors as baseless and fabricated by those seeking to create division and gain popularity.

“My attention has been drawn to the news making the rounds on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed Afam Osigwe SAN as his preferred candidate in the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election,” Fagbemi stated.

Advertorial

“This is a lie from the pit of hell, concocted by mischief makers.”

Fagbemi emphasized that no such directive had been issued by President Tinubu.

“I categorically state that at no time did Mr. President give any such instruction. I completely dissociate myself from such statements because nothing of such happened,” he said.

“The president is a democrat who believes in playing by the rules. He has not and will not endorse anyone as a preferred candidate in the ongoing NBA election.”

He further stressed that the president is committed to respecting the outcome of a free and fair election and is prepared to work with any candidate who emerges victorious.

“As a democrat and president of the country, he will abide by the outcome of a free and fair election. He is also ready to work with any candidate that emerges,” Fagbemi affirmed.

Fagbemi urged those spreading false information to desist from such actions, which he described as unprofitable and divisive.

“I call on those who are bent on causing disaffection among NBA members on the one hand and between our respected president and the respected NBA on the other hand, to desist from such an unprofitable venture,” he said.

He concluded by wishing the NBA a successful and peaceful election, expressing President Tinubu’s readiness to collaborate with the new leadership.

“The president wishes the NBA a hitch-free election and is looking forward to working with whoever emerges.”

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.

Advertorial

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.

Advertorial

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.

Advertorial

“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.”

Advertorial

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).

Dele Momodu, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has criticized former presidential aide and Director-General of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign, Doyin Okupe, for his perceived inconsistency in party loyalty over the years.

Advertorial

In a heated exchange on X (formerly Twitter), Momodu expressed his frustration with Okupe’s frequent party switches, describing his loyalty as a “flip-flop.”

He directly addressed Okupe, stating, “My dear Egbon, Dr. Doyin Okupe, I’m more amazed at your flip-flops, Sir. You’re Reno’s senior in engaging in sophistry since your days as Obasanjo’s Spokesman in 1999, till you fell out. You’ve defended almost all governments since then with your eloquence. What has Nigeria gained!”

Advertorial

Momodu highlighted his own consistent opposition stance over the past 42 years, admitting his regret for briefly supporting President Buhari in 2015 before quickly withdrawing support due to what he perceived as a lack of direction.

He recalled a bet with Okupe during the Jonathan administration, where Okupe confidently claimed that Jonathan could not be defeated in an election.

Advertorial

Momodu asserted that he won the $20,000 bet but later forgave Okupe’s debt.

Momodu further criticized Okupe’s recent support for President Bola Tinubu, despite acknowledging Okupe’s brilliance.

He accused Okupe of defending a government with “untenable economic hocus pocus” and stated, “With advisers like you, no government can succeed.”

Responding, Okupe advised Momodu to stick to facts rather than sentiments.

Advertorial

He clarified his political history, noting his advisory roles in the administrations of Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.

Okupe defended the achievements of the Jonathan administration, particularly its economic progress, and argued that Jonathan’s defeat was due to factors beyond economic performance.

Okupe dismissed Momodu’s criticism of his political associations with Bukola Saraki, Peter Obi, and his support for Tinubu’s economic policies, labeling them as mischief.

Advertorial

He explained his support for Tinubu’s reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and forex market equalization, which he believes will ultimately benefit Nigerians despite causing temporary hardships.

Okupe concluded by acknowledging Momodu’s past generosity in forgiving the $20,000 debt and called for rational, mature, and professional criticisms.

He emphasized his commitment to supporting the Nigerian government’s efforts for the country’s betterment, irrespective of his non-membership in the APC.

Advertorial

Daily Gazette had reported how Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Advertorial

Shaibu announced his return to the party during a meeting of the APC’s Edo State National Working Committee for the upcoming governorship election, held on Saturday.

Expressing his gratitude and joy, Shaibu described his return as a “triumphant homecoming” to the party where he feels “accepted, valued, and welcomed with open arms.”

Advertorial

“The APC holds a special place in my heart, filled with countless memories,” Shaibu stated. “I am grateful to be back among the Progressives’ fold and the community that has always supported me, and to reunite with my political family.”

Shaibu’s return to the APC comes amid ongoing political tensions in Edo State, following his reinstatement as Deputy Governor by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

His defection was met with enthusiasm from top APC leaders, including former Kano State Governor and National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, and the governors of Ondo and Cross River States, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Bassey Otu, respectively.

Advertorial

Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), taking along members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legacy coalition who support him.

The defection took place during the APC Edo State’s inauguration of the National Working Committee of the Edo governorship election meeting on Saturday.

Advertorial

The event was attended by prominent APC figures, including former Kano State Governor and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu.

Also in attendance were Edo State APC Chairman Jarett Tenebe, APC Governorship Candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo, and former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomole.

Advertorial

Shaibu was welcomed into the APC by the National Organising Secretary during the meeting.

This move comes after Shaibu accused his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, of denying him entry into Edo State.

Shaibu aired his grievances during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, stating that Governor Obaseki had instructed his aides to prevent him from entering the state.

Advertorial

Shaibu, 54, emphasized his right to move freely within his state, asserting, “I am a free-born of Edo State, nobody can stop me from entering Edo State.”

‘The constitution does not allow anybody to bar me from entering Edo State, not even when I am a deputy governor. Even if I am an ordinary citizen, I should have a right. I should have freedom.”

He recalled an incident from November 2023 when he declared his intention to run for the governorship ticket under the PDP, alleging that Obaseki had threatened to destroy him.

Advertorial

Describing himself as a devout Catholic, Shaibu stated that only God could destroy a man and vowed to continue his political fight through the electioneering period leading up to the September 21 governorship election.

Shaibu also accused Obaseki of orchestrating an attack in Benin City on Thursday, which he claimed was an attempt to make good on the governor’s threat.

Advertorial

The attack on Shaibu and APC candidate Monday Okpebholo’s convoy resulted in the death of a police inspector, Okon, who was attached to Okpebholo. Shaibu condemned the violence and mourned the loss.

During his interview, Shaibu expressed his determination to preserve the integrity of the deputy governor’s office, accusing Obaseki of undermining it for personal gain.

Advertorial

He revealed that he had not been paid for the past year and anticipated that he would not receive payment for the remaining months of his tenure.

“One of my main cardinal goals is to strengthen institutions. I am seeing the institution of the office of the deputy governor being destroyed by the governor for personal gain. That is why I am fighting to bring back the sanity of the office of the deputy governor not for my personal self. The governor has not paid me for the past year and I know he is not going to pay me for the remaining four months,” Shaibu stated.

Shaibu’s defection to the APC marks a significant shift in Edo State’s political landscape as the state prepares for the upcoming governorship election.