President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, has stressed the need for Nigerians to defend the nation’s democracy with courage, conviction, and consistency, warning that democratic systems gradually weaken when citizens become indifferent, institutions lose public trust, and the rule of law is treated as optional. Osigwe made the remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the 2026 NBA Abuja Branch Law Week, where he reflected on the state of Nigeria’s democratic journey and the urgent need to strengthen public confidence in governance and electoral processes.
The NBA President noted that despite decades of independence, Nigeria still grapples with concerns surrounding the integrity and strength of its democratic institutions. He maintained that democracy cannot survive on constitutional provisions alone, but requires the active commitment of citizens, leaders, and institutions to uphold justice, accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. Osigwe further commended the Nigerian Bar Association Abuja Branch for choosing a timely and thought-provoking theme for its Law Week, expressing optimism that the discussions would inspire reforms and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic development ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Read full statement below;
OUR DEMOCRACY MUST BE DEFENDED WITH COURAGE, CONVICTION, AND CONSISTENCY
A democracy does not suddenly collapse in one day; it weakens gradually when citizens stop asking questions, when institutions lose public trust, and when the rule of law is treated as optional rather than sacred. These were some of the reflections on my mind as I attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 NBA Abuja Branch Law Week and shared thoughts on the urgent need to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic process.
As I reflected on the state of our nation, one thing stood out clearly to me, it is deeply concerning that decades after independence, we are still confronted with fundamental questions about the integrity and strength of our democracy. A system that should inspire confidence among citizens must not continually leave room for doubt, uncertainty, and distrust.
Our Constitution is unambiguous that political power in Nigeria can only be attained through democratic means. Yet, the recurring challenges that trail our elections and governance processes remind us that democracy is not sustained merely by constitutional provisions, but by the collective will of the people to protect it.
The theme of this year’s Law Week is both timely and thought-provoking, especially as conversations about the 2027 general elections begin to shape national discourse. I strongly believe that the ideas exchanged at gatherings like this have the power to influence institutions, inspire reforms, and strengthen public confidence in our democratic system.
Nigeria’s democracy can only stand tall when citizens, institutions, and leaders remain committed to justice, accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. We must never become indifferent to the responsibility of defending the democratic values upon which our nation is built.
I commend the NBA Abuja Branch for choosing such a significant theme and wish the Branch a successful and impactful Law Week.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President, Nigerian Bar Association
