The Nigerian Law Society (Nigerian Law Society) has proposed that the Law Society of Lesotho serve as an independent umpire to conduct the 2026 National Officers’ Election of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) amid a legal dispute threatening the exercise.
In a letter dated March 6, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, the NLS suggested the intervention as part of an out-of-court settlement to resolve concerns over alleged impartiality in the election process.
The proposal follows a lawsuit filed by NBA members challenging the role of the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, and members of the electoral committee over questions surrounding neutrality in the conduct of the poll scheduled for July 2026.
An Oyo State High Court had already issued an interim injunction restraining the electoral committee and relevant officials from proceeding with preparations for the election, pending the determination of the suit.
With the matter adjourned to March 12, 2026, for hearing of the motion for interlocutory injunction, the NLS urged the parties to consider appointing the Law Society of Lesotho as an external and neutral body to restore confidence and ensure a peaceful resolution to the dispute.