In a significant push for electoral reform, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), under the leadership of its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, hosted a delegation from the National Democratic Institute (NDI) at the NBA House in Abuja on Monday, May 19, 2025.
The high-level advocacy and consultative meeting centred on forging a collaborative path to enhance electoral integrity in Nigeria. The NDI delegation, led by Program Director Ben Aga, was accompanied by representatives from the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI).
Speaking during the visit, Aga praised the NBA’s recent proactive stance on democratic issues, noting that the Association had emerged as a strong voice in defence of democracy and the rule of law.
“We are here because we have witnessed the NBA’s firm voice under your leadership, particularly in calling out undemocratic policies. We believe the NBA is a natural ally in the national push for credible elections,” he said.
Also speaking, Femi John, Head of Programs at KDI, shared the findings of a recent survey of over 5,000 young Nigerians, revealing widespread dissatisfaction with the electoral process. He advocated for key reforms, including the unbundling of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the establishment of an Electoral Offenses Commission, and the resolution of election petitions before the swearing-in of elected officials.
“We need stronger legal frameworks for accountability, especially in prosecuting electoral offenders. The NBA has the credibility, structure, and national spread to lead this conversation,” John said, while inviting the NBA President to deliver the keynote address at the forthcoming National Dialogue on Electoral Reform.
In his remarks, NBA President Osigwe thanked the delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to championing electoral justice and democratic consolidation in Nigeria. While recognising the need for legal reforms, he stressed that deeper transformation of political culture and institutional accountability was essential.
“The truth is, changing laws alone won’t fix our electoral problems. We need to reform the minds of political actors and the institutions that enable impunity. Justice must not be lost in technicalities,” Osigwe stated.
Drawing from his experience as an observer during the recent Ghanaian elections with Yiaga Africa’s Election Study Mission, Osigwe contrasted Ghana’s transparent collation process with the opaque procedures in Nigeria. He emphasized the urgent need to rebuild public trust in electoral institutions.
“The NBA is committed to working with NDI and its partners to ensure electoral justice, prosecute offenders, and make democracy work for the Nigerian people. Justice is not just a legal ideal; it is the foundation of national stability,” he concluded.
The meeting marks a strategic alignment between the legal profession and civil society in the effort to overhaul Nigeria’s electoral system and ensure that future elections genuinely reflect the will of the people.