In a renewed push for comprehensive electoral reform, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has emphasized that legislative changes alone are not enough to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic process. This declaration came during a high-level advocacy and consultative meeting held yesterday at the NBA House, where a delegation from the National Democratic Institute (NDI), led by Program Director Ben Aga, met with the NBA to discuss pathways for improving electoral integrity and accountability in the country.
The meeting, which also included representatives from the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), focused on strengthening institutional responses to electoral offenses, ensuring timely resolution of election disputes, and advocating for the establishment of an Electoral Offenses Commission. Mazi Osigwe reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to being a driving force for justice and democratic deepening, noting that beyond changing laws, Nigeria must confront and reform the political culture and mindsets that undermine credible elections.
Read full statement below;
Yesterday, I received a delegation from the National Democratic Institute (NDI) at the NBA House for a thoughtful advocacy and consultative meeting on electoral reform in Nigeria.
Led by NDI Program Director Ben Aga, and joined by the team from Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), we explored how the NBA can support efforts to improve electoral accountability, ensure timely resolution of election disputes, and advocate for the establishment of an Electoral Offenses Commission.
The message was clear: Nigerians, especially our young people, are demanding credible elections, justice for electoral offenses, and institutions they can trust.
I expressed the NBA’s commitment to this cause. While laws are important, I believe that real change must begin with reforming mindsets and political culture. As I have said before, justice must not be lost in technicalities.
The NBA will continue to be a voice of reason, a pillar of accountability, and a partner for democratic deepening in Nigeria.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President, Nigerian Bar Association
