Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and 2023 ADC presidential candidate, has criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allegedly meddling in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) electoral process. Through his media office, Atiku warned that these actions signal a broader intent to manipulate the upcoming 2027 general elections.
The statement argued that the current government is pushing to install a favored candidate within the legal body. Atiku asserted that this approach mirrors a systematic effort to erode opposition and undermine democratic norms. He expressed concern that state resources, including legal institutions and security agencies, are being leveraged to compromise the independence of the NBA election.
These accusations surfaced following a leaked document purportedly originating from the Attorney General’s office. The proposal suggested sweeping changes to the election, including dissolving the current electoral committee, delaying the vote, and appointing a caretaker board. The Nigerian Bar Association has officially dismissed these recommendations.
