Chief Aham Ejelam, SAN, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Electoral Committee (ECNBA), has definitively stated that the national leadership elections will proceed as planned on July 18, 2026. Despite intense pressure and public demands for his resignation, Ejelam maintains that he will continue to oversee the electoral process in line with the association’s established timetable.
This firm stance follows an open letter from Chief Yomi Alliyu, SAN, who urged Ejelam to step down. Ejelam rejected the allegations of corruption and procedural misconduct presented by Alliyu, characterizing them as unfounded and lacking in evidence. He emphasized that the ECNBA operates strictly under the constitutional guidelines of the Nigerian Bar Association and that his appointment was a professional commitment rather than a pursuit of political gain.
Addressing concerns regarding the election service provider, Ejelam clarified that the committee followed due procurement procedures and noted that no credible proof has been submitted to substantiate claims of incompetence or manipulation. He encouraged any party with legitimate evidence of wrongdoing to present it through the proper channels rather than relying on public criticism.
Ejelam stated that he remains dedicated to ensuring a transparent and fair voting process for all lawyers. He concluded by asserting that the committee will not be swayed by external political pressures, focusing instead on delivering a credible election that upholds the integrity of the legal profession.
