By Victoria Tokolo
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Vice President, and first female President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Boma Alabi, has criticised the practice of regional adoption of candidates in NBA elections, describing it as outdated and incompatible with democratic principles
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Speaking ahead of the forthcoming NBA presidential election, Alabi argued that regional endorsements have become more divisive than unifying, insisting that lawyers should be allowed to make independent choices without pressure from ethnic or regional blocs
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She said the practice, which has traditionally influenced some NBA elections, no longer reflects the values of a modern professional association.
“The truth is this practice belongs in the dark ages, not in 2026. Adoption by regional fora may have had some utility in the past, but in today’s NBA it has become more divisive than unifying,” she said.
According to Alabi, many regional endorsements are driven more by ethnic considerations than genuine representation of lawyers’ interests.
“As a lawyer practising in Lagos, Egbe Amofin does not speak for me, and I have no representation in that association. Lawyers across the country want to exercise their individual choice, not be told who to support by blocs,” she stated.
On the NBA’s electronic voting system, the senior lawyer stressed that transparency in the selection of the technology provider responsible for conducting the election is critical to sustaining confidence in the process.
She said technical competence alone is insufficient, adding that the perception of impartiality and openness in the procurement process is equally important.
“The credibility of our elections rests heavily on the IT company chosen to manage the process. What we need is not just competence but also trust. The perception of impartiality is as important as technical capacity,” she said.
Alabi noted that electronic voting systems create digital records that can be independently verified, making transparency in the process essential.
The SAN also reaffirmed her support for universal suffrage in NBA elections, rejecting proposals for a delegates-based voting system.
“I stand firmly on the side of universal suffrage. The NBA is a diverse body, and every lawyer deserves a voice in choosing its leadership. The delegates system concentrates power in the hands of a few, which is contrary to democratic ideals,” she said.
Reacting to concerns over a memo from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation regarding the NBA election, Alabi warned against external interference in the affairs of the association.
She maintained that the NBA remains an independent professional body capable of managing its internal electoral affairs, except where there is clear evidence of wrongdoing.
On calls for the NBA presidency to be reserved for Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Alabi rejected the idea, arguing that leadership should be determined by competence, integrity, and commitment to service rather than professional designation.
She cited the leadership of former NBA President Olumide Akpata, who is not a SAN, as evidence that effective leadership is not defined by rank.
Addressing gender representation within the association, Alabi expressed support for the emergence of the NBA’s first female president, describing it as a significant milestone for inclusion and progress in the legal profession.
She, however, maintained that competence must remain the primary consideration.
“I would put competence before gender, but where we have a competent woman candidate, as we undoubtedly do in this case, then diversity becomes a legitimate and serious consideration,” she said.
Alabi added that the election of a female NBA president would recognise the contributions of women to the legal profession and serve as an inspiration to younger lawyers while demonstrating the association’s commitment to diversity and inclusion
