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Former President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Mrs. Boma Alabi (SAN), has faulted the practice of regional endorsement of candidates in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential election, describing it as outdated and detrimental to the association’s democratic ideals.
Alabi also threw her weight behind universal suffrage, insisting that every lawyer should have the right to participate in choosing the leadership of the association, rather than allowing a few delegates or regional blocs to determine the outcome.
The senior advocate made her position known while commenting on issues surrounding the forthcoming NBA presidential election, including regional adoption of candidates, the integrity of the electronic voting process, alleged external interference in the election and the need for greater inclusiveness in the association’s leadership.
She argued that regional endorsements, which may have served a purpose in the past, had become more divisive than beneficial.
According to her, lawyers should be free to make independent choices without pressure from regional associations.
“The truth is this practice belongs in the dark ages, not in 2026,” she said.
Alabi noted that many legal practitioners no longer considered themselves represented by regional forums, adding that endorsements based on ethnic or regional considerations undermine the democratic spirit of the NBA.
She maintained that open competition, free choice and universal suffrage were more appropriate for a modern professional association.
On concerns surrounding the selection of the information technology company to conduct the election, Alabi stressed that credibility depended not only on technical competence but also on public confidence in the process.
She said any company engaged to manage the election could be questioned if the procurement process lacked transparency, if it did not possess proven expertise in secure electronic voting or if there were conflicts of interest.
While acknowledging the concerns raised by some candidates, she said technological tools exist to monitor electronic voting and detect irregularities because digital activities leave verifiable footprints.
Alabi also rejected calls by some senior lawyers for a return to the delegates system, insisting that universal suffrage remains the most democratic option.
According to her, although universal suffrage may be more challenging to administer, the right technological infrastructure can guarantee an inclusive and credible electoral process.
She further expressed concern over reports of a memo allegedly emanating from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation calling for the suspension of the NBA electoral process over transparency concerns.
Describing the NBA as an independent professional body, Alabi said its elections should be managed internally except where there was clear and compelling evidence of malpractice.
She warned that external directives capable of halting the electoral process could undermine the autonomy of the association.
The former Chairman of the NBA Section on Legal Practice also dismissed suggestions that the office of NBA President should be reserved exclusively for Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
She said leadership of the association should be determined by competence, integrity, vision and commitment to service rather than by professional rank, pointing out that the NBA had previously elected a non-SAN, Olumide Akpata, as president.
On gender inclusion, Alabi advocated the emergence of the NBA’s first female president, saying women have made significant contributions to the legal profession and deserve the opportunity to occupy the association’s highest office.
She, however, maintained that competence should remain the overriding consideration, adding that where there is a qualified female candidate, diversity becomes a legitimate factor in leadership selection.
Recalling her early years at the Bar, Alabi said female lawyers were once told “there are no women at the Bar,” a reflection of the barriers women had faced in the profession.
She said electing a competent woman as NBA president would not only reflect the association’s progress but also inspire younger generations of female lawyers.
