Former Nigerian Bar Association General Secretary, Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), has asked the Department of State Services and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to probe the conduct of the NBA national officers’ election.
In a 41-page statement issued on Friday, Akinboro described the election as a “sham” and alleged constitutional breaches.
He cited irregularities including migration between voting portals, failure to conduct integrity tests, and non-compliance with guidelines. He also urged investigation into possible violations of the Cybercrimes Act and the Data Protection Act.
Akinboro said he would not approach the NBA appeals committee because the legitimacy of the election itself was in doubt.
He further demanded an independent forensic audit of the entire electoral process, recommending that reputable firms be engaged to determine issues, such as the authenticity of reported cyber-attacks, compliance with electoral guidelines, and whether unqualified persons participated in the voting.
He also sought scrutiny of the use of multiple voting links, the failure of some voters to receive authentication codes, and the role and qualifications of service providers.
He urged the NBA leadership to make public reports of the election observers, including those from international bodies and local institutions.
He further called for the immediate reconstitution of the Electoral Committee of the NBA to conduct a fresh election in line with constitutional provisions, as well as an urgent stakeholders’ meeting involving the Body of Benchers, General Council of the Bar, and past NBA leaders.
He warned that failure to address the concerns raised could compel him to explore further legal options.
