Amnesty International has warned against any government interference in the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association national officers’ election, saying the alleged directives attributed to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, would undermine the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law if implemented.
In a statement published on its official X account, the human rights organisation expressed deep concern over reports that the Attorney-General had issued directives concerning the internal electoral process of the NBA.
According to Amnesty International, the alleged directives reportedly include the disbandment of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, postponement of the NBA election, termination of the current election service provider, establishment of a caretaker committee, introduction of National Identification Number verification for voters, and the recalibration of the NBA Constitution to abolish universal suffrage.
Amnesty said the Nigerian authorities must respect the autonomy of the NBA and refrain from any direct or indirect involvement in the association’s internal affairs.
The organisation insisted that the NBA is an independent professional body and not an agency or department of the Federal Government.
It maintained that the government has no legal authority to determine how the association conducts its elections, manages its governance structure or regulates its internal democratic processes.
Amnesty warned that any attempt by the Federal Government to dictate, control or interfere with the NBA election would amount to an unjustifiable attack on the independence of the legal profession, the rule of law and Nigeria’s civic space.
It said the election of NBA national officers should be allowed to proceed freely and fairly without intimidation, political pressure or external interference.
The organisation further stated that any government interference in the NBA’s electoral process would be inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights law.
It specifically linked the issue to the rights to freedom of association and the self-governance of professional organisations.
Amnesty called on the Nigerian authorities to immediately withdraw any such directives, respect the autonomy and independence of the NBA, and ensure that the association’s election is conducted without political interference.
The rights group stressed that safeguarding the independence of the legal profession is essential to strengthening the rule of law and preventing abuse of state power.
It added that the legal profession must remain free from executive control in order to effectively discharge its role in defending rights, promoting accountability and protecting democratic institutions.
The statement comes amid growing controversy over the 2026 NBA national election and the extent of the Attorney-General’s alleged involvement in efforts to resolve disputes surrounding the process.
The post “Respect NBA Autonomy, Let Election Proceed” — Amnesty Warns AGF’s Alleged Directives Threaten Legal Profession’s Independence, Rule Of Law appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.
